Did you know that an object will balance if its center of mass is directly in line with its base? Here is a simple experiment you can do at home to explore the center of mass of an object:
1) Cut an unusual shape out of cardboard; your shape should be “amoeba-like”, not a typical shape and not symmetrical
2) Punch a hole near an edge of the shape and use that hole to hang the shape; a push pin in the wall or stick taped to the table works well for this
3) Hang a string with weight on the end from the same spot and use a pen or marker to draw a straight line on the cardboard exactly where the string is
4) Repeat steps 2 and 3 two or three more times.
What do you notice about the spot where the lines intersect? Can you balance your shape on your fingertip there?
Extend this experiment by trying different shapes or sizes!
