Sparking JOY in communities with the Yeet the Yo Show!

Yeet the Yo! uses the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework embedded both in the content and the delivery of the program. As a performer-educator, Jenifer Joy models UDL principles in her own journey of learning and mastery, but she also designs the experience to engage diverse learners.

Engagement — “The Why of Learning” 

• Real-life challenges and “failing forward” moments during yo-yo practice help students connect emotionally and see that struggle is part of learning.
• The JOY framework (Joy takes effort, Openness, You) supports social-emotional engagement and personal identity-building.
   

Representation — “The What of Learning”

• The performance includes storytelling, visuals, spoken narrative, motion, music, and kinesthetic elements — reaching auditory, visual, and physical learners.
• Scientific ideas (like angular momentum or gravity) are taught through analogies, physical demonstrations, and metaphor — making abstract concepts accessible.
• Cultural and historical references to the yo-yo’s evolution provide context for global learners and enrich understanding.
   

Action & Expression — “The How of Learning”

• Audience members are invited to participate live on stage and afterward through hands-on workshops.
• Learners explore and express understanding by experimenting at the Yeet Station, trying their own throw, asking questions, and adapting their technique — an iterative process.
• Students of all abilities are celebrated for effort, curiosity, and progress — not just performance “perfection.”

What does that mean mathematically and scientifically? I wanted to know so....

I created a "Yeet Station" with a accelerator device measuring g force and XYZ - then I modeled a ChatGPT to be my Yeet Calculator - it takes the rim and axel diameter, plus the string length and combines that with the force (aka. yeet or g force) of a throw, and even factors in a straightness factor (because friction with affect spin time) and ultimatly, you get your YES - a Yeet Efficiency Score!