Theme:

Sport Science

Title:

Understanding the Physics of the Ollie!

Overview

In Pulse of the Planet episode #4362, Paul Schmitt describes the science of the skateboard trick known as the “Ollie”. The program also explains how the “Ollie” got its name. In this lesson, students will explore the physics of the Ollie!

Grade Level

6-8

Subject Matter

Science

Duration

2 Class Periods

National Standards Addressed

Physical Science

Content Standard B - MOTION AND FORCES

If more than one force acts on an object along a straight line, then the forces will reinforce or cancel one another, depending on their direction and magnitude. Unbalanced forces will cause changes in the speed or direction of an object’s motion.

Physical Science

Content Standard B - TRANSFER OF ENERGY

Energy is a property of many substances and is associated with heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion, sound, nuclei, and the nature of a chemical. Energy is transferred in many ways.

Objectives

In this lesson, students will learn about the physics involved in the skateboard trick known as the Ollie. Students will use Pulse of the Planet episode 4362 and two web sites to investigate the physics of the Ollie. Students will then demonstrate their understanding giving a skateboard science presentation featuring the physics of the Ollie.

Materials

Presentation Guide

Pulse of the Planet 4362

Skateboard

Computer(s) with Internet access

Web Sites

Exploratorium Skateboard Science

American Institute of Physics

Science of Skateboarding

Procedure

  1. Hold up a skateboard and say OLLIE! Ask students why you are holding a skateboard and saying OLLIE? Some student(s) should know that an Ollie is a skateboard trick. If not, tell the students that an OLLIE is a skateboard trick that involves skateboard science especially physics. Tell students that at the end of this lesson they will conduct a presentation that communicates the “how to” and “physics” of an Ollie.
  2. Introduce and play Pulse of the Planet episode 4362 titled Skateboard Ollie. Option: Have a student demonstrate an Ollie in class. An Ollie can also be viewed at the American Institute of Physics web site
  3. Explain to the class that they are going to be working in teams of 2-3 to research, plan, and present to the class the steps and physics in an Ollie.
  4. Divide the class into their small groups.
  5. Give each student a Presentation Guide. Guide students through the Presentation Guide.
  6. Allow students to research, plan, and prepare their presentation.
  7. Circulate the class providing support and monitoring student progress.
  8. Students share their presentations with the class. Discuss the presentations and how the Ollie Concept Bank was integrated into the presentations. Close the presentations by making a connection between the skateboarding and the science!
  9. Play Pulse of the Planet 4362 and tell the students that you tricked(Ollie reference) into learning about skateboard science! Congratulate your students on a job well done!

Handouts

Presentation Guide

Your Name______

Partner Name(s)______

POP 4362 Sport Science: Ollie

Presentation Guide

Directions: Research information from POP 4362 and 2 web sites to compile information about the physics needed to do an Ollie. You will use your research to create a presentation about how to do an Ollie and the physics involved. You must correctly use the terms in the Ollie Concept Bank in your presentation.

Ollie Concept Bank

Transfer of Energy, Force of Gravity, Force(weight) of the Rider, Force of the Ground, Center of Gravity

Resources

Pulse of the Planet 4362

Exploratorium Skateboard Science

American Institute of Physics

Science of Skateboarding

Additional Resources

Web Sites

Exploratorium Skateboard Science

American Institute of Physics

Science of Skateboarding

Audio

“My Fellow Americans: Barbara Odanaka, Skateboard Mom” (1/14/05) - NPR

“Skateboarder Jeron Wilson” (07/27/05) – NPR

“Do What You Love” (Tony Hawk – 7/24/06) – This I Believe / NPR

Special thanks to the following scientists for their help with this project:

Pulse of the Planet Program: #4362 - Ollie

Paul Schmitt

Founder

CreateAskate.org

Header Image

Name: Michael Bream skateboarding

Credit:Michael Bream/Gravity Boards