Seesaw scales

This is one of a set of resources developed to support the teaching of the primary national curriculum. They are designed to support the delivery of key topics within design and technology, maths and science. This resource focusses on developing understanding of levers.

Levers are one of the simplest forms of machine. They are used to change the size (magnitude) or direction of a force. Can you work out the force required to move a load using a lever?

Activity info, teachers' notes and curriculum links

In this activity learners will make a simple lever assembly from a binder clip, ruler, two paper cups and sticky tape.

This could be used as a one-off activity in D&T or maths. It could also be linked with a measurement activity in food technology.

The activity sheet includes teachers' notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Download for free below!

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students' and your schools' needs.

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