Double Dutch

We're Francesca, Precious, and Marnicka, and we jump for joy whenever anyone mentions Double Dutch. Double Dutch jump roping dates back to the 1600s, and uses two ropes instead of one. Special moves like the "washing machine," the "mamba," and "pop-ups" make Double Dutch cool, and competitions keep things interesting! One of the most important things in Double Dutch is to sense the rope's beat. Although you can both hear and see the ropes, it's easy to get distracted by the music, lights, or other kids at a competition. This got us thinking: Does hearing or seeing the ropes have a bigger effect on our performance, or are both senses equally important?

How Would You Investigate This Question?
To answer the girls' question, do a little digging on Double Dutch. What kind of ropes do jumpers use? How do they turn them, and how fast do they go? Once you're familiar with the mechanics of Double Dutch, think about sight and sound. Which sense seems more important to keeping the beat, and why? Which sense provides a better filter for distractions? Write your ideas in your notebook and discuss them with your classmates and your teacher. Then watch the video segment, or go to Double Dutch to check out how the girls sorted out their senses.