The Science of Playgrounds

The Science of Playgrounds — page 1

The Science of Playgrounds — page 2 — CHAPTER ONE LET IT SLIDE After lunch they rush outside They go jayden and Emily can’t wait for recess friends go down the slides every day they can straight to the playground The two They feel like they’re flying as they glide down to the ground Emily climbs the steps to their favorite slide It’s the yellow one that spirals around in a corkscrew Jayden follows close behind Science helps make playgrounds fun and safe 5

The Science of Playgrounds — page 3 — The type of slide will change the way gravity moves the person down it The top of the slide is a flat surface It’s covered by a plastic roof There’s a bar to hold on to Emily uses the bar to get in position She sits at the top and inches over the edge Then she lets go of the bar and puts her hands on the sides of the slide She pushes off She takes the first turn slowly But she starts to go faster as she swirls down the slide She’s going fast enough that she feels like she could fly off the end 6

The Science of Playgrounds — page 4 — When Emily’s ride is over she climbs off and waits for Jayden He comes speeding down the slide after her They rush to get back in line for another turn DOWNWARD SLIDE Playgrounds can be different from each other But just about every playground has a slide Some twist around Some follow straight paths to the ground No matter what type of slide a person goes down THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY Some kids don’t have access to playgrounds at their schools or in their communities But it’s important for all kids to have safe playgrounds available Playgrounds can have many benefits for kids Students at an elementary school in Texas get multiple recesses a day This is because studies have shown that kids learn better after breaks for playing and moving It makes the students healthier Playgrounds also help with physical and mental growth Playground equipment can help kids develop their strength and other skills Interaction with other kids on the playground helps them with their social skills too 7

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