A Hands-On Lesson in Pressure: Exploring Physics with Nail Beds and Balance Boards at NMMI
At NMMI, we’re all about making learning hands-on, real, and unforgettable. Recently, I had the chance to teach a class on pressure, and to make the concept come alive, we used a unique tool—an actual bed of nails. Built over a decade ago by Dr. Tang, this bed of nails has become a legendary piece of our science equipment, and for good reason!
When our cadets stepped up to try it, the lesson turned from abstract to tangible in an instant. There’s something about actually lying on a bed of sharp, evenly spaced nails that truly drives home the principles of pressure and distribution. As they cautiously lowered themselves onto the nail bed, they felt the surprising comfort of the experience—a result of the force being evenly distributed across so many points, keeping them safe.
To push their understanding of pressure even further, we tried another experiment with a balance board, adding an exciting twist. One cadet lay down on the bed of nails while holding a large board steady above them, and another cadet carefully stepped onto the board. As the cadet on top balanced their weight, it spread evenly across the board’s surface, just as the force of the nails was distributed under the cadet lying below. Even with the added weight, the cadet on the bed of nails didn’t feel sharp or painful pressure—demonstrating how distributing force across a larger area reduces pressure and makes the experience surprisingly comfortable.
In that moment, physics wasn’t just something in a textbook; it was something they could feel and understand on a visceral level. Nervous excitement turned into curiosity and realization as they experienced how spreading out force changes the experience of pressure. For some, it sparked a new interest in physics; for others, it brought newfound respect for the ways scientific principles impact our everyday lives.
These are the kinds of lessons that stick with you—literally, in the case of the nail bed! Our goal at NMMI is to build a solid understanding of science through unique, memorable experiences like this one. And who knows? Maybe some of these cadets will be inspired to build tools for future students, just like Dr. Tang did.
Have you ever experienced science in a hands-on way? Join us as we continue to explore and expand our understanding, one fascinating experiment at a time.
Check out an additional video from the hands-on lesson here.
