Rolling Uphill Science Experiment

Be amazed as this experiment appears to defy gravity as we are easily able to make our funnel roll uphill!

With this science experiment, kids learn about the scientific concept called the center of gravity while having fun. Watch our demonstration video, print out your materials list and instructions, and explore scientific concepts with our easy to understand explanation of how the experiment works.

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Supplies Needed

• 2 funnels (exact same shape and size)
• Two 2×4 boards
• Large Book (approximately 1-inch thick)
• Tape

Rolling Uphill Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Take the two funnels and place them together at the widest part of the funnel. Use tape to hold the funnels together.

Step 2 – Place a large book (approximately 1-inch thick) at one end on a table/floor.

Step 3 – Position the 2×4 boards so on end is on the book and the other end is on the table/floor. The boards should be about 6 inches apart and be parallel to one another.

Step 4 – Move the ends of the boards that are on the table/floor closer together.

Step 5 – Place the funnel at the end of the boards that are on the table and then let go. Watch what happens to the funnel.

Do you know the reason why the funnel rolled uphill? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Helpful Tip: While this experiment looks easy to perform, it does take practice to get it down. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t do it the first time. Instead, keep practicing and trying different positions of the boards in order to get it to work.

Video Tutorial

Rolling Uphill Science Experiment Step by Step Instructions Video

How Does the Science Experiment Work

The scientific concept behind this experiment is something called the center of gravity. An object’s center of gravity is the point at which all mass is centered. {More details on Center of Gravity}

When the funnels are taped together, their center of gravity is directly between the two wide openings. When the funnels are placed on the board on the table/floor, they begin to roll because their center of gravity is going down. The diverging boards allow the center of gravity of the funnels to go down as the funnels travel up the boards. The funnels’ shape causes an optical illusion as they appear to be rolling uphill, even though the center of gravity is actually rolling downhill. {Source}

The keys to this experiment are the shape of the funnels, the v-shape position of the 2×4 boards, and the scientific concept of an object’s center of gravity.

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Rolling Uphill Science Experiment

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Materials

• Two funnels (exact same shape and size
• Two 2×4 boards
• Large Book (approximately 1 inch thick)
• Tape

Instructions

1. Take the two funnels and place them together at the widest part of the funnel. Use tape to hold the funnels together.
2. Place a large book (approximately 1 inch think) at one end on a table/floor.
3. Position the 2×4 boards so on end is on the book and the other end is on the table/floor. The boards should be about 6 inches apart and be parallel to one another.
4. Move the ends of the boards that are on the table/floor closer together.
5. Place the funnel at the end of the boards that are on the table and then let go. Watch what happens to the funnel. Note: You may need to try different positions of the boards in order to get it to work.