Circus Science

Circus, a beautiful art form of movement and skill, is also a great lesson in physics. This series of 45 minute activities are designed to provide interactive, hands-on experiences to reinforce basic concepts in physical science for the elementary student. Using the theme of circus acts and their corresponding physics, the lessons are real-world based. Choose single or multiple lessons. These units are also excellent for STEM family nights.

➔ Lorenzo and his Teeterboard
Lorenzo has just been hired to perform his world famous Teeterboard Act, however, his teeterboard is held-up in customs. Lorenzo’s American teeterboard debut is scheduled for tonight, and he needs a custom teeterboard to perform his act for the sold-out show. Learners will design and build a teeterboard for Lorenzo so he can perform his act and the show may go on!

➔ Science of the Tight Wire
Wire walkers depend on the human body to make important changes in balance through the nerves in the feet, vision and the inner ear. To help insure stability, wire walkers carry a 30-75 pound pole. Through scientific inquiry, students will explore the function of the nervous system and sensory organs as well as the center of mass through the art of high wire walking.

➔ Human Cannonball
The Human Cannonball, who performs one of the most dangerous acts in the circus, must carefully calculate distance, mass and acceleration before being shot out of the cannon. Students will investigate the amount of force needed to have the circus performer safely land in the net.

➔ Juggling
Circus performers learn many skills in their lifetime. An essential skill is juggling. Students will learn about balanced and unbalanced force and review gravity, mass and friction. Through practice, repetition and patience students will learn and develop their motor skills through juggling.

For lesson review and further inquiry,  a website is available for use in the classroom or on the students home computer at  https://circusarts.org/community-outreach/.  On the site, students will be able to look at circus acts and watch video on each of the scientific concepts discussed in each classroom lesson. There will also be a teacher link with additional lesson plans. A workbook will be provided for each student as well as a teachers edition with Standards listed for each lesson.