Learn Newton’s Laws by bouncing off walls

DUBAI An indoor trampoline entertainment park has partnered with several UAE schools to launch educational programmes in which students can learn everything from science to fitness in a fun way.

The Al Quoz-based Bounce, which has 80 interconnected trampolines on which kids and adults have been jumping around for fun, is now offering what it calls “the ultimate school excursion”, which has an educational element built into it.

Doran Davies, COO of Bounce, told XPRESS: “We have had over 100 school groups attending these sessions. The concept is simple. Kids love bouncing off the walls, landing in the big bag, tackling “the wall” and trying their hand at trampoline dodgeball and the slam-dunk rings. What we have done now is to collaborate with schools to bring classroom learning to life.”

Customised programmes

He said Bounce has different educational programmes tailored to a school’s specific needs. For instance, it has rolled out a ‘Forces and Motion’ module for the GEMS World Academy which is in line with the school’s curriculum. As Davies explained, “The kids are led through the programme experiencing first-hand the effects of potential and kinetic energy and Newton’s principles. In addition, there is a full range of programmes from lesson plans, after school activities, basic jumping skills etc, so each school can pick the package that best suits its needs.”

Davies said trampolining is also an effective exercise. Since its launch in June last year, Bounce has been promoting its rebound exercises. It quotes a NASA study that says 10 minutes of trampoline bouncing is a better cardiovascular workout than 33 minutes of running.

Bouncing on a trampoline, it claims, also stimulates the body to rid itself of toxins and waste, besides building a sense of balance and coordination.

“You learn to control the coordination of arms and legs while bouncing and to adjust the position of your body accordingly. Improved co-ordination and fine motor skills can assist in sports that require a lot of hand-eye and general co-ordination. Gymnasts and acrobats also use trampolines to improve their aerial skills and tumbles.”

Teachers across schools also endorse the benefits.

Joanne Cleland, Grade 3 teacher at GEMS International School Al Khail, said: “We are having an amazing time, several children have learned to land a flip on the trampolines.”

Paul Taylor, secondary teacher- Rak Academy, said “We brought 120 kids. Every single child has been involved, they have all loved it and they can’t wait to come back again.”

Davies said the average price of the educational sessions works out to around Dh80 per child per hour. Schools can also get specific packages for their students.