Realistic Understanding and Quantification of Leverage: Introduction of Fraction Representations of Lever Actions

Abstract

In this study, by focusing on fraction representations of a force at a point of effort or loading point, we developed a method that can be used to teach elementary school students to quantitatively express the response of a scaled lever at the loading point accurately. We also evaluated the effectiveness of the method. The study clarified the following two points: (1) Scale on the lever make it easier to quantify the lever response at the loading point (i.e., to represent the response in terms of a fraction). (2) The method for teaching fraction representation of the lever response is effective in helping students understand quantitative expressions and qualitative scales (weighted and lightened responses).