Swings

Fri, Jul 22, 2011

Materials: Swings on a swingset

Activity: Let two kids start swinging. Clap each time each one goes past the center. Are the kids in synch? Try using two “big kid” swings, hung the same length. Try pulling two small kids back the same amount then letting go (in synch). Try pulling two small kids back; one higher than the other (in synch). Try pulling a small kid and a big kid back; same amount (in synch). Try pulling a small kid and a big kid back; one higher than the other (still in synch!)... Now try comparing kids using two swings of different lengths (not in synch). Our swingset had “big kid” swings and a “baby” swings hung at different heights.

Research Questions: How does length of swing affect whether kids are in synch? Weight of kid? How high the kid starts out? Whether the kid was pumping?

Resources:

Tags: Force and Motion 2011