Science Students ScienceProjects ProjectsFor For ALL All Students

4.1 (page 1)

Center of Gravity
Is the center of gravity always the center? In this experiment you will determine the center of gravity of an irregular object. Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth. If the total weight of an object were concentrated in a single point, this point would be the objects center of gravity. Finding the center of gravity of a regular geometric shape with uniform density is easy. It is easy to find the center of gravity of a square or a circle. Finding the center of gravity of an irregular geometric shape is not as easy. gravity center of gravity

Words to Know

Safety Precautions
Please click on the whistle to view the safety guidelines.

WHAT YOU NEED

poster board scissors hole punch string washer

WHAT YOU NEED

push pin ruler bulletin board marker

WHAT YOU DO
1. Cut the poster board into an irregular shape

1998 Facts On File, Inc.

Published by Facts On File, Inc.

4.1 (page 2)

Science Projects For ALL Students Science Projects For All Students

approximately 6 to10 inches across. (It should look like an amoeba). 2. Use the hole punch to make 5 holes along the edge of the shape. Make sure to space the holes evenly around the object!

3. Cut a piece of string 12 inches long. Tie the washer to one end of it. 4. Tie a 1 inch loop to the other end of the string. 5. Use the push pin to hold the looped end of the string. 6. Push the pin through one of the holes punched in the poster board and attach the pin to the bulletin board. (Allow the poster board to hang freely from the pin.) Notice that the string hangs straight down. 7. Mark a line on the poster board by following the string with a marker. (You can also mark the line using the ruler.)

1998 Facts On File, Inc.

Published by Facts On File, Inc.

Science Students ScienceProjects ProjectsFor For ALL All Students

4.1 (page 3)

8. Repeat this process for the other holes. There should be 5 lines drawn on the poster board. 9. Remove the shape from the wall. Hold out your index finger and place it directly beneath the point where the lines cross. Watch what happens.

OBSERVATION
1. What happened when you held your index finger beneath the point where the lines crossed. How do you explain this?

OUR FINDINGS
Click on the above link to see what we found.

1998 Facts On File, Inc.

Published by Facts On File, Inc.

Our Findings
4. PHYSICAL SCIENCES
4.1 CENTER OF GRAVITY
1. The object balanced because the intersection of the lines determined the center of gravity.

Science Students ScienceProjects ProjectsFor For ALL All Students

SAFETY GUIDELINES
Special Safety Note To Experimenters Some activities in this book have special safety rules to follow. The special rules are on the page with that activity. But even if every safety rule in the world is included with an experiment, you have to know how to be safe when doing it. So its very important that you read, copy, and follow the Everyday Safety Rules that follow. Sometimes science experiments can be dangerous. Things can spill, break, or even catch fire. You have to know what to do. . . fast. So be prepared. Read the directions for each experiment carefully, and follow any special safety rules listed with it, then be careful. Always follow common-sense safety rules like NEVER RUN WITH SCISSORS IN YOUR HAND or BE CAREFUL WITH HOT THINGS! You already know a lot of common-sense safety rules. . . so remember to follow them, and have fun! Everyday Safety Rules PREPARE Clear off your work space. Read all directions. Know what problems might happen, and be prepared. PROTECT YOURSELF Follow directions step-by-step. Do just one experiment at a time. Locate exits, fire extinguisher, eye wash, and first-aid kit before you start. Ask an adult to show you how to use a fire extinguisher. Be sure theres fresh air in the room. Wear an apron and safety goggles. Dont wear contact lenses, have bare feet, or wear very loose clothing. Keep work space and floor clean. Clean up spills immediately,
1998 Facts On File, Inc.
Published by Facts On File, Inc.

Science Projects ALL Students Science Projects For All For Students

Dont drink or eat around the experiment work space. Dont eat or drink any stuff tested, unless a grown-up says its OK. USE EQUIPMENT CAREFULLY Dont set up equipment too near the edge of your work space. Be cautious when using pointed or sharp instruments, like scissors, screwdrivers, or knives. Unplug any electric device by pulling out the plug, not pulling on the cord. Use only low-voltage batteries, like those used in flashlights or smaller. Be careful when using chairs or step-stools. USING CHEMICALS Have an adult help you with all experiments requiring chemicals. Dont inhale or taste chemicals. Read all labels carefully. Label all chemicals. Wear goggles, apron, and gloves so chemicals dont touch your skin. Wash hands before and after using solutions. Wipe up spills thoroughly. HEATING THINGS Wear goggles, apron, and gloves when boiling water. Use safety tongs and heat-resistant mitten or hot pads. Never leave heated things unattended. Turn off hot plates and oven burners when youre finished. Keep flammable things away from heat and flames. Have a fire extinguisher ready. IN THE FIELD Never go on a field trip alone: follow the Buddy System. Tell a responsible grown-up where youre going. Know the area and be aware of dangers, like poisonous plants and deep water Dress for the weather conditions.
1998 Facts On File, Inc.
Published by Facts On File, Inc.