Make arrangements for student use of the school computer lab for research. Provide examples
of simple machines. Provide materials that may be helpful for the experimental design of the
sporting equipment.
Explain how Science is a large part of Olympic competition. Athletes want to have every
possible advantage in their competition. They often turn to science to design and produce
equipment that will be the most efficient for their event. In eighth grade science students
learn about simple machines, devices that makes work easier. This is accomplished by changing
the size or direction of the force being applied to accomplish the work. There are six types
of simple machines: an inclined plane, lever, pulley, wheel and axel, screw, and wedge.
Have students make a list of the six simple machines. Explain how each machine either changes
the direction or size of the force being applied. Give three examples of each machine.
Brainstorm a list of sports played during the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Review the Internet
site for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games to find a complete of sporting events.
Discuss the equipment used in each of the listed events.
Compare the equipment used in the events to simple machines. For example, a ski jump
is an example of an inclined plane.
Discuss why the simple machines that athletes use be in top working condition?
Explain that in the summer of 2000, the bobsled blades of the American Bobsled Team
were stolen. These blades are worth thousands of dollars. Although they were later
recovered, it could have been a very big problem for the bobsled team if the blades
had not been recovered. Why do you think the blades were so important to the
bobsledding team?
Instruct students to make a chart, poster or report that compares the sporting
equipment used at the Olympic Winter Games to the relevant simple machines.
Students will create and explain a sporting equipment and simple machine comparison chart.
The popular sport of snowboarding is a relatively new. Snowboards were pioneered in the
late seventies. Have students use their imaginations and the information learned about
simple machines to invent a new winter sport for the Olympic Games. Students may draw
a sketch of your invention, or may try to build it. Perhaps 30 years from now, one of
the inventions will be as popular as the snowboard is today or even become a new
Olympic event.
Have students find out more information about Inventions at the invention site listed
under the tools and resource section. Students may also submit their ideas via e-mail
through the same site.
