Centre of Mass Simulation: Man and Plank

Learning Objectives

• Observe how changing values affects motion, diagrams, graphs, or the visible result.
• Connect the visual model with the related physics or science concept.
• Use prediction, observation, and comparison to build stronger conceptual understanding.

How This Activity Helps

Centre of Mass Simulation: Man and Plank helps students understand centre of mass in a frictionless system. Learners observe how the man and plank move relative to each other while the system's centre of mass remains consistent. It supports mechanics learning and classroom demonstrations.

The activity supports active learning because students do not only read about the topic; they interact, observe, repeat, and improve through feedback.

How to Use

Click start and use the sliders to change values. Observe the motion of the man, plank, and centre of mass throughout the simulation.

For best learning, try the activity more than once and explain the strategy, observation, or rule used.

Skills Practiced

• Concept visualization
• Variable comparison
• Graph or model interpretation
• Prediction and observation

For Students

Use this activity for practice, revision, and confidence-building. Focus on what changes after each attempt and connect the result with the concept being studied.

For Teachers

Teachers can use this simulation as a short classroom demonstration. Ask students to predict the result before changing a value, then compare their prediction with the visible outcome.