The document discusses different types of balancing experiments performed with common objects like popsicle sticks, pencils, forks, and toothpicks. It describes balancing items on single points versus stacked balancing using weight and contact surfaces. Examples explored include balancing popsicle sticks on fingers and nails, stacking sticks on pencils to form bridges, and locking forks together with toothpicks that can then balance on pencil tips, beaker edges, and other surfaces based on maintaining the proper center of gravity.

2. Beginning with popsicle sticks, we balanced on the tops of fingers. ► ◄ Then moved on to balancing on the curve of the fingernail, reducing the surface area the stick had to sit upon.

3. From the hand it just a step to stacked balance on the top of a pencil….

4. … which led stacked balance to a whole new level!

5. Popsicle sticks were balanced on each other to form a bridge across a science lab sink. Note: there is no glue holding the sticks together.

6. ◄ Following a balance experiment commonly located online, we locked two cafeteria forks together with a toothpick to make a balancing unit. The center of gravity allows the toothpick to be balanced on the top of a pencil. The toothpick can balance on the edge ► of a beaker….

7. … even when the toothpick is burned away. (The extra bit of toothpick had nothing to do with the center of gravity.) Although this particular picture shows the forks stuck into a cork, but the same principle applies. ▼

8. Using the same concept, forks were balanced on toothpick tips, fingertips, and faucet heads.