Jump! What if?

(From reSolve)

Collect resources

You will need:

• measuring tools (for example, a ruler, tape measure, mug, handspan or a teaspoon)

• an object to indicate your height (a stick, spoon or rope)

• writing materials (paper and pencil) 

• a calculator.

(This video was created with Kimberley from Mullumbimby PS, Kelly from Keiraville PS, Michelle from Lake Heights PS and Olivia from Summer Hill PS)

What to do

• Measure your height by lying on the floor with your feet against the wall and placing an object (for example, a stick, spoon or rope) at the top of your head to mark your height.

• Measure the distance from the wall to your object using a formal unit such as a ruler or tape measure. If you don't have a ruler or tape measure, use an informal unit such as a mug or teaspoon to measure your height.

• Record your height on a piece of paper.  If you are using informal units, estimate the length of your informal unit and use this to calculate your estimated height. For an example see the image below.

What to do

A kangaroo can jump 4 times its height!

• Using your height, how far could you jump if you were a kangaroo?

  • You may like to use a calculator to help you solve this problem.

• A frog can jump 20 times its height, a grasshopper can jump 30 times its height and a flea can jump 200 times its height. Using your calculator, calculate the following:

  • How far could you jump if you were a frog?

  • How far could you jump if you were a grasshopper?

  • How far could you jump if you were a flea?

Discuss/reflect

• If somebody else you live with was a kangaroo, how far could they jump?

• What is the difference between your jump and the jump of someone else you live with, if you were both kangaroos?

  • How did you work it out?