Pendulum Balls
What it is?
A ball is hung either from the ceiling or a stand so that is can swing freely. Students are first asked to study how the ball moves. Then they are asks to throw or 'push it'. Next they are asked to throw and catch it.
Why does it matter?
Through interacting with this pendulum ball, students are learning to understand the laws and forces of nature and how to interact with these laws and forces.
Students can discover the ball takes on a predictable, stable rhythm.
Students can discover the ball with take on a predictable path.
Students can discover how the ball responds to the energy/force/direction that they put into.
Students can develop their sensory motor skills!
Level 1
Watch the ball move back and forth. Notice how it moves.Notice how it slows down and then speeds up.
Notice how it changes direction.
Level 2
Push/Throw and catch
Level 3
Push/Throw and catch with a partner.
Level 4
Push/Throw and catch while standing on a balance board.
Level 5
Hit the ball with a ping pong raquet. Hit Clockwise then counter clockwise.
Deeper Dive
What goes around comes around