Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will understand the science behind trampolines and how they work.

Materials and Prep

• Trampoline (if available)
• Space to jump around
• Comfortable clothing
• Curiosity and enthusiasm!

No prior knowledge needed, just come ready to learn and have fun!

Activities

• Bounce and Observe: Jump on the trampoline and observe how your body moves up and down. Notice how the trampoline surface feels.
• Gravity Exploration: Discuss gravity with an adult and understand how it affects your jumps on the trampoline.
• Measure Your Jumps: Use a measuring tape to measure how high you can jump on the trampoline. Compare with a standing jump on the ground.

Talking Points

• Trampolines work by using springs and a strong fabric to create a bouncy surface.

  "When you jump on a trampoline, the springs stretch and store energy. When you push off, that stored energy helps propel you into the air!"

• Gravity is the force that pulls everything toward the center of the Earth.

  "Gravity is what makes you come back down after you jump on the trampoline. It's like a big invisible hug from the Earth!"

• When you jump on a trampoline, you experience a brief moment of weightlessness at the top of your jump.

  "At the highest point of your jump, you feel like you're floating for just a second before gravity pulls you back down!"