Home | Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion | Extension | Teacher Notes
Introduction
Throughout history science has been used to improve sports
equipment. The question is, How?
Originating in Scotland, golf has been around since 1550. The earliest
clubs and golf balls were made of wood. The golf balls were round and
smooth. Today's golf balls are much different. They have dimples and
they are made of different materials.
Task
Congratulations, you have made it to the Pro Am Tour. As a golfer, you
need different golf balls which behave in different ways. You will need your
golf ball to travel high over trees, long distance on drives, and to travel
through windy conditions. Your task is to select 3 different type of golf balls
to use on the tour.
Process
Research the Science of Golf Balls.
- Why do golf balls have dimples?
- How many dimples are on a golf ball?
- What are golf balls made of?
- What causes a golf ball to go farther?
- What causes a golf ball to go higher?
Resources
Science has improved the technology of golfing in many ways. Here are
several web sites which will help your research:
How Stuff Works
Howstuffworks "Why do golf balls have dimples?"
Sports
Aerodynamics in Sports Equipment, Recreation and Machines - Golf ...
Club Physlink
Why do dimples on a golf ball allow it to travel farther?
Brain Candy
Golf
Balls | How Many Dimples Does a Gold Ball Have? | Why
Have ...
Evaluation
Create a graph and presentation for the following criteria:
Describe how golf balls travel farther with dimples.
Describe how golf balls travel higher.
Describe how golf balls travel lower and farther.
What 3 balls did you select?
How many dimples are on each ball?
What are the golf balls made of?
Conclusion
Golfing can be a technical science. Professionals use
different golf balls for distance and height. This depends on the terrain
of the course and wind conditions.
Extension
Science has improved all fields of sports equipment. You
can extend your research in the following sports.
Why are tennis balls fuzzy?
How does hockey equipment improve performance?
How is technology used to improve snow skis?
Why do baseballs have stitches?
Teacher Notes
Supports Arizona State Standards