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
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/trick02.html
American Institute of Physics
Science of Skateboarding
http://www.aip.org/dbis/stories/2007/17079.html
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
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Ollie in class. An Ollie can also be viewed at the American
Institute of Physics web site
http://www.aip.org/dbis/stories/2007/17079.html
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.
Divide the class into their small groups.
Give each student a Presentation Guide. Guide students
through the Presentation Guide.
Allow students to research, plan, and prepare their
presentation.
Circulate the class providing support and monitoring student
progress.
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!
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
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/trick02.html
American Institute of Physics
Science of Skateboarding
http://www.aip.org/dbis/stories/2007/17079.html
Additional Resources
Web Sites
Exploratorium Skateboard Science
http://www.exploratorium.edu/skateboarding/trick02.html
American Institute of Physics
Science of Skateboarding
http://www.aip.org/dbis/stories/2007/17079.html
Audio
“My Fellow Americans: Barbara Odanaka, Skateboard Mom”
(1/14/05) - NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4283628
“Skateboarder Jeron Wilson” (07/27/05) – NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4772678
“Do What You Love” (Tony Hawk – 7/24/06) – This I Believe / NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5568583
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