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Analyze motion using Newton's three laws
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Identify how these investigations relate to Newton's laws
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Compare motion in terms of Newton's laws
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Relate various forces to their effect on motion
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Collect, record, analyze, and report data on forces that use physical
contact; e.g., friction, springs, collisions
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Design and perform an experiment to test hypothesis
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Determine various forces in a system and interpret their effects on the system
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Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab and or media center for research.
Provide materials for a model snowboard
Two pieces of stiff cardboard 20 x 30 cm
A 2.5 x 5 cm strip of cardboard cut in the shape of a snowboard
Tape
Books and Internet resources about
Share-a-Thon Ideas
Internet Resources
Science Safety
Review the concept of scientific research. Good science involves performing research
to identify and solve problems. Scientists and engineers use laws of physics to improve
products to make them safer and/or more efficient.
Explain that the Olympic competitions have greatly benefited from science since winter
sports have become so popular. Even relatively new sports, such as snowboarding, have
been improved by using the laws of physics.
Experiment
In the following experiment, students will design a model snowboard to overcome friction.
Needed materials include:
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1.
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Tape together the two pieces of cardboard to make a ramp. Make sure the
apparatus is sturdy.
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2.
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Make two stacks of books. One should be 15 cm high and the other 30 cm high.
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3.
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Prop the cardboard on the books at an angle.
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4.
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Hold the small strip of paper at the top of the cardboard incline.
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5.
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Push the paper snowboard down the incline.
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6.
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Modify the paper snowboard to determine the following:
How does the shape of the board affect speed?
How does the weight of the board affect speed?
What materials would reduce friction between the surfaces?
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7.
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Compare your snowboard designs to those of other students.
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8.
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Use your snowboard in a class "Olympic" competition.
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Instruct students to use the Internet or other resources to learn more about
the history of at least three different types of equipment (such as skis) used
at the Winter Olympics.
Make a timeline or chart of improvements made to the equipment.
Lead a class discussion asking the students whether or not all Olympians
should be required to use the same brand and design of equipment when
competing in a certain sport? Ask them to write a paper explaining their
answer.
Design or modify a type of winter sports equipment and if possible, build a working model.
Use the computer and digital video technology to produce a video demonstrating the relationship
between physics and a Winter Olympic sport.
Research an Olympic story which discusses ways in which excellent equipment is a factor in the
Olympic competition. (Research current events. For example, the Bobsled team had sled runners
stolen from a storage unit. Because of the unique specifications of their construction, the
runners could not be replaced before the 2002 Olympics. Students may research this story
through the Deseret News or Tribune.)
