Hang the map of Texas from any of the holes, and the center of gravity will be directly below the point where the map is suspended. We can visualize that location by hanging a plumb bob (a string with a weight at the end) and tracing its path. By hanging the map from different locations, you can trace multiple lines and see that they all intersect at the same point, which is the center of gravity. Of course, you can use an object of any shape instead of a map of Texas.

• printout of state map (or other shape)
• thin fiber board (optional)
• A long nail
• A short, headless (finishing) nail
• wooden post, about 12 x 2 x 2in
• wooden base, about 10x11x3/4 in
• weight on string

Print and laminate the map or other shape. Optionally, glue it onto the fiberboard and cut around the edges. Drill holes in a few spots about 1/2 to 1 inch from the edge, approximately evenly spaced all around.

Put a long nail at the top of the post for the plumb bob (weight on a string). You want a longer nail so that you can slide the string forward along the nail to provide some clearance for removing and replacing the map, so that you don't have to remove the string every time you rehang the map to change its orientation.

Put the shorter headless nail in the post a couple of inches below the long nail. This is for hanging the map. You want a headless nail so you can easily insert it into or remove it from the holes in the map. You only need just enough sticking out so that the map will stay up, too much length may make it awkward to remove and replace the map behind the string.

Screw the post the to base.