Floating Dinnerware

Age

Middle School, High School

Format

Hands-on

Materials

   One Fork and One Spoon
   Two Toothpicks
   Salt Shaker
   Matches 

Safety Precautions

Science Theatre demonstrators must keep the safety of themselves and their audience in mind at all times. All Science Theatre demonstrators must have read through the Safety Training page. The ST Safety Box with first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc. should always be available to demonstrators. Always wear safety gloves, glasses, and a labcoat if handling chemicals; always perform potentially dangerous demonstrations at a safe distance from the audience; and always keep a very close eye on any volunteers you call from the audience. Be careful with open flame

Preparation

1. Start by pushing the fork and spoon together. The next step takes some practice and patience. Place the first toothpick in between the forks middle prong, so that they balance properly on the toothpick. 2. Place another toothpick inside one of the salt shaker holes, so that it is sticking up. 3. The next part is also tricky but you can do it. Carefully rest the toothpick with the fork and spoon on top of the second toothpick. Just slide the toothpick back and forth along the second toothpick until you think you've found the perfect balancing point. Slowly pull your hands away to reveal the amazing balancing fork contraption. 4. Once you've mastered the balancing, you're ready to do a little showing off. Strike a match and burn the end of the toothpick that does not have to spoon and fork. To everyone's bewilderment, the toothpick will burn down to the point where the toothpicks meet, but the forks will not fall. It's the ultimate balancing fork act. Prepare yourself for a standing ovation!

Demonstration

See #Preparation

What to Say

The secret to this science stunt lies in your understanding of the concepts of center of gravity and stability. The center of gravity of any object is the point about which you can balance the object as if all the masses were concentrated or gathered at this point. In other words, it's the point at which the object balances from left to right, front and back, and top and bottom. In your balancing fork act, the center of gravity is directly below the spot where the toothpick rests on the other toothpick. If you look closely at your balancing fork-art, you'll notice that the fork handles are positioned below the toothpick. This actually puts the center of gravity directly below the point where the toothpick is balanced (called the pivot point). Here's where it gets really strange: the center of gravity, where the forks balance front and back, left and right, top and bottom, is actually hanging in mid-air. Did you know a circus tightrope walker often uses a long stick for balancing in the same way as the forks are used in this experiment? The real secret is not to give up or get frustrated if the forks fall. Just rebuild it and try again. Once you've mastered the balancing act, you'll be the hit of any dinner party.