National Geographic takes a high-level look at the physics behind waterslides. A lot of science goes into providing a safe 60 mph trip down slides like Walt Disney World's 10-story Summit Plummet. 'Safety is our number one concern,' explains Rick Hunter of ProSlide Technology. 'We're thinking about things like, "are you going to stay on the fiberglass tube," it's really easy to do a computer model and look at curves and drops and forecast rider position and speed.
Science of NFL Football - NBC Learn, in partnership with the National Science Foundation and National Football League, unravels the science behind professional football. For lesson plans and activities, visit our partner at Lessonopoly. If you are having trouble viewing the videos, click here. "
"exclusive footage and contributions from football players and NSF scientists, the series will help teach your students concepts like nutrition, kinematics, and projectile motion. Each video is complemented with lesson plans which include fun classroom activities."
"concept of torque through a short NBC Learn video on the science of the NFL, demonstrations, and a lab activity. Students learn how to calculate torque and determine how it is used in simple machines, everyday life, and in sports."
"Introductory Physics I with Laboratory
Michael F. Schatz
Explore motion in the real world using modern tools and techniques (video capture and analysis, computer modeling) guided by fundamental physics principles."
The Physics of Sailing
Northern California has a storied, 500-year history of sailing. But despite this rich heritage, scientists and boat designers continue to learn more each day about what makes a sail boat move. Contrary to what you might expect, the physics of sailing still present some mysteries to modern sailors."
"It's called the Loopwheel, and its system of "tangential suspension"-essentially leaf springs folded back in on themselves-are not only workable, but they provide a gentler ride over sharp obstacles due to physics:"
"Electromagnetic Spectrum
A picture showing the electromagnetic spectrum from radio waves to gamma waves This diagram shows the types of wavelengths going from longest to shortest. Image Credit: NASA
all the wavelengths of visible and invisible light. Visible light is near the center of the spectrum. "
"fascinating devices that don't work. It houses diverse examples of the perverse genius of inventors who refused to let their thinking be intimidated by the laws of nature, remaining optimistic in the face of repeated failures. Watch and be amazed as we bring to life eccentric and even intricate perpetual motion machines that have remained steadfastly unmoving since their inception."
"This introductory, algebra-based, two-semester college physics book is grounded with real-world examples, illustrations, and explanations to help students grasp key, fundamental physics concepts. This online, fully editable and customizable title includes learning objectives, concept questions, links to labs and simulations, and ample practice opportunities to solve traditional physics application problems. "
"Take a Spin on the Centrifuge (MIT Engineering K-12 Video Pilot)
This video uses Man-Vehicle Lab's human centrifuge to discuss centripetal force and countermeasures for astronaut bone and muscle loss in space. It shows the mathematics required to calculate centripetal force, and performs an experiment on the centrifuge with an "astronaut.""
"Tunnel Through!
Contributed by: Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder
Photo shows two men looking at metal prongs coming through the side of a mountain with a crumbling rock pile in front of them.
Workers look at the TBM cutterhead after it reached daylight in April 1997, after a 2.5-year journey excavating through Yucca Mountain, NV. TBM is a tunnel boring machine.
Students apply their knowledge about mountains and rocks to transportation engineering, with the task of developing a model mountain tunnel that simulates the principles behind real-life engineering design. Student teams design and create model tunnels through a clay mountain, working within design constraints and testing for success; the tunnels must meet specific design requirements and withstand a certain load. "
"Let's break down the physics behind the ollie, the world's most popular skateboarding trick. DSN Heroes Judy and Adam use super slow motion to describe the role that force plays in pulling off this trick. Click below to see the video."