Throwing a curve ball can make or break a sporting game, but what is the scientific process for throwing this way? The video explains the Magnus force, aerodynamics, and the axis of rotation, and relates the science to both baseball and cricket.

Concepts

aerodynamics, rotations, force diagrams, baseball, sports

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have pupils practice throwing various types of balls and recording each type in slow motion to observe the Magnus force
• Discuss other sports where this might apply

Classroom Considerations

• Relies on basic prior knowledge of forces and vectors

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Connects science and sports, making the material interesting to students with varying interests
• Works well in traditional or flipped classrooms

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4