Riding the Gravity Wave
Students examine gravity in sportsCopyright Microsoft Corporation, 1983-2001.
Students write a biographical sketch of an artist or athlete who lives on the edge, riding the gravity wave, to better understand how these artists and athletes work with gravity and manage risk. Note: The literacy activity is based on physical themes that hasz broad application to our experience in the world — concepts of rhythm, balance, spin, gravity, levity, inertia, momentum, friction, stress and tension.
Some engineers design sports equipment for athletes who are trying to defy gravity. When athletes propel themselves by their own power, they want low-weight but durable equipment. A world-class sprinter runs in specially-designed, super light sprinting spikes. Pro cyclists want the lightest, but still strong and rigid, bicycles as they climb and descend mountains. Engineer-designed sports equipment might include boards, sails, skis, shoes, bats, masks, ropes and safety straps, helmets, clothing or bicycles.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Students apply skills in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and explanation to their writing and speaking.
- Write and speak in the content areas using the technical vocabulary of the subject accurately.
- Understand how athletes must work with (and sometimes against) gravity