Launch Lab Teacher Guide
Launch Lab
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grades 1-3 | PE & Science
Lesson Objective
Students will investigate how momentum (speed) and trajectory (angle) affect jumping distance through physical experimentation and data collection.
PE Standards
- Demonstrate jumping and landing patterns.
- Apply biomechanical principles (bending knees).
- Coordinate movement with speed.
Science Standards
- Plan and conduct an investigation.
- Analyze data from tests.
- Understand push/pull forces and gravity.
Materials Checklist
- Cones or Floor Tape (6 per group)
- Measuring Tapes or Yardsticks
- Launch Lab Data Sheets
- "How Far Can You Jump?" Video
Pacing & Facilitation
05
Warm-Up: Muscle Wake-Up
Focus on activating the lower body. Guide students through:
Toe Touches (10)
Frog Jumps (10)
Knee Hugs (5 each)
05
Launch Theory: SciShow Video
Watch the video. Use these specific pause points to spark thinking:
- 0:48 (Body Check): Have students mimic a slow-mo jump. "What do your knees do? How do your muscles feel?"
- 1:30 (Speed Boost): Ask: "How can we get faster right now without training for weeks?"
- 2:03 (Prediction): "Which path goes further: a laser beam (flat) or a rainbow (diagonal)?"
20
The Experiment: 3-Way Jump Test
Split students into pairs. One jumps, one marks/measures. Switch roles.
Test 1
Standing Flat
No run-up. Jump straight forward (low arc).
Test 2
Standing Diagonal
No run-up. Jump forward and UP (rainbow arc).
Test 3
Running Diagonal
5-step run-up. Jump forward and UP.
Discussion & Reflection (10 min)
Science Analysis
Health Connection
"When we jump, our hearts beat faster and we breathe harder. That's our body's way of getting 'fuel' (oxygen and blood) to our muscles so they can stay strong!"
Key Vocabulary:
Diagonal: A direction between straight up and straight forward.
Momentum: The force you have when you are moving.
Lab Setup Visual
Run-Up Zone (5ft)
Measurement Area
Launch Lab Worksheet
Launch Lab
Scientific Investigation
Pilot:
Date:
Your Mission:
Which jump is the longest? Use speed and angles to launch yourself as far as you can! Have your partner mark where your heels land.
1
Standing Jump (Flat)
Aim Forward
Flat Path
Distance Traveled:
2
Standing Jump (Diagonal)
Aim Up & Forward
Rainbow Path
Distance Traveled:
3
Running Jump (Diagonal)
Add Speed!
Fast Rainbow
Distance Traveled:
The Science Results
Which jump was the longest? Circle one:
Jump 1
Jump 2
Jump 3
Why did that jump go the farthest? (Use words like Speed or Up)
Launch Lab Slides
Launch Lab
The Physics of Jumping
🏃 PE
🧪 SCIENCE
Muscle Wake-Up
10
Toe Touches
Reach high to the sky, then down to your toes!
10
Frog Jumps
Crouch low and explode up like a spring!
05
Knee Hugs
Bring your knee to your chest and squeeze.
Get your blood pumping and heart beating!
Mission Briefing
SCI-SHOW KIDS
Embedded media
Trick #1: Speed
The Power of Momentum
If you are already moving fast when you jump, you will fly much farther!
Use a "Run-Up" start.
Trick #2: Angle
The Diagonal Path
Jump Forward & Up!
A "rainbow path" keeps you in the air longer before gravity pulls you down.
Lab Instructions
1
Jump!
Try all 3 styles of jumps.
2
Mark!
Partner marks where your HEELS land.
3
Measure!
Use the tape to find the distance.
Record your data on your worksheet!
Data Debrief
?
Which jump was the CHAMPION? Why?
?
Does jumping "high" help you go "far"? How?
?
How did your muscles feel after the running jump?
Strong Hearts
"When we play and move, our hearts beat faster and we breathe harder to keep our 600+ muscles healthy and strong!"
Lab Complete!