Discover the aerodynamics of golf balls as students work in teams to evaluate the physics and engineering used in sports equipment design.

GUIDING QUESTION
How have sports equipment evolved and advanced over the years?

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
• apply concepts of aerodynamics, drag, air friction, and bounce to golf ball design.
• learn how physics and engineering impact safety and performance related to sports
equipment.
• research how a piece of sporting equipment’s design has evolved since it was invented.
• use specific concepts to propose an improved design or material for a piece of sporting
equipment.

OVERVIEW
In this lesson, students will learn about the science behind golf ball design and the physics
of aerodynamics related to golf balls. They will work in teams to evaluate the design of several golf balls and determine how design can impact a ball’s spin, accuracy, trajectory, and
distance. Finally, they will apply design and engineering concepts to improve a piece of sports equipment.

Grades 6 – 8