Air Resistance

Air resistance describes the forces that are in opposition to the relative motion of an object as it passes through the air.

Objectives

Students will learn about the properties of air resistance and its impact on running speed. Students will then apply what they learned about air resistance and complete running trials with and without a speed parachute to see how their running speed is impacted by air resistance.

Materials

  • Worksheet
  • Speed Parachute
  • Tape Measure
  • Stopwatch
  • Cones
Air Resistance

Academic Standards

Grade 6
Math 6.3 The student applies mathematical process standards to represent addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division while solving problems and justifying solutions.
Science 6.2.C The student is expected to use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data.
Grade 7
Math 7.3.B The student is expected to apply and extend previous understandings of operations to solve problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational numbers.
Science 7.2.C The student is expected to use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data.
Grade 8
Science 8.2.C The student is expected to use mathematical calculations to assess quantitative relationships in data.

Air Resistance

Discussion Questions

  • What is air resistance?
  • What causes air resistance?
  • Why is it important for soccer players to understand the concept of air resistance? How might awareness of air resistance help players optimize their performance?
  • Can you identify any other sports or activities where air resistance plays a significant role in performance? How do athletes in these sports adjust their techniques or equipment to minimize the effects of air resistance?

Reflection Questions

  • What did you learn from this activity?
  • Reflect on your own experiences with running or physical activity. Have you ever noticed how air resistance affects your running speed or agility? How might you adjust your technique to overcome the resistance of air molecules?
  • Think about the importance of adaptation in sports. How can understanding the concept of air resistance help soccer players adapt their running or pitching technique to different game conditions?
  • Consider the role of technology in sports performance. How might advancements in sports science and equipment design help athletes minimize the impact of air resistance and improve their performance?

Answer Key

Students’ responses should reflect their own data from their running times.

Sample acceptable answers for worksheet questions:

  1. Without a parachute because the parachute creates air resistance (Drag) that slows one down.
  2. Air resistance drills build strength, power, and speed by making muscles work harder against resistance.
  3. To improve speed with a parachute, students should focus on proper running form, increase leg strength, and work on explosive starts & acceleration.
Air Resistance
Air Resistance

Setup

  • Students will have a classroom and academic component to complete for this lesson. Before the lesson starts, ensure you have a space where students can run with a speed parachute.

Vocabulary

Drag (Air resistance): The aerodynamic force that opposes an aircraft’s motion through the air.

Parachute: A device for slowing the descent of a person or object through the air that consists of a fabric canopy beneath which the person/object is suspended.

Air Resistance

Activity

  • Tell the students they will learn about air resistance and complete a physical activity involving testing it.
  • Lead students in a short discussion to assess their prior knowledge. You can use the suggested questions above or come up with your own.
  • Show students the video below on air resistance.
    • What is Air Resistance?
      • Allow students time to share what they learned from the video. Have students explain what air resistance is in their own words.
      • Ask them if they can explain how air resistance relates to soccer.
  • After discussing the video, explain to students that the next part of the lesson is a physical activity in which they will compete with a partner (or small groups).
  • Explain to students that they will be taking turns running a 40-yard dash with and without a speed parachute for time.
    • This activity aims to see how air resistance impacts their running time.
  • Below is an additional video to show students the speed parachute technique.
  • With partners or in small groups.
    • Have students mark a 40-yard distance with cones.
    • Students will measure each other’s 40-yard running time with and without resistance from the parachute.
    • Students will record the times in the table provided in the worksheet.
  • Lead students in a short discussion at the end of the activity using the reflection questions provided or your own.

Additional Activity

  • Have students complete soccer training drills with and without the parachute and discuss what was easy/difficult about the task.
  • Challenge students to research ways athletes incorporate air resistance training into their conditioning to improve their skills.
Air Resistance