Sports Science Science Projects (Page 6)

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Walking may seem simple, but it is actually a carefully coordinated process involving balance, rhythm, and efficiency. The way we walk—our gait—changes depending on speed. At slower speeds, people tend to take shorter, more careful steps. At faster speeds, stride length usually increases and step frequency (cadence) rises to keep up. Biomechanics researchers study these patterns to understand how speed influences gait mechanics and stability, since walking is one of the most… Read more

Skating and Angular Momentum

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Place a desk chair (one that rotates easily on ball bearings) in the center of the room, away from any obstructions. Put your hands on your lap and have a helper give you a push to start you rotating. You'll need to quantify the results somehow. For example, your helper could measure the number of revolutions you make in 5 seconds. Now try extending your arms after your helper starts you spinning. Next, start with your arms out, and bring them in close to your body after you start… Read more

Do Heavy Loads Shorten Your Steps?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You probably notice that when you carry something heavy—whether it’s a backpack filled with books, grocery bags, or a weighted vest—the way you walk changes. Your body adjusts in many ways to maintain balance, avoid fatigue, and reduce injury risk. One of these adjustments happens in your step length—that is, how far you move forward with each step. Biomechanical studies show that adding extra load (weight) often causes people to take shorter, more cautious steps. This… Read more

Skateboard Extremes: Which Wheels are Best for Speed & Turns?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Skateboarder alert: Extreme performance needed in this project. You can cruise and carve while you investigate which skateboard wheels produce the fastest (and slowest) rides on your terrain in these experiments. You pick the wheels and design the tests you think will produce the most extreme results for speed and turns. Do this project and you can work on your ride and learn some science about the speed, spin, and design of skateboard wheels. Read more

Football: Punting

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

When the punter is trying to hit the "coffin corner" (within the opposing team's 10-yard line), out of bounds, what is the best angle to kick the ball for correct distance and maximum "hang time?" (For more information on the physics involved, see: Gay, 2004, Chapters 4 and 5.) Read more

Tee Time: How Fast is Your Golf Swing?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The goal of every golfer is to hit the golf ball as far as possible down the fairway. A key factor in determining the distance that the ball will travel is the velocity of the club when it strikes the ball. In this sports science fair project, you will determine exactly how distance is related to club velocity. Time to tee off! Read more

How Quickly Does a Tennis Ball Lose Its Bounce?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

The rebound rating is the ratio of the height the ball bounces to, divided by the height the ball was dropped from. Use the rebound rating to measure the bounciness of new tennis balls vs. balls that have been used for 10, 20, 50, and 100 games. Another idea to explore: does it matter what type of court the ball is used on? (See: Goodstein, 1999, 63-64.) Read more

Skiing and Friction: How Does Ski Wax Affect the Sliding Friction of Skis?

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

You can model this with an ice cube sliding down a plank: how high do you need to lift the end of the plank before the ice cube starts to slide? Try this with one side plain wood and the flip side waxed wood (use paraffin wax, candle wax or ski wax). Make sure both sides are equally smooth to start with. Do at least three trials. More advanced: using what you know about the forces acting on the ice cube, derive equations to calculate the coefficient of friction for each case. Variation: chill… Read more

Should We Walk Like Penguins? How Age Affects Your Stride

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

Watch out for that ice! When winter weather makes sidewalks icy, many people slip and fall. One tip doctors give is to walk like a penguin. That means pointing your feet slightly outward, keeping your center of gravity over your feet, and taking short, careful steps. Research has shown that these changes in stride and posture help people stay stable and avoid falls. These tips are especially helpful for older adults, who are more at risk of falling due to a decline in their balance as they… Read more

Hey Gear Heads! The Physics of Bicycle Gear Ratios

Science Fair Project Idea

Scientific Method

If you have a multi-speed bike, you know that you can make it easier or harder to pedal just by shifting gears. Ever wonder how that works? You can investigate this a number of ways. A basic approach is to use a selection of spools of thread (with different diameters), a board with two nails, and a rubber band. Place a spool over each nail, and put the rubber band over them. Mark the 12:00 position on each spool so that you can count revolutions. Turn one spool through a full circle and… Read more

Sports Science Science Projects (66 results)

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