Science of the Winter Olympics: Science Friction
John Shuster, the captain of the U.S. Curling Team explains this unusual sport, and NSF-funded scientists Sam Colbeck explains the friction that makes it all work.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Figuring Out Figure Skating
An Olympic hopeful and an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences explain scientific principles behind increased rotation in figure skating triple axels and quadruple toe loops.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Snowboarding
To get "max air" off the half-pipe without losing their balance, snowboarders might want to check out this experiment that Paul Doherty, a senior scientist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, cooked up, using a skateboard and a glass of water.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Air Lift
U.S. hopefuls Todd Lodwick and Bill Demong, along with NSF-funded scientists Paul Doherty, and physicist George Tuthill explain the principles of physics that are used to get high scores in the long jumps.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Science of Skis
U.S. Ski Team members explain how the materials used to make skis play a vital role in their performance on the mountain.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Science of Skates
Melissa Hines and Sam Colbeck explain how innovations in boot and blade design help skaters perform better than ever before.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Safety Gear
NSF-funded scientists explain the physics of a collision and exactly how this gear, especially safety helmets, works to prevent injury.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Mathletes
Mathematics takes Olympians to the edge of their sports
Science of the Winter Olympics: Suit Up
Hear from Olympians about how the latest in competition suits will go to work for Team USA in Vancouver.
Science of the Winter Olympics: Slapshot Physics
Physics helps the US women's hockey team achieve its goals