“Let’s create our balancing figure”

Get ready to discover how some figures can move and stay balanced without falling over. In this activity, children will build a fun paper balancing figure that appears to dance and sway when its base is gently moved.

We will begin by observing objects and structures from our everyday surroundings that need to remain balanced in order to function properly, such as bicycles, scooters, bridges, and buildings. Participants will discuss what it means to be balanced and what happens when something loses stability.

Next, each participant will create their own figure using strips of paper folded and attached in strategic ways to form a flexible structure. Once the figure is complete, we will carry out a series of tests by moving the base and observing how the figure sways while maintaining its balance without falling.

Throughout the activity, participants will discover that weight distribution, the shape of individual components, and the position of support points all play an important role in the balance and stability of objects.

This hands-on activity encourages observation, experimentation, creativity, and an early understanding of concepts related to balance, stability, and movement through a practical and participatory learning experience.