Cirque du Science

Acrobatics, aerial dancing, stilt walking... all these circus tricks may seem like magic, but they’re really just science in motion! Work with your students to explore the physics embedded in this art form.

Start by exploring the concept of gravity and the basic laws that surround it. Demonstrate how gravity works on simple classroom objects and lead discussions afterward.

Next, start to embody the laws of gravity in your own body! Have students try to balance on one leg, balance a book on their head or jump as high as they can, and then explain how gravity impacted each movement. You may also want to dive into concepts like center of gravity, velocity and centripetal force to help supplement these scientific findings.

Once you’ve experimented with physics in the classroom, let your students choose a video of a seemingly impossible circus act, and, using their newfound knowledge, use gravity to help explain how it’s possible.

Bonus: Try to recreate a simple circus stunt like juggling or weight sharing in your classroom (safely, of course) now that you know some of the science behind it!

To support this unit, use the Circus of the Classroom Stars Activity.