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Having a Ball<\/h1>\n
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By Claudia Mar\u00eda Lara Galo<\/p>\n
Antigua, Guatemala<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Students in Guatemala<\/strong> enjoy a break in their school day that\u2019s known as recess. During this time, when teachers stroll through the courtyard, they see boys and girls having fun with various objects that are likely found in other countries as well, such as:<\/p>\n And, of course, the very special pelota de tripa de coche<\/em>, or rubber bouncing ball.<\/p>\n All these toys and games share several characteristics. Apart from bringing joy and entertainment to those who play, they are handmade and involve the mathematical concept of pi.<\/p>\n Gusty Game<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The rubber bouncing ball is unique for several reasons. First, its name: tripa de coche<\/em>. Tripa<\/em> is a colloquial term for \u201cintestine,\u201d and coche<\/em> refers to \u201cpig” or “pork.\u201d Although it’s up for debate whether these balls were originally made with pig intestines, nowadays other materials are used.<\/p>\n Before the colonial era, communities in Guatemala used hule<\/em> (\u201crubber\u201d) for various tools and household items, as well as for playing an indigenous sport with hoops and a springy rubber ball. This material is still used today to make balls that are known to all children for their ability to bounce very high.<\/p>\n The tradition endures in warm, humid regions of Guatemala:<\/p>\n There, rubber trees such as Castilla elastica<\/em> and Hevea brasiliensis<\/em> produce a sap or secretion. When mixed with other ingredients, this substance makes balls that are ideal for recess.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rubber Roundup<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n In the department of Retalhuleu, artisans craft balloons that are inflated with a pump similar to those used for bicycle tires. They cover the balloons with many layers of prepared rubber. Each ball is painted with cheerful colors, forming circles on the surface. It is an art passed down from generation to generation. One family can produce up to 800 balls per week.<\/p>\n Retalhuleu stands out for its warm climate and the influx of tourists who enjoy the extensive facilities of the Institute of Recreation for Workers, which include hotels and amusement theme parks with a variety of games. A common sight is children playing with rubber bouncing balls in these places. Although balls made of rubber are sold less frequently now that cheaper plastic options are available, none can match the bouncing ability of the traditional version.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Guatemala-Retalhuleu-ball-GMS-vDinno-600×400-1.png” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”Guatemala Retalhuleu ball GMS vDinno (600×400)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Guatemala-Retalhuleu-ball-GMS-600×400-1.png” alt=”Goats climbing argan trees in Morocco” title_text=”Guatemala Retalhuleu ball GMS (600×400)” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Justice Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n The tradition of making traditional rubber balls has been followed for generations. However, making them is time consuming and expensive compared with factory-made balls. Guatemalan children can get mass-produced plastic balls for a fraction of the cost of handmade originals.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.24.2″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
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