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Before attempting this problem is it interesting to ask students to make a scale sketch of their best intuitive guess at the answer.
Once the answer is found the students can compare their intuition with reality. Were they roughly correct? Does their answer give them any clues as to the form of a larger compound structure?
Ask students to explain in words why their structures only just balance, as producing a clear verbal explanation will reinforce the understanding of the underlying mechanical principles.
Overarch 1
Age 16 to 18
ShortChallenge Level 
Before attempting this problem is it interesting to ask students to make a scale sketch of their best intuitive guess at the answer.
Once the answer is found the students can compare their intuition with reality. Were they roughly correct? Does their answer give them any clues as to the form of a larger compound structure?
Ask students to explain in words why their structures only just balance, as producing a clear verbal explanation will reinforce the understanding of the underlying mechanical principles.
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