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Physics in Sport: Gymnastics
The challenge in this activity is to construct a landing mat capable of dissipating the kinetic energy of a marble dropped onto it, but also being firm enough for the marble not to bounce off. Students are given different materials to trial as a landing mat and must experiment to discover which material is best. They use carbon paper to look at the trace of impacts from each drop. This investigation would provide a good vehicle through which to discuss energy transfers in a system.
In the video, Dr. Chris Mills, from the University of Portsmouth, uses a model of a high bar to describe the physics associated with gymnastics.
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Gymnastics: challenge sheet 126.81 KB
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Gymnastics: scientific background 124.95 KB
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Gymnastics: teachers' notes 142.78 KB
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Gymnastics: challenge sheet 126.81 KB -
Gymnastics: scientific background 124.95 KB
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Gymnastics: teachers' notes 142.78 KB
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