The famous table cloth trick can be simplified to take just a moment in the classroom – without loosing any of its appeal, but actually increasing its educational clarity.

This experiment is said to be 'invented' by a Canadian magician. And it keeps causing a WOW effect, even if you already know the physics involved! Beyond the entertainment, it is an instructive puzzle for students to figure out which forces are ...

An improvised inclined plane is all it takes to understand the basics about dry static friction.

It is really hard to pull apart two interleaved books, even if you apply heavy machinery. But then again, drawing a single sheet out from between the pages of a book is not a problem. So when and why does it become ...

A quick and surprising experiment that combines friction, forces and the center of gravity. Suitable especially to recap and connect these topics before moving on to another chapter.

Pulleys are an important part of teaching mechanics. Unfortunately, it takes time and special material to mount the experiment for multiple student groups. This quick and simple alternative uses pencils instead of rolls and the force of students instead of weights – ...