Swing STEM Challenge for Kids

🛝 Who Invented the First Swing?

Swings have been around for a long, long time—way before playgrounds were even a thing! The very first swings were made from ropes tied to tree branches. People used wood, vines, or even old tires as the seat. No one knows exactly who invented the first swing, but they’ve been found in ancient art from Greece, China, and Egypt!

Swings are a type of simple machine called a pendulum. When you pull the swing back and let go, gravity pulls it forward. The harder you pump your legs, the higher you go!

Today, there are many types of swings: baby swings, tire swings, and even giant basket swings. But not everyone can use the same kind. Some swings are designed to be more inclusive, which means they work for people of all abilities. These might have seat belts, high backs, or space for a wheelchair.

Designing for everyone means more kids can feel the joy of flying through the air!

Did You Know?

There’s a swing in New Zealand that launches you over a canyon at 75 miles per hour. It’s the biggest swing in the world!

đź§  Your Challenge:

Design a swing that’s inclusive or one that can hold multiple people. How will you keep everyone safe and supported? Think about the seat, the frame, and how it moves.