Pump It Up

Before the meeting: 

1. Set up meeting space with a bicycle.  
2. Become familiar with how to use the bike pump you will be using by reading the instruction manual for that bike pump. 
3. Identify on the tire where the proper PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) for the tire. 
4. Make sure the tire needs air by releasing air out of the tire so it is below the recommended PSI. 

 During the meeting: 

1. Have Cub Scouts surround the bike as you demonstrate how to pump the tires.  
2. Show Cub Scouts that on every bike tire there is a place that indicates how much air should be in the tire.  Explain that air in bike tires expands and contracts with weather conditions.  Air expands when it is hot and contracts when it is cold so you always should check your tire pressure before riding. 
3. Show Cub Scouts on the tire where the PSI is.  Explain to Cub Scouts that tire pressure is measured in PSI which stands for pounds per square inch.  For example, if it says 60 PSI that means that the pressure pushing out on the tire is equal to 60 pounds for every 1 inch by 1 inch square on the tire.  That would be like 7 gallons of milk stacked on top of each other placed on your toe. 
4. Demonstrate how to check the tire pressure and compare it to what the pressure should be. 
5. Demonstrate how to pump the tire up to the proper pressure. 
6. Release the pressure in the tire and allow each Cub Scout to check the pressure and pump air into the tire to reach the proper pressure.