Harnessing sports forces

Can you identify the invisible impact of forces on a sport? Explore how friction and air resistance can be used to improve performance and have a go at creating exact sizes of impact forces needed to score goals.

Science Objectives
i) Explain that unsupported objects fall towards the Earth because of the force of gravity acting between the Earth and the falling object.

ii) Identify the effects of air resistance, water resistance and friction, that act between moving surfaces.

iii) Recognise that some mechanisms, including levers, pulleys and gears, allow a smaller force to have a greater effect.

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 tables.
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.
6. Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments.

Extended Writing Opportunity
Persuasive writing: Complete research or investigations into the materials used for various sports balls or bats/rackets and clubs and write a sports company advertising leaflet extolling the virtues of the new equipment.