Levers and the Human Body



"Arms, Levers, Balances, and a bit of math"(PDF, 1.1 Mb, print quality graphics) a three part lab activity that looks primarily at the elbow as a model for studying mechanical advantage.
All parts require hanging masses of various mass. Parts one and two require a spring scale. The first piece of equipment requires two rulers to be fastened together to create a lever to model the elbow. The second and third activity use meter stick holders that can slide along a meter stick and be fastened in one place (search ScienceKit.com for "Moment of Force Apparatus" to see a photo that includes the hangers--I couldn't find the hangers by themselves, but if you call your favorite supply house, they probably have them). I use large paper clips for hanging the masses, much cheaper and less extra mass (make sure they can be bent open without breaking--one type I bought broke when they were bent open.

Lee (Amosslee) Trampleasure's Science Education Pages
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