Summary Make a simple toy that jumps, using the elastic potential energy of an elastic band. Science content Physics: Motion and Forces, Newton’s Laws, Gravity (K, 2, 6) Physics: Energy forms, Conservation of Energy (1, 3, 4, 5) Lessons activity is in Energy forms and transformation Forces: chains of forces and combining forces Materials half a sturdy bamboo BarBQ skewer, or craft dowels about 15cm long - need to fit easily into the straw an elastic band, of a length that can stretch quite tightly to the bottom of the skewer piece of straw, about 2cm long, that can slide over the skewer (sturdy paper straws work fine) two pieces of duct tape, no wider than the straw is long Procedure Fold the elastic band flat. Tape one end of the flattened elastic band to the end of the skewer, making the tape really tight around the skewer, so that the elastic band is held on firmly. Slide the straw onto the other end of the skewer. Lay the free end of the flattened elastic band over the straw and tape tightly to secure the elastic band to the straw, but without taping the straw to the skewer. Hold the jumper upright on the desk and pull the straw down to the desk so that the elastic band is stretched. Let go of the device in one go, by separating your fingers wide quickly. It will jump in the air by about half a metre. Students need to be instructed on using it safely - do not jump it towards anyone. For energy transformation discussion: Ask students to think about the chain of energy transfer that happens as the toy is used. Chemical energy - from our hands as they pull down on the toy Motion energy - as the toy is pulled down Elastic energy - as the elastic band is stretched Sound energy as the device is released and the straw hits the top of the stick Motion energy - as the elastic band pushes the toy upwards Gravitational energy - as the toy is up in the air Motion energy - as the toy falls back down For chains of forces discussion: Draw on the board the toy with step-by-step forces. Our fingers hold the toy (with the force of friction) - a push We push the toy down on the desk with a downwards force The elastic band stretches - a pull - as we push down When we let go the elastic band pulls The straw moves upwards and pushes against the top of the toy This pushes the whole toy into the air Gravity eventually pulls the toy back down This activity is from the Children's Museum of Houston: https://www.cmhouston.org/classroom-curriculum/stretch-your-potential-2 Grades taught Gr K Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5 Gr 6 Gr 7
