Build Your Own BodyWorks

Objectives

• Make predictions, describe the steps of an experiment, and record their observations.

• Relate the function of their muscular and nervous systems to their performance.

Materials

• Per Group of 2-4 students:
  stopwatch
  metre stick
  reaction timer (template)
  broom
  balance board
  sticky notes
  large cardboard box (0.5m by 0.5m)
  simple maze on paper templates
  paper and drawing materials

Key Questions

• How (far, much, etc.) do you think you will do?
• How could you improve this?

What To Do

1. Brainstorm ways in which you can make versions of the BodyWorks exhibit challenges using simple equipment. Challenges may include:
    Reaction time: How fast is your reaction time?
   Balance: How long can you balance an upside-down broom on the palm of your hand? How long can you stay upright on a balance board?
   Endurance: How long can you hold a ball over your head?
   Leg strength: Hold a sticky note in your hand and jump to stick it to the wall. How high can you place the note?
   Flexibility: Can you fit into a cardboard box?
   Steadiness of hand: Draw a simple maze and make many copies. How long does it take to draw your way through a maze with a fat marker? Deduct points if you hit lines.
2. Set up the challenges in a gym or playing field and invite other classes to participate.
3. Keep records of people’s scores.

Extensions

• Ask students to design a simple experiment that will test their classmates’ reaction time, flexibility, strength, or balance.
• Use the statistics from collecting scores to answer questions like: Can someone in grade 5 jump higher than someone in grade 4? Do students have steadier hands than teachers?
• Collect data over a month or a few months. Is there any improvement?