Physics of Winter Olympics

Step onto the ice and snow to discover the hidden forces behind the world’s most thrilling winter sports! In this course, we transform the Olympic arena into a giant physics lab. Why do figure skaters spin faster when they pull their arms in? How does a 500-pound bobsled defy gravity on a frozen curve? And what is the "secret science" of ice that allows a curling stone to glide?

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From the kinematics of a downhill skier to the projectile motion of a ski jumper, students will learn to "see" the invisible vectors of force, friction, and momentum. Whether we are calculating the aerodynamic drag on a speed skater or exploring how conservation of angular momentum creates a triple-axel, you’ll discover that winning gold is as much about mastering Newton’s Laws as it is about athletic grit.