The Leaping Sliding Sprinting Riding Science Book by Bobby Mercer has 50 sports related science activities. Even kids who aren’t great at sports can use this book to have fun and learn at the same time. Considering that the Olympics are coming up, I’m sure there will be extra interest in sports in the next few months.
Each of the activities has a list of equipment you need. Most of the activities use sports equipment such as footballs, stopwatches, skateboards, and bicycles, and they may need things like pencils, calculator or rulers. Each activitiy also has instructions, followed by a “What’s Going On” section that explains scientific terms and they physics and biomechanics behind the activity. The explanations are easy to read and to understand. There’s also a glossary in the back that covers the scientific words.
This is a great book to hand to a curious child, and I can also see the book being used in science classes and for homeschoolers. Mercer really makes learning fun. You can learn about friction and force by doing spin bounces with a basketball. You can learn about geometry by measuring the fastest way to run the bases on a baseball field. Learn about traction and bond by freezing your sneakers! Use a tennis ball and water to demonstrate friction and resistance. Calculate how much horsepower you can create. Figure out angles, and learn about projectiles, force, gravity, and air resistance using a garden hose, a protractor, and clothes that can get wet. Test the sweet spot on a bat, and measure your reaction time with a ruler, and your lung power with an empty bottle, a tube, and a sink full of water. Learn about your center of gravity by holding the world’s slowest bike race.
The illustrations by Tom LaBaff are fun, and even show the children wearing bicycle helmets and knee pads.
This book for recommended for elementary and middle school aged children, as well as for their parents and teachers. It’s such a unique and fun way to learn about science, and the science behind sports!
Also See:
Smash It! Crash It! Crunch It! – Rain Newcomb & Bobby Mercer
Quarterback Dad – Bobby Mercer
Interview with Bobby Mercer – Part One
Interview with Bobby Mercer – Part Two