Forces

problem
Favourite

Whirlyball

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Whirl a conker around in a horizontal circle on a piece of string. What is the smallest angular speed with which it can whirl?
problem
Favourite

Building Up Friction

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

A series of activities to build up intuition on the mathematics of friction.
problem
Favourite

More Bridge Building

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Which parts of these framework bridges are in tension and which parts are in compression?
problem
Favourite

Lunar Leaper

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Gravity on the Moon is about 1/6th that on the Earth. A pole-vaulter 2 metres tall can clear a 5 metres pole on the Earth. How high a pole could he clear on the Moon?
problem
Favourite

Bridge Builder

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

In this short problem we investigate the tensions and compressions in a framework made from springs and ropes.
problem
Favourite

Cannon Balls

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

How high will a ball taking a million seconds to fall travel?
problem

Baked Bean Cans

Age

5 to 7

Challenge level

Is there a best way to stack cans? What do different supermarkets do? How high can you safely stack the cans?
problem

Uniformly Unstable

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

Invent shapes with different numbers of stable and unstable equilibrium points
$\Little little g$

problem

Little Little G

Age

16 to 18

Challenge level

See how little g and your weight varies around the world. Did this variation help Bob Beamon to long-jumping succes in 1968?
article
Mechanics in the Primary Years

This article for teachers sets out some ideas for introducing children to some of the concepts at the root of mechanics.