The Balancing Butterfly Science Experiments for Kids

Summary: An object or physical mass is said to exhibit a center of gravity or center of mass when, upon identifying and properly specifying such a point, the mass behaves as if it is concentrated. In physics, the center of mass is the combination of system particles that determine the object's behavior, and for rigid objects, will appear at a point on itself. For loose or free space objects such as bullets fired from a gun, the center of gravity will be a point in space. In a so-called uniform gravitational field the center of gravity is also called the center of mass. This center might not be physical center of an object, though, and depends upon the division of weight, counterweight and physical arrangement of parts. In this free instructional video clip series, our expert will demonstrate a children's science experiment that explains and properly displays the variations on the center of gravity for a particular mass. In the series, the popular science fair and science class demonstration known as the “Balancing Butterfly” will be explained. Teach your children a very simple lesson in physics or help them duplicate the project for school with this easy to follow collection of videos outlining the project from supplies to counterweight balance.