Lesson Plans by subject 
February 15, 2002
Web posted at: 11:37 AM EST (1637 GMT)
Overview: CNN Student News' Michael McManus talks with Jake Burton about the history and development of snowboarding. Determine how the coefficient of friction between waxed wood and snow affects the acceleration of a snowboarder. Have students explain how athletes need and use friction, and how friction, or its absence, can diminish an athlete's performance.
Curriculum Connections: Current Events, Physical Science
Have students watch the video, "Snowboarding," and ask the following questions:
1. Who is Jake Burton? How long has snowboarding been around? How have snowboards changed over the years? What materials are used to make snowboards? How similar are these materials to the ones used to make skis?
2. How fast can snowboarders go? What types of maneuvers can be done on snowboards? Which maneuvers do you think are the most impressive? Why? What three factors enable snowboarders to accomplish these gravity defying stunts?
3. Why do you think snowboarding is so popular? Have you ever snowboarded? If so, describe your experience. What do you think of the sport?
4. Refer students to the Web sites below to learn more about the coefficient of kinetic friction. Then, ask: What happens if the coefficient of kinetic friction is not a constant, and the force of friction is not simply proportional to the normal force? How does the coefficient of friction between waxed wood and snow affect the acceleration of a snowboarder? What might be some other possible materials from which a snowboard could be made? Discuss.
5. Use the following teacher demonstration, "Friction and surface area," from Holt, Rinehart and Winston's Physics textbook, copyright 2000:
Attach a hook to a block.
Pull the block across a table with a spring scale.
Have students note the force required to pull the block at a constant velocity.
Repeat the demonstration for another surface area in contact with the table, and have students note the force.
Then, ask: What is the correlation of the areas in contact and frictional forces? Explain. Repeat this procedure using different surfaces such as carpet or glass. Have students consider how the surface types affect frictional force.
6. Direct students to research the effects of snow, ice and water on friction and gliding in the context of snowboarding. Have students explain how athletes need and use friction, and how friction, or its absence, can diminish an athlete's performance.
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