Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand and apply basic principles of physics to the topic of horses.

Materials and Prep

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet or books for research

Activities

1. Research the physics of horse movement. Look into how horses use their muscles and joints to walk, trot, and gallop. Take notes on the key principles you discover.

2. Experiment with balance and weight distribution. Use a toy horse or a drawing of a horse. Place small weights on different parts of the horse's body and observe how it affects the balance and movement. Record your observations.

3. Create a mini obstacle course for a toy horse or a drawing. Use objects like books, rulers, and cardboard to create jumps, tunnels, and other obstacles. Test how the horse's movement is affected by the obstacles and analyze the physics behind it.

Seventh Grade Talking Points

• "Did you know that horses are incredibly strong animals? They have powerful muscles and joints that allow them to move in various ways."
• "When a horse walks, it uses a four-beat gait, meaning that each hoof hits the ground separately. This helps maintain balance and stability."
• "Trotting is a two-beat gait where the diagonal pairs of hooves hit the ground together. It requires the horse to coordinate its movements and use its muscles efficiently."
• "Galloping is the fastest gait for a horse. It involves a moment of suspension where all four hooves are off the ground. This requires a great deal of strength and coordination."
• "Weight distribution is crucial for a horse's balance. Placing weights on different parts of the horse's body can affect its movement and stability. This is why riders need to be mindful of their weight distribution when riding."
• "Obstacles in horse riding courses are designed to challenge both the rider and the horse. They require the horse to adjust its movements and use its muscles and joints effectively to overcome the obstacles."