STEM SPORTS Mr. B. Pezzuto Email: bpezzuto@revere.mec.edu 781-388-7520 ext: 54217 Staying Connected to STEM Sports Twitter: @SBA_Pezzuto Instagram: SBA_Pezzuto Classroom Policies Grading Policy: Tests: 40% Quizzes: 30% Projects: 20% Homework: 10% Bathroom Policy: Students are required to use the date stamp each time the exit the classroom. Please stamp the date next to your name in the designated binder. (For example, if you are going to the nurse, please open the binder that says nurse, find your name and stamp the date in the next available box) Class Website: www.sbapezzuto.weebly.com Course Description Students enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Sports will explore the scientific and mathematical concepts embedded within the world of sports. Students develop skills and knowledge in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and fluid mechanics in order to investigate the complexities of many common sports. Additionally, students will analyze and design statistical studies comparing famous athletes using quantitive evidence, and the evolution (technology/engineering) of sporting equipment. This course will help reinforce important skills that students learn in mathematics and science class in order to support academic success in core classes. As a result of taking this course, students will gain exposure to a relevant application of science and mathematics and in turn develop a greater appreciation for all STEM subjects. 1
After-school Policy Mr. B. Pezzuto s department night is Thursday. I am after school until at least 2:40pm each day to assist students and address any questions. To be welcome after school, students must be working on science work and must stamp the proper date next to their name in the binder labeled After-School Help/Department Night. Late-Work Policy Late-work will be accepted for a penalty of TEN (10) points per day late, for up to TWO (2) days. Late-work turned in two days after the deadline will result in a zero for the particular assignment. Absent/Make-up Work Policy Students are responsible for checking the class website for their absent/make-up work. The class website is updated regularly. Any assignment, including tests/quizzes that is missed due to absence MUST be made up within ONE WEEK. Failure to make up work will result in a zero for the assignment. Required Course Materials è One binder or. Labeled binder dividers Test/Quizzes, Handouts, Homework è Two spiral bound one-subject notebooks with three-hole punch. One notebook labeled NOTES and one labeled DO NOW An organized binder is crucial to your success in this class. Routine binder checks will be conducted randomly and will count towards your final grade. Materials Due Date Student Name Parent/Guardian Signature: Questions that STEM Sports Students may Investigate: Why does a curveball curve? Why do golf balls have dimples? Who is the best clutch athlete in their respective sport? Why is a spiral the best way to throw a football? How does blood doping, PED and steroids use effect the human body? 2
Syllabus Below is a general outline of the concepts that will be covered in STEM Sports class. Some scientific concepts may overlap into various sports and for simplicity, will not be listed. This outline is subject to change during the course of the school year. - Review of an Athlete s Body - Respiration/Heart Rate - Thermoregulation - Hydration - Muscular Movement/coordination - Vision Unit 1: Introduction to STEM Sports Unit 2: GOLF - Newton s First and Second Laws of Motion (inertia and acceleration) - Newton s Third Law of Motion and Momentum - Potential and Kinetic Energy - Compressional Forces - Golf Ball and Equipment Evolution - Agronomy and aeration (photosynthesis) - Torque and moment of inertia - Work, Energy and Power - Math in golf (Handicap and Scoring) - Friction and Spin - Optical Illusion - Ebbinghaus illusion - Geometry of Pulling and Pushing a Pitch - Scatterplots (pitch plots) - Aluminum v.s wooden bats (BBCOR) - Scale of the baseball field Unit 3: Baseball 3
- Fluid dynamics of a curveball - Comparing Players using Statistics (BA vs OBP vs SLP) - Magnus Effect - Aerodynamics of a Wiffleball - Batters Advantage - Calculating speed around the base path - Run through first base or Slide? - Finding the Center of Percussion of a bat using frequencies (Out of the park Baseball) - Saber metrics place in baseball - Newton s laws application in pitching - Trajectory in catching a fly ball - Tommy John Surgery Unit 4: Football -Ideal Gas Law and Deflate-gate investigation -Guy-Lussac s Law - Center of gravity - Learning football positions through plotting points - The Spiral - Skeletal system and protective equipment - Concussions - Momentum - Projectile motion - Pythagorean theorem - Kinematics - Velocity Vectors - The Anatomy of a Hit -Friction (Why can t we skate on glass?) Unit 5: Hockey - Hockey Geometry (Goalies cutting down the angle) 4
- Mass Volume and Density - Reflexes and Reaction Time - Force, Impulse and Collisions - Velocity Vectors - Work, Energy, and Power - Projectile Motion - Kinematics: Position, velocity and acceleration - Physical changes/ Chemistry of Ice resurfacing - Gyroscopic Effect (Saucer pass) - Bruins I.C.E. School -Forces Unit 6: Basketball -Measuring Vertical Leap using Virtuvian Man -Axis of Rotation -Effect of Backspin on a free throw - Parabolic arch in shooting a Jump Shot - Energy Transfer in a Bank shot - Dribbling Potential and Kinetic Energy - Density in bounce height - Vectors in Play Calling - Why Frisbees Fly? Unit 7: Additional sports/activities - Should college athletes get paid? (persuasive essay) - Bicycle as a system - Timeline of evolution of sporting equipment - Clutch Athlete project - Be a GM project - Boxing: The art of the knockout punch - Swimming Fluid Dynamics - Formula 1 and G forces 5