A design can be balanced — Design, 4–6 years
Balance helps an object stand, hang or move without falling over. Children discover it by arranging familiar things and noticing what happens.
What balance looks like
A balanced design has its weight spread in a way that lets it stay where we put it. A tower may stand when its blocks are centred, but wobble when one side becomes too heavy.
Why balance matters
People needed baskets, stools and toys that would not tip as soon as they were used. Designers learned to place weight carefully and make a wide base when steadiness mattered.
Balancing a block tower
Put three blocks in a row for the base. Add two blocks above them, keeping them near the middle; then place one on top. If the top block hangs far to one side, move it back until the tower stands.
The common wobble
It is tempting to put the biggest or heaviest piece on top because it looks impressive. That choice makes sense when building upwards, but the high weight can pull the design over; heavy pieces usually belong lower down.
Balance beyond the classroom
A chair needs its legs and seat arranged so a person can sit without tipping. A playground seesaw also uses balance: one child moves down while the other moves up when their weights and positions change.
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