Physics and Sports

Cancelled due to low enrollment.

July 28-August 8, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: UNC Charlotte, To Be Determined
(3 Graduate or 6.0 Renewal Credits)

The Institute will meet the NCSCOS for 7th grade science: Competency Goal 1 – designing and conducting investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry, Competency Goal 2 – demonstrating an understanding of technological design, and Competency Goal 6 – conducting investigations, using models, simulations, and appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of motion and forces.

This course is designed to teach fundamental physics through clearly observed sports actions. Athletics are obviously a significant part of our society. Attaching physics concepts to the activities will help students to gain a better appreciation for science and technology through avenues that they can appreciate and enjoy every day. The course will include detailed discussions about baseball, softball, auto racing, and golf. Other sports will probably also be peripherally discussed, such as tennis, swimming, football, and basketball. We will address many sports questions, such as ‘What makes a curveball curve?', ‘What purpose do the dimples on a golf ball serve?', and so on. Specific physics concepts include forces, Newton 's Laws, conservation of energy, conservation of linear momentum, conservation of angular momentum, Bernoulli's principle for fluid flow, centripetal force, vibrations and sound, and heat transfer. In addition, an understanding of materials characteristics will be important to the discussions.

Field Trips: Field trips will be scheduled to tour the Carolina’s Panther’s Summer Training Camp, UNC Charlotte soccer and baseballs summer camps, NASCAR’s sports training centers and other sites selected by UNC Charlotte Faculty.


Instructor: Dr. Pat Moyer, UNC Charlotte
Target: Grade 6-12 Science Teachers
Fee: $400 and Graduate Fees (if Grad Credit requested)