Jumping on the moon

Teaching Pre K-8, Feb 2000 by Cowens, John

This month: A track and field meet that's out of this world.

Hello Astro-Nuts! Here are some challenging, gravity-defying events for grades K-8. There's one catch, though: the gravity-defers havE to imagine that the activities are all taking place on the moon.

We all know what gravity is in general tenns, but we need to get more specific. Gravity is an invisible force that pulls on objects or draws mat, ter toward other matter. Each planet and its moon(s) in our solar system has a different gravitational pull because of its mass and density The larger the mass, the stronger the gravitational pull.

The surface gravity of the earth is calculated to be 1 G. The earth's moon has a different surface gravity: 1/6 G.

To find the gravity factor of the moon, divide by 1/6. Use this gravity factor to see how far and high you can jump, kick, throw and lift on the moon.

Lunar Distance Jump

1. Find a wall and place a measuring tape from the base up to 8 feet.

2. Stand flat-footed and touch the tape as high- -as- Possible.

This is your "base height" from which you measure your jump. Record the base height on a chart

3. Jump as high as you can and touch the tape above your base height (Youll need someone else to observe the touch.) Record the height of the jump.

4. Repeat for two more trials and record.

5. Calculate the distance jumped in each trial. (The height of your jump minus the base height equals the distance jumped.)

Lunar Push-up

1. Lie flat on the floor in push-up position

2. Grip a spring weight measuring scale with both hands (palms down). Keep your back st-aight. 3. On a signal from the teacher, do one push-up and hold. Your teacher will read the spring scale. The spring scale probably reads in pounds. Note Some young students may not be able to do a push-up. If so, instruct all students to do a push-up on their knees instead of their toes.

4. Record weight lifted on a chart.

5. Repeat two more times and record.

Lunar Long Jump

1. Stand behind starting line.

2. Jump as far as possible. You may bend knees and rock back and forth to gain momentum

3. Measure closest body part to starting line. For example, if you fall backwards and your hand is the closest body part to the starting line, measure from your hand.

4. On a chart, record the distance jumped.

5. Repeat for two more trials and record.

Lunar Discus Throw

1. Stand behind starting line.

2. Toss a paper plate as far as possible like a frisbee. NO practice throws.

3. Measure distance thrown. If the plate lands far away from the measuring tape, use string to line up the plate with the measuring tape.

4. Record distance on a chart.

5. Repeat for two more trials and record.

Lunar Javelin Throw

1. Stand behind starting line.

2. Throw a straw as far as possible. NO practice throws.

3. Measure distance thrown. Measure distance from the part of the straw that lands closest to the starting line.

4. Record distance in chart format.

5. Repeat two more times and record.

Lunar Ball Kick

1. Place a Koosh' ball on the starting line.

2. Stand behind the ball and kick it as far as possible. NO running starts or practice kicks.

3. Measure distance kicked. If the ball lands far away from the measuring tape, use string to line up the ball with the tape.

4. Record distance kicked on a chart.

5. Repeat two more times and record.

Lunar Results

1. To the moon! Prepare to launch! On a chart, calculate and record your earthly averages from your six activities.

2. Divide your averages by the moon's gravity factor (1/6) and record. Questions

1. After participating in the Lunar Competition, where would you want the competition to be held? Why?

2. Why is the moon's gravity so low, compared to the earth's gravity?

You can extend the competition to other curriculum areas. Have the kids design moon medals, write about the moon and discuss what itll be like to live there. Chances are, the kids will come up with activities that are out of this world.

John Cowens teaches science at Fleming Middle School, Grants Pass, OR, and is a Teaching Editor of Teaching K-8. E-mail: joco9@echoweb.net