Physics Fun With Balancing Paper Apple

The great balancing apple activity! Apples are a great theme for fall learning and this balancing paper apple activity is perfect for fall STEAM! We have been reading Ten Apples Up On Top by Dr. Seuss. I decided to paired this classic Dr Seuss book with fun Apple activities. What are the animals in the book trying to do with their apples? Balance them! Let’s make your own balancing apple.

BALANCING PAPER APPLE PHYSICS ACTIVITY

EXPLORE BALANCE AND GRAVITY

Can you balance an apple on your finger? We explored the concept of balancing and gravity with real apples for our Ten Apples Up On Top STEM activities and it was pretty challenging. Here instead you make your own colorful paper apple with our FREE printable apple template and have a go at balancing it.

Before you begin, why not wow the kids with balancing a real apple! Have them make some guesses about what is happening!

Have fun with physics? Here’s more easy, hands-on physics activities for kids!

HOW DO BALANCE AND GRAVITY PLAY A PART IN OUR BALANCING APPLE?

To balance somethings is to put it in a stable position where it remains upright. Even weight distribution helps to keep something balanced or stable like this balancing apple. The clothespins create a balanced force and create a center of gravity which allows this paper apple to balance on our finger!

ALSO CHECK OUT: Balanced Mobile

BALANCING APPLE ACTIVITY

Click here to get your FREE printable apple template!

SUPPLIES:

• Cardstock or Paper Plates
• Colored Pencils or Crayons
• Clothespins
• Printable Apple Template

HOW TO MAKE A BALANCING APPLE

STEP 1. Either print out the apple template on Card Stock weight paper or on regular paper.

If you choose regular paper, you will want to trace it onto a paper plate. The stiffer paper is really helpful. However, you can let kids explore different weights of paper and draw conclusions as to which paper is best for the balancing apple.

STEP 2. Color the apple as you see fit!

STEP 3. Attach two clothespins to the bottom of the apple.

I will give you a hint that the best spot for this apple is a clothespin on each of the bumpy knobs at the bottom on either side of the blossoming point. For older kids, this is a great opportunity to let them experiment with the best positions.

NOW CAN YOU BALANCE 10 APPLES? See if you can balance 10 apples on a classmate, friend, or sibling! Can you hop around the room?

MORE FUN FALL ACTIVITIES

BALANCING PAPER APPLE FOR FALL STEM

Structures, eruptions, balancing, fractions, taste testing, and more! Click on the image below or on the link for more AWESOME TEN APPLES ON TOP ACTIVITIES!