Recently in science, we studied simple machines and forces. We actually did an experiment to determine how the position of a fulcrum affects the effort on a load. We wrote our hypothesis in our manuals, divided into groups and set to work.
Our materials were as follows:
1. Empty spool of thread-fulcrum
2. 12" ruler was lever
3. Load was a paper cup filled with pennies and labeled "load"
4. Effort was pennies to be placed in paper cup labeled "effort"
5. Clay to hold fulcrum in place
The "load" and "effort" were placed at opposite ends of the lever and the fulcrum was underneath the lever. We moved the fulcrum to designated lengths from the load filling our "effort" cup each time with pennies until the "load" and "effort" cups were balanced.
Results: We found that the closer the fulcrum was to the load, the less effort was involved in moving the load.
We recorded our findings in our manuals and had some interesting discussions regarding how this applies to "real life". Several students were going to go home and use levers and fulcrums to move heavy objects in their yards or garages. I hope parents were included in these endeavors!
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