Sports kit and equipment enquiries

Explore the science of sports kit materials and why some fabrics are better than others. Carry out an investigation and compare the materials different sports balls are made from. Examine the properties of Paralympian biomechanical materials and how they impact on disability sport.

Science Objectives
i) Compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties.

ii) Give reasons, based on evidence from comparative and fair tests, for the particular uses of everyday materials, including metals, wood and plastic.

Working Scientifically

1. Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
2. Take measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
3. Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.
4. Use test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests.
5. Report and present findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
6. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.