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ScienceMathEngineering

Sports Biomechanics Lab

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Grades 6-860-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Athletes-turned-scientists film a throw, swing, or jump in slow motion, measure joint angles, and redesign equipment or technique to improve performance.

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Prep: 15 minActivity: 35 min1 session~$1/groupOne table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Print or hand-copy the essential prompt for Sports Biomechanics Lab, then set out only paper, pencils, and the common or recycled items needed for one test. Use a tabletop representation whenever the original version mentions a room, specialized device, or digital tool; the learning comes from the decisions and evidence, not elaborate scenery.

Activity

  1. Watch slow-motion footage of a throw or jump and predict which joint angle most affects the distance or height achieved.
  2. Set up markers and film a teammate performing the motion several times under the same conditions.
  3. Measure the joint angles frame by frame, notice the data contradicts the initial prediction, and revise the technique or equipment tweak being tested.
  4. Present the biomechanics findings with slow-motion clips showing the before-and-after improvement.

Done when: The group has completed Sports Biomechanics Lab when it can present the biomechanics findings with slow-motion clips showing the before-and-after improvement and point to the observation, measurement, comparison, or trial that supports its conclusion.

Materials

smartphone for slow-motion video, protractor, measuring tape, tape for floor markings, notebook

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Watch slow-motion footage of a throw or jump and predict which joint angle most affects the distance or height achieved.
  2. Set up markers and film a teammate performing the motion several times under the same conditions.
  3. Measure the joint angles frame by frame, notice the data contradicts the initial prediction, and revise the technique or equipment tweak being tested.
  4. Present the biomechanics findings with slow-motion clips showing the before-and-after improvement.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · MS-PS2-1

    Apply Newton's Third Law to design a solution to a problem involving the motion of two colliding objects.