How a Simple Beach Ball is Rolling into I.C.D.S. Classrooms to Spark Innovation
What does a beach ball have to do with science, technology, engineering, and math? According to I.C.D.S., everything.
In a creative twist on hands-on learning, I.C.D.S. is introducing the beach ball as a symbol—and tool—for movement, energy, and collaborative discovery in classrooms and workshops across the region. The initiative, dubbed “Bounce Forward,” uses the humble beach ball to kickstart conversations about physics, coding, energy transfer, and engineering—all in a way that’s engaging, interactive, and fun.
Whether it’s measuring trajectory in a middle school physics experiment, using sensors to track motion, or developing a group coding game triggered by catching and tossing the ball, I.C.D.S. is proving that innovation doesn’t have to start with expensive equipment. Sometimes, all it takes is a colorful, inflatable sphere to get ideas bouncing.
“We want students to feel that STEM is something they can touch, play with, and understand intuitively,” said Michelle Scipio, Director of Programs at I.C.D.S. “The beach ball is lightweight, portable, and familiar—which makes it the perfect tool to break down learning barriers.”
As I.C.D.S. continues to expand access to science and technology education, it’s finding that the best tools aren’t always high-tech—they’re high-impact. And in this case, a simple beach ball is bouncing its way to the center of 21st-century learning.
-
Description text goes heres