Home >> Toys >> Other Toys

How to Make a Balancing Toy

How do you teach a young child the concept of balance? While children may understand the idea of keeping your balance on a balance beam, they haven't necessarily been exposed to the concept of equal forces. This toy, composed of a simple fulcrum and a lever, will demonstrate this complex concept in a way that they can understand.

Things You'll Need

12 popsicle sticks
Ruler
Pennies
Masking tape
Permanent marker

Instructions

- 1
  Glue two sets of six popsicle sticks together, with the flat sides touching. Then glue the two rows of sticks together along their long edges. This forms the fulcrum of the balancing toy.
- 2
  Set out four piles of pennies. One pile should consist of single pennies, one of two pennies taped together, one of three pennies taped together, and one of four pennies taped together.
- 3
  Use a marker to mark the center of the ruler. Place the ruler so that its center is directly over the middle of the fulcrum.
- 4
  Help your child to place one penny on one side of the ruler and one penny on the side. Observe how it balances.
- 5
  Then, put two pennies on one side of the ruler and one penny on the other side. Ask your child to explain what happens.
- 6
  Encourage your child to play with the toy and to discuss his or her observations with you.

Other Toys