PROJECT GROUP A: Construct a weight balance with the use of empty vessels of light weight, plank, nails and thread. GROUP B: Construct a see-saw for sport activities in the school, using a long plank and plank of prism in the middle to balance at the middle

Project Construction Guide for JSS 1 Mathematics Students

i. Project Construction Overview

For this project, we have two groups: Group A and Group B. Each group will work on a different project that applies mathematical concepts to real-world problems.

Group A: Weight Balance Construction

• Construct a weight balance using empty vessels of lightweight material, a plank, nails, and thread.
• The goal is to create a balance that can measure the weight of objects by comparing their masses.

Group B: See-Saw Construction for Sports Activities

• Construct a see-saw for sports activities in the school using a long plank and a plank of prism in the middle to balance at the midpoint.
• The objective is to create a see-saw that demonstrates the principle of balance and equilibrium.

ii. Materials and Methods of Construction

Group A: Weight Balance

Materials:

• Empty vessels of lightweight material (e.g., plastic bottles)
• Plank (wooden or plastic)
• Nails
• Thread
• Objects of different weights (for testing)

Methods:

1. Design the Balance: Sketch a design for the weight balance, considering the materials and the principle of equilibrium.
2. Prepare the Vessels: Clean and dry the empty vessels. Make sure they are of the same size and shape.
3. Assemble the Balance: Use nails to attach the vessels to the plank, ensuring they are evenly spaced and balanced.
4. Add the Thread: Tie the thread between the vessels, creating a pivot point for the balance.
5. Test the Balance: Place objects of different weights on each side of the balance to test its accuracy.

Group B: See-Saw

Materials:

• Long plank (wooden or plastic)
• Plank of prism (wooden or plastic)
• Nails or screws
• Objects of different weights (for testing)

Methods:

1. Design the See-Saw: Sketch a design for the see-saw, considering the materials and the principle of balance.
2. Prepare the Plank: Cut the long plank to the desired length and sand it to smooth out any rough edges.
3. Assemble the See-Saw: Use nails or screws to attach the plank of prism to the middle of the long plank, creating a pivot point.
4. Test the See-Saw: Place objects of different weights on each side of the see-saw to test its balance and stability.

Interacting with the Materials and Methods:

As you work on your project, consider the following questions:

• How do the materials used affect the accuracy and stability of the weight balance or see-saw?
• What mathematical concepts are applied in the design and construction of the project (e.g., equilibrium, balance, proportion)?
• How can you improve the design and construction of your project to make it more accurate and efficient?

By following these guidelines and interacting with the materials and methods, you will create a functional weight balance or see-saw that demonstrates your understanding of mathematical concepts and their practical applications.