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Levitating Matchstick

Membership Level› Starter

Author/Source: Tim Brown

Topic: God Works All Things Together for Good

A puzzle is shown where one matchstick is standing up and a second stick is placed on top of a nickel and leaned against the standing stick. The puzzle is to figure out how to get the nickel out from under the leaning stick without touching either of the matches or the nickel.

Materials: A box of wooden matches, 3 wooden matches, nickel

Setup: Take the cover off the matchbox. Empty the box and turn it upside down. At one end punch a small hole just big enough to insert a match in, but still holds it snug. Place the box upside down and have the nickel, 3 matches and the box top with the striking strip beside it.

Introduction: Today I have a puzzle to see if we can solve together. I have a box, some matches, and a nickel. (Pick up one of the matches and place it in the hole in the box so it is standing straight up with the head on top.) This puzzle involves gravity, friction, and other things. To set it up, I will stand this match up putting it through a hole in the box. (Pick up the nickel.) Now this nickel will go on the box next to the match. And then, (pick up another match and place the bottom end on the nickel and lean it against the standing match so the two match heads are in contact with each other), this match is on the nickel and leaning on the standing match.

Now, our puzzle is set up. Here is the puzzle. How can I remove the nickel from underneath the match without touching either of the matches or knocking the leaning match down? (Let the kids offer suggestions and try some of them to see if they will work. If someone guesses the answer, say we will try that later. Are there any other thoughts?)

Science Demonstration:

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