Science of the Winter Olympics: Science Friction
John Shuster, the captain of the U.S. Curling Team explains this unusual sport, and NSF-funded scientists Sam Colbeck explains the friction that makes it all work.
NBC Learn has teamed up with the National Science Foundation to produce Science of the Olympic Winter Games, a 16-part video series that explores the science behind individual Olympic events.
John Shuster, the captain of the U.S. Curling Team explains this unusual sport, and NSF-funded scientists Sam Colbeck explains the friction that makes it all work.
A lesson in physics from the U.S. bobsled team
An Olympic hopeful and an associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sports Sciences explain scientific principles behind increased rotation in figure skating triple axels and quadruple toe loops.
Racing down the slopes using physics
To get "max air" off the half-pipe without losing their balance, snowboarders might want to check out this experiment that Paul Doherty, a senior scientist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, cooked up, using a skateboard and a glass of water.
Getting the best out of Olympics athletes
Speed skating on the edge of physics
U.S. hopefuls Todd Lodwick and Bill Demong, along with NSF-funded scientists Paul Doherty, and physicist George Tuthill explain the principles of physics that are used to get high scores in the long jumps.
U.S. Ski Team members explain how the materials used to make skis play a vital role in their performance on the mountain.
Freestyling through the air with physics
Melissa Hines and Sam Colbeck explain how innovations in boot and blade design help skaters perform better than ever before.
NSF-funded scientists explain the physics of a collision and exactly how this gear, especially safety helmets, works to prevent injury.
Mathematics takes Olympians to the edge of their sports
Hear from Olympians about how the latest in competition suits will go to work for Team USA in Vancouver.
What makes an Olympian an Olympian?
Physics helps the US women's hockey team achieve its goals