How to Demonstrate the Butterfly Center of Gravity Experiment

The butterfly center of gravity project is a great way to demonstrate the center of gravity of an object. The butterfly seems to float effortlessly on its head on top of a pencil, while hidden underneath its wings are two pennies for counterweight. This a great project for an elementary school science lesson.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Pennies
• Tape
• Pencil
• Modeling clay

Instructions

1. Fold a piece of cardboard and trace a picture of a butterfly on the fold. The wings must be symmetrical for this project to work.

2. Cut out the butterfly, and let the students color or decorate it before doing the experiment.

3. Tape two pennies to the backs of the butterfly wings. Tape these near the top of the front set of wings.

4. Balance the butterfly on the eraser of a pencil. The butterfly should balance near its head.

5. Make a clay base for your butterfly stand by rolling up a piece of clay. Stick the pencil into the clay ball and watch the butterfly balance on its own. Adjust the position of the pennies if necessary to keep the center of gravity at the butterfly's head.

Tips & Warnings

• Do this project as a group to demonstrate the center of gravity. Have students return to their tables to make their own butterfly stands. Have supplies laid out ahead of time to help this project run smoothly.

• Point out that before adding the pennies, the center of gravity of the butterfly was the center of the butterfly. After adding the coins, the center of gravity changed to a spot between the two coins.