1. What makes humans topple over?

Humans topple over due to the shift of the center of gravity

2.Why do people have different centers of gravity?

When we define the center of gravity, we do so from the reference of a static, standing position. But the
body is continuously in motion, which means we change positions often.

Part 1:
-Why can you jump backward but not forward?
Because when we jump, we first shift our center of gravity in the direction we want to jump, and then
we move
our support base (ex. our feet) in the same direction to regain our balance.

-How does your weight shift when you jump?

Balance of forces produces Equilibrium. Gravity always acts downward on every object on earth.

Part 2:
-What part of your body is your base while you are sitting down?
It is at the waist

- What does your body have to be able to do in order to stand up? Why?
When you try to stand up with your back straight, you prevent the center of gravity from moving to a
position above your feet (your support base), as you would need to, to stand up. So, you remain glued to
your chair!

Part 3:
-Why can’t you pick up the money without moving your feet or bending
your knees?
hen you stand straight against the wall, your center of gravity is over your feet. When you bend forward,
your center of gravity shifts forward.

-What does your body have to be able to do in order to pick up the money?
Why?

Part 4:
- Why can’t you move your left foot off the floor?

-What does your body have to be able to do in order to pick up your left
foot? Why?
In order to move your left leg while your right side is against a wall, you need to shift your center of
gravity over your right foot. You cannot do this without moving the wall.

Part 5:
-What part of your body is your base while you are kneeling?
- Where is an elementary student’s center of gravity?
-What happens to the center of gravity when boys get older? When girls
get older?
-Why will an adult man not usually be able to succeed in this activity?
This exercise can be used to determine the approximate location of your center of gravity. If you could
not touch the Smartie (candy) without falling over, your center of gravity is high (above your belly
button). When your center of gravity is high, it will surpass your base (between the knees and toes)
when you lean over. If you succeeded in touching the Smartie, it means that you have a low center of
gravity. Even when you lean over, your center of gravity is still above your base.