Balance

In the 1850s, railways were used to move coal from one location to another using only the force of gravity and a hand-brake to slow down. By the 1870s, thrill-seekers recognized the potential fun in this gravity-driven contraption. Create a two-rail marble roller coaster. Plan the path of your marble. Embrace centripetal force to keep the marble on the track through a banked curve. Each creation is unique. Test your track and your friends.

The Balancing Circus program explores the art and science of balance! Students will experiment firsthand how elementary physics come together to create an exciting performance. Conceived with a nod to artist/engineer Alexander Calder, each circus tests classic experiments at work. Play along and make necessary adjustments while building a mini circus to test out balance and stability. Decorate your circus to reflect the energy and excitement a circus brings to the audience. 

Immigrants brought to America traditions of crafting simple playthings out of common materials. These toys develop dexterity and inventiveness. Two toys from the catalog of clothespin classics. Connect to Colonial curriculum or the geography of play.

With your own set of acrobats, design, color, and have fun with a theme of your choice. You can also design both sides with opposing themes. Then stack, balance, and construct with these figures. Challenge a friend, build a domino inspired track, see how high and how many you can balance at once. This is a fun challenge and can be fun for all ages.