Praxis: Skateboard science
By Medicine Hat News on June 2, 2018.
What wonderful weather we have been experiencing lately (until the last day or two, anyway). Only if you live in southern Alberta do you go from snow to 30 C in a matter of days or weeks! It is great to drive around in the evening and see everyone outside enjoying the spring evenings. One of my favourite places that I often drive by is the skateboard park. As I glance at these amazing children, it has me thinking about science — what else! How do they do it without breaking all of the bones in their bodyÉ? Let’s investigate further! *Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment. Materials – popsicle sticks – small weights such as some assorted washers – rubber bands – hand Procedure 1. Attach a couple of weights to the end of the popsicle stick. 2. Now, test this out to see if it works and you have it adjusted correctly: a. Place/try to balance the popsicle stick on your finger so it will not fall off. b. Move it around and make any necessary adjustments for the popsicle stick so it will balance on your finger. c. You may have to move the popsicle stick on your finger. d. Adjust the weight by adding more or moving them so you have it balancing. 3. Does this work? 4. Try balancing a small cherry or grape tomato on the stick now. 5. What happens? What is going on? In this experiment you are testing balance. This is necessary should you be skateboarding, riding your bike or even carrying heavy items. You have to learn how to carry or lean your body so you do not fall over! An understanding of your centre of gravity is also essential in this experiment. The centre of gravity “is the point of balance where the forces acting on one side equal those acting on the other side.” To further make my point, try standing on one leg. What happens? You likely held your arms out so you could balance better. This is because you were adjusting your centre of gravity so you do not fall over. It is amazing how our body knows just how to adjust to keep us upright no matter what we are doing. If I knew that was all it takes, maybe I will take up skateboarding after all!! Watch outÉ Patty Rooks is senior scientific consultant at PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. 21-20
