Playground Physics: Hang In There!

Tip Sheet - Playing with pendulums and swings can help preschool children fi nd out more about gravity and motion (see Illinois Early Learning and Development Benchmarks 11.A.ECa, 11.A.ECc, 12.D.ECa, 12.D.ECb, and 13.A.ECa). Emphasize safety: An adult should stay close by to make sure children use the pendulum safely. Remove all pendulums, especially the cords, from the playground when you are not supervising their use. Children must not swing on a pendulum or wrap the cord around any part of their bodies.