Taking Science outside of the Classroom

Jungle Gyms consist of heights, angled slides, swings and balance beams all of which offer opportunities to teach science concepts in a more fun and engaging way - taking science outside.

Gravity

• Activity: Drop different objects from the top and from half way up the jungle gym (e.g., a feather, a ball, a rock a balloon, a crayon, a pom pom, a crumpled piece of paper, and a golf ball.) Explain why they all fall and why some fall faster than others

• Discussion: Talk about how gravity pulls objects down and how height affects the speed of descent. You can also discuss the concept of weight.

Balance and Center of Mass

• Activity: Ask children to walk on a balance beam while carrying a lightweight object (like a balloon) and discuss what they had to do to stay balanced.

• Discussion: Explain the concept of the center of mass and how it varies based on body position and the distribution of weight.

Measurement and Angles

• Activity: Use a measuring tape to measure the height of the jungle gym or the distance between different pieces of equipment.

• Discussion: Introduce concepts of area and volume by discussing the space occupied by different structures. Explore angles using the slides and climbing walls.

Temperature and Environment

• Activity: Use a thermometer to measure temperature in the shade vs. direct sunlight.

• Discussion: Talk about the impact of sunlight and shade on temperature

By integrating these science concepts into active play, you can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity and exploration!