Concept2 just put out a blog about 8 Erg Workout Ideas For Kids. Additionally, they put out another blog that explains how to adjust the machine for a younger rower as well as some tips for using the machine. It is important to remember safety when using the machine. The second blog is worth reading in order for your kids to use the Concept2 appropriately before doing the activities below.
I wanted to add a couple of apps that I have developed to help utilize the rowing machine. This will help keep your kids moving, burning off energy and using the time at home to do some learning. I am personally in the process of moving my Chemistry classes online in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. I thought that this post would be timely and helpful.
You will need a Concept2 equipped with a PM5 in order to use these apps. If not and you don’t have an iOS device (but you do have a Concept2) then here is the link to the worksheets we have created as part of the Tulsa Youth Rowing Association RowingSTEM curriculum.
You can download the RowingSTEM app you can do so by clicking below. The app is free to download and will always be free!
The RowingSTEM app provides all of the curriculum documentation. It also includes tools for data collection and analysis for all of the activities in the curriculum. By providing access to much of the data collected by the PM5 monitor, the avenues for the exploration of STEM through the vehicle of rowing are plenty!
Some Activities Included In The Rowing STEM App
- How much can you power activity? Connect the app to the rowing machine and row. The app will tell you what electrical device you are currently powering. Can you power a lightbulb for 4 minutes? (see point #3 in the Concept2 article). Here is the link to the non-app version
- Learn about Distance vs Time Graphs and here is the non-app version. Here is another version of the distance vs time activity using coxswain commands to help students draw these types of graphs.
- Play some Rowing Golf. Row certain distances in the shortest period of time. Try to stop the meters on the PM monitor at the precise distance of each hole on the course.
- For older high school age students, here is a lab for learning about the force curve for use with the app. Here is the version for use without the app.
- For primary school kids, here is an activity that involves doing mathematical calculations as they row 2000m, (note: this works best in teams, I’m not advocating that a primary school age rower row 2000m on their own!)
- Finally, here is an activity that students can use to measure and track their mobility over time. (Note: the activity does require the purchase of a goniometer for best effect, but you can order one from Amazon here)
There are more activities in the app and in the Google drive folder. Have a look through and let me know which ones are your favorites! If you have an idea for a STEM activity that involves the Concept2, drop me a line.
Erg Dude
The second app I have developed is more in line with fitness and fun. You may have played the fish game and this is the same kind of idea. However, this game includes power-ups, sound effects and things that explode! The free version has games that can be 1 to 2 minutes in length. With in-app purchases that extend the game time up to 20 minutes.
Erg Math
Finally, my latest iOS app is called Erg Math. It’s a fun way to for your kids to learn math while getting some exercise on the Concept2 rowing machine.
The basic idea is that the app provides math problems (you can set the difficulty). Do the math and then touch the correct answer on the iPad screen. Then row on the machine (the only way to move the robot character) until you get to the correct answer. Each game has a specific time limit (can also be set).
For more information on Erg Math click on through below:
I hope that the above provides some useful resources as we are living at home at this time. I’d value your feedback on any of the above, so drop me a line and let me know what you think!
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