Diane Louise Jordan has three dance sessions exploring science themes, including forces and magnets.
1. Zingy springy springs! audio
Diane Louise Jordan finds out about forces, with dances inspired by some very bouncy springs.
2. Marvellous magnets. audio
Diane Louise Jordan finds out about magnetism, with dances full of pushing and pulling power.
3. Monster makeover. audio
Diane Louise Jordan has dances bringing springs and magnets together to create a mechanical monster.
Springs, magnets and monsters
Science can be a great stimulus and springboard for dance, as we discover in âSprings, magnets and monstersâ - where things become very energetic! You may like to link this unit to some simple classroom experiments exploring physics and Design and Technology (eg with moving toys, rubber-bands, magnets and springs). The childrenâs first-hand movement experience will be invaluable in helping them grasp some of the science concepts about the forces involved.
In the first session the children think about some everyday things that push, pull and stretch. Then the focus is on springs, as they âcompressâ (squash down) and then âreleaseâ their energy. In groups, the children become a box of springs and bounce around the space, then experiment with being old-fashioned clockwork toys, winding-up, travelling, slowing down and stopping. Finally they relax as expanding elastic bands
In the second session the children move like a compass needle responding to magnetic North, then explore sudden changes between the âattractingâ and ârepellingâ effects of magnetic polarities changing. Electro-magnetism brings movement alive, with power surging through their bodies in partner work, and in the group creation of âscrap-metal sculpturesâ. These are combined in a whole class extravaganza of invisible forces.
The final session brings springs and magnets together in a creative exploration of clockwork monsters on the move. Individually, the children try out jerky, mechanical head-and-body movements, then form groups to combine their ideas for springy, magnetic monsters with lots of legs, weird feelers, electro-magnetic pulsing and swishing tailsâŠscary! But at the end they can relax - of course, itâs all a dream!
Resources
Guidance on using the dance sessions in this unit with your group (pdf)
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The Great Fire of London. collection
Pete Hillier has three exciting dance sessions exploring the Great Fire of 1666.
