According to Northwestern University's Space Environment website, the mass or weight of an object determines how much gravity pulls it down as everything with mass emits tiny particles called gravitons, and more mass results in more gravitons. This science experiment explores this gravitational theory as it tests the maximum height you can jump on a pogo stick against the weight it has to hold. Set up a height chart measuring feet and inches against a wall. Start with only your weight and videotape yourself jumping on the pogo stick for two minutes in front of the height chart. After watching the video, record the maximum height the top of your head reached at your weight. Add weight in 5 lb. increments using ankle weights and repeat the test to determine how much adding weight affects gravitational pull and how high you can jump on the pogo stick.
According to the Georgia State University's Hyperphysics website, trajectory is the parabolic motion of an object that results from the combination of gravity, time of flight, vertical impact velocity, launch velocity, height of launch and horizontal range. This project explores the relationship between the height of launch and horizontal range as you test the impact varying the maximum height has on the distance traveled. Create a height chart measuring feet and inches against a wall. Create a length chart that runs horizontally on the ground. Videotape yourself trying to jump as far as you can on the pogo stick and record your distances. Watch the video tape and record your maximum height for each jump. Analyze how jumping different heights affects the trajectory of the jump.
According to Dr. Stephen Lord, "Vision plays a direct role in stabilizing balance by providing the nervous system with information regarding the position and movements of body in relation to each other and the environment." This project assesses how much vision impacts balance by testing how long you can jump on a pogo stick when you vary your ability to see. Time yourself to see how long you can jump on a pogo stick with your normal vision. Repeat this experiment wearing a blindfold, sunglasses and intoxication simulation goggles. Analyze how your ability to see affects how long you are able to balance jumping on the pogo stick.
According to The Physics Classroom website, momentum "refers to the quantity of motion that an object has and depends upon the variables mass and velocity." This experiment tests how much momentum can affect the distance you travel jumping on a pogo stick as you increase velocity. Mark a jump line on the sidewalk. Draw a length chart on the sidewalk starting from the jump line. Start at the jump line and jump as far as you can on the pogo stick. Move back to allow one bounce before you get the the jump line and then jump as far as you can once you reach the jump line. Continue this process allowing yourself an additional bounce before you hit the jump line each time you move back. Analyze whether or not adding extra horizontal jumps builds up velocity (speed), creates momentum and results in farther jumps.
Always wear a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads while jumping on a pogo stick, as injuries can occur. Children should not conduct these experiments without adult supervision.