Here are 25 working models focused on the concepts of force and pressure, designed to help students understand and visualize these fundamental principles using simple materials like cardboard, color paper, and basic crafting supplies:
Force Models
- Spring Scale
- Materials: Cardboard, rubber bands, paper clips
- Description: A homemade spring scale to measure force by the stretch of a rubber band.
- Pulley System
- Materials: Cardboard, string, spools
- Description: A model demonstrating how pulleys reduce the amount of force needed to lift an object.
- Inclined Plane
- Materials: Cardboard, small objects
- Description: A model showing how an inclined plane reduces the force needed to lift an object.
- Lever and Fulcrum
- Materials: Cardboard, dowels, small weights
- Description: A lever model demonstrating the principle of mechanical advantage.
- Catapult
- Materials: Cardboard, rubber bands, plastic spoon
- Description: A simple catapult to show how force can be used to launch an object.
- Elastic Potential Energy
- Materials: Rubber bands, cardboard, small weights
- Description: A model showing how stored energy in stretched rubber bands can be converted to kinetic energy.
- Newton’s Cradle
- Materials: Cardboard, string, marbles
- Description: A model illustrating the conservation of momentum and energy.
- Force Meter
- Materials: Cardboard, spring, scale
- Description: A homemade force meter to measure push or pull.
- Pendulum
- Materials: Cardboard, string, weight
- Description: A model demonstrating the effects of gravity and force on a swinging object.
- Balloon Rocket
- Materials: Balloon, string, straw
- Description: A balloon-powered rocket to show how force propels an object forward.
Pressure Models
- Hydraulic Lift
- Materials: Cardboard, syringes, tubing
- Description: A model showing how hydraulic pressure can lift heavy objects.
- Barometer
- Materials: Cardboard, straw, water, container
- Description: A simple barometer to measure air pressure changes.
- Air Pressure Demonstration
- Materials: Balloons, cardboard, straws
- Description: A model showing how air pressure can be used to move objects.
- Vacuum Pump
- Materials: Syringe, tubing, rubber stopper
- Description: A simple vacuum pump to demonstrate the removal of air pressure.
- Syringe Hydraulic System
- Materials: Syringes, tubing, water
- Description: A model showing how pressure in one syringe can be transferred to another.
- Water Tower
- Materials: Cardboard, plastic bottle, tubing
- Description: A model demonstrating how water pressure can be used to supply water to homes.
- Pascal’s Law Apparatus
- Materials: Cardboard, syringes, tubing
- Description: A model showing Pascal’s principle that pressure applied to a fluid is transmitted equally in all directions.
- Magdeburg Hemispheres
- Materials: Cardboard, rubber seal, vacuum pump
- Description: A model demonstrating the force of air pressure holding two hemispheres together.
- Hydraulic Brakes
- Materials: Cardboard, syringes, tubing
- Description: A model showing how hydraulic brakes in vehicles use fluid pressure to stop the car.
- Pressure Gauge
- Materials: Cardboard, balloon, straw, water
- Description: A simple pressure gauge to measure air or water pressure.
Combined Force and Pressure Models
- Submarine Model
- Materials: Cardboard, balloons, tubing
- Description: A model showing how submarines use ballast tanks to dive and surface by changing the water pressure.
- Hovercraft
- Materials: Cardboard, balloon, CD
- Description: A simple hovercraft demonstrating how air pressure can lift an object.
- Wind Tunnel
- Materials: Cardboard, fan, small objects
- Description: A model showing how wind (air pressure) affects objects placed in the tunnel.
- Airplane Wing
- Materials: Cardboard, paper, fan
- Description: A model of an airplane wing demonstrating how lift is created by air pressure differences.
- Hydraulic Robot Arm
- Materials: Cardboard, syringes, tubing
- Description: A working model of a robotic arm powered by hydraulic pressure.
These models illustrate fundamental principles of force and pressure, providing hands-on learning experiences that enhance understanding and retention of these concepts.