The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science: 54 All-Star Experiments

Gr 4 Up—Connolly's appealing collection of hands-on experiments illustrates many of the science principles at work in athletics. The work consists of seven well-organized chapters of clearly described activities. The format for each experiment is consistent, beginning with a heading that notes the specific sport involved and estimated amount of time needed to complete the project. The smooth writing style and engaging content enliven the learning process and will even enlist the participation of those not scientifically inclined. The cartoonish artwork also adds touches of humor. Each experiment is wrapped up with a concluding explanatory section discussing the science involved and how it relates to a given sport. Examples of science concepts covered include Boyle's law, centripetal force, conservation of energy, kinetic energy, Newton's laws of motion, and surface tension. Students can conduct these experiments on their own. However, some activities do require adult help or supervision (safety cautions are provided throughout). Teachers, too, will find a wealth of material to enhance classroom lessons or physical education classes.