Stair Power: Your Watts with the Margaria Test

Students do an adapted Margaria-Kalamen test by running up stairs as fast as possible and calculate their power in watts from body mass, height climbed and time. Physics concepts of work and power are linked to fitness and everyday tasks.

How to play

1. Explain work as mass times gravity times height and power as work divided by time; measure the height of one step as a group and count the steps (5 min).
2. Specific warm-up: two easy climbs and two build-up climbs, hitting every step (4 min).
3. In groups of three, each student does three all-out climbs taking two steps at a time after a 6-meter run-up; one times from the third to the ninth step and another records (9 min).
4. Each student calculates their power from their best time using their own mass, or a standard 60 kg if they'd rather not weigh themselves (4 min).
5. Compare that power with walking upstairs carrying a backpack and discuss how it relates to leg strength and daily life (3 min).

Rules

• Only one person climbs at a time and everyone goes down on the opposite side or another staircase.
• Use a staircase with a handrail, no obstacles and closed to other traffic.
• If you can't safely take two steps at a time, take one at a time with the matching height formula.
• Nobody has to share their weight: the standard mass can be used.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: calculate power on a ramp pushing the wheelchair or in a banded arm press, and time the others.
• Visual impairment: climb one step at a time holding the handrail, with a partner behind.
• Higher body weight or low fitness: climb fast but controlled, one step at a time.

Learning goals

• Calculate the work and power produced in a motor task.
• Value leg power as a component of physical fitness.
• Run a test protocol safely and accurately.

Equipment for a class of 25

• stopwatch: 9
• tape measure: 2
• worksheets: 28
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Ask the administration for permission to close the stairs during class. Body mass is sensitive data: always offer the standard-mass option.

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