Title:
The Science of Snowboarding
Grade Level:
Subject:
Author:
NBCLearn
Time:
60 minutes
Keywords:
snowboarding, Winter Olympics, physics, half-pipe, tricks, aerials, force, gravity, g-forces, speed, velocity, dynamic balance, dynamic motion, movement, potential energy, kinetic energy, matter, ramps, slopes, snow, surface, contact forces, friction, pumping, legs, height
Brief Description:
Students will explore the physics behind the amazing tricks snowboarders do in the half-pipe, specifically the concepts of gravity, friction, and energy (potential and kinetic). Students will also analyze factors, through a simulation, that make snowboarders go faster and higher on the half pipe.
Related Links:
Link 1:
Link 2:
Goal(s):
Students will explore the physics behind the amazing tricks snowboarders do in the half-pipe, specifically the concepts of gravity, friction, and energy (potential and kinetic). Students will also analyze factors, through a simulation, that make snowboarders go faster and higher on the half pipe.
Specific Objectives:
Students will be able to:
- Ask scientific questions.
- Simulate the “pumping” effect of a snowboarder on the half pipe by using a playground swing.
- Identify ways that snowboarders practice when they are not around snow.
Required Materials:
The NBC Learn Video:
THE SCIENCE OF SNOWBOARDING!, a copy of the worksheet, “
Student Activity: THE SCIENCE OF SNOWBOARDING!”, A playground swing, 1 meter stick taped to a second meter stick end to end, a computer with access to the Internet for research
Anticipatory Set (Lead-in):
Ask students to raise their hands if they have ever been on a snowboard before. Ask students if they have ever seen a snowboard competition before. Discuss answers. Tell students that they are going to learn about the science of snowboarding, which involves the concepts of gravity, friction, and energy. View the NBC Learn Video:
THE SCIENCE OF SNOWBOARDING!Lesson Plan Procedure:
See attached
Student Activity Sheet for the procedure.
Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):
Write the words gravity, friction and energy on the board. Brainstorm with students on these three words and how they relate to snowboarding. Write brief words under each word to summarize what students say. Next, draw a venn diagram to show each of the three concepts in three circles that overlap one another. Help students place the words they have already brainstormed in the most appropriate place in the diagram.
Plan for Independent Practice:
Ask students to research ways that snowboarders can practice when they are not around snow. Students can work in groups to compile a list of techniques and strategies that snowboarders use when they can’t really use their snowboard on snow. Ask students to include at least one exercise that helps snowboarders when they are off the snowboard. Ask students to present what they found to the rest of the class including a demonstration of the exercise that snowboarders do.
Assessment Based on Objectives:
Begin the next day’s lesson with the quiz, “
THE SCIENCE OF SNOWBOARDING!”.
Possible Connections to Other Subjects:
Social Studies/History/Technology: Students can research the history of snowboarding and summarize the milestones of the sport in a Power Point presentation. Students can then present their project to the class.
Adaptations and Extensions:
Additional Notes:
N/A
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