Second grade classes will gain a better understanding of balance and motion as they explore the function and form of levers together with the work of Alex Calder. Viewing mobiles created by sculptor Alexander Calder, students will learn about mobiles and experiment with balancing levers and equilibrium.
Students will then design and create a simplified 3D printed piece using Tinkercad. Each student’s created piece will be used toward building a collective “Alex Calder-esque” mobile.
Below are two videos that introduce Alex Calder and his work with “Forces and Motion. “
Resources:
- Photobiograghy of Alex Calder
- Worksheet: Lever Worksheet 1
- Worksheet: Lever Worksheet 2
- Worksheet: Lever Worksheet 2 Answer Key
Since most design tools use the metric system, students will learn what it is and how to convert milliliters to inches.
Students will design on graph paper and then recreate their design using Tinkercad, a 3D design tool. Tinkercad is an easy-to-use tool for creating digital designs that are ready to be 3D printed into physical objects. The students will be guided through the 3D design process through ‘lessons’, which teach the basics of 3d design. Students MUST complete the lessons before moving forward with their project.
Below is a tutorial video that teaches the basic functions of Tinkercad,
Watch the video below to learn more about 3D printing and how it works.
Reflection For Building:
- Were you able to balance your mobile?
If yes, what objects were on each side? If no, what made it difficult to balance? - Which object is the heaviest? Which is the lightest?
- What happens if you shorten one of the strings?
- What happens if you move the fulcrum (string attached to ruler) left or right?
- How did your mobile demonstrate kinetic or potential energy?
