Book 33, Question 89 · Video
Why do kangaroos hop?
A kangaroo’s big back legs have springy tendons, like rubber bands. When the kangaroo lands, the tendons stretch and store energy, and then they snap back to help it bounce into the next hop. That means the kangaroo uses less energy hopping fast than running. A kangaroo can go over 30 miles per hour in a burst. Hopping is a smart way to travel.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do kangaroos hop?
The Big Idea
Kangaroos hop instead of run! Boing, boing! Why?
Springy Tendons
Step one: Springy Tendons. A kangaroo's big back legs have springy tendons, like rubber bands. When it lands, the tendons stretch and store energy.
Bouncing Back
Step two: Bouncing Back. Then the tendons snap back to help it bounce into the next hop. That means the kangaroo uses less energy hopping fast than running.
Fast Hoppers
Step three: Fast Hoppers. A kangaroo can go over 30 miles per hour in a burst. It uses its long, heavy tail for balance when it hops. Hopping is a smart way to travel.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Stretch. Stored. Balances. Over 30 mph.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! A kangaroo uses its tail for balance when it hops. Tendons store energy. They can go over 30 miles per hour. Hopping saves energy.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Find a clear, safe space. Jump with your knees stiff ten times. Then jump with springy knees ten times. Which feels easier to repeat? Springy legs save energy.
Outro
A kangaroo's back legs have springy tendons that stretch and store energy when it lands, then snap back for the next hop. So hopping fast uses less energy than running, and kangaroos can reach over 30 miles per hour. Science is amazing! The world is full of surprises. Keep asking big questions, and keep exploring with me! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!