For this experiment, you will need a 12” ruler, some nickels and quarters, and a triangular shaped piece of wood to use as a fulcrum. We are going to ask the question: How does moving the fulcrum point effect the distance a nickel can fly?

Balance the ruler so there is an equal length on both sides of the fulcrum (at the 6” mark).
Put a nickel at the one inch mark on the ruler. Record your observations in the data table.
Keep the nickel at the 1” mark. Drop a quarter on the end of the opposite end of the ruler from about 12 inches in height. Measure the distance from the end of the ruler to where the nickel lands. Record your results.
Repeat this 3 times.
Now move your fulcrum to the 9 inch mark and repeat steps 2-4.
Now more your fulcrum to the 12 inch mark and repeat steps 2-4. Which causes the nickel to fly farther? Which takes more force?