Investigating the science behind athletes
Teenagers have been gaining an insight into how scientists and engineers at the University of Southampton are helping top level athletes achieve their potential.
A-level students from Exeter School and Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester were introduced to sports science during a special outreach day at Southampton. They heard how the athletes used the principles of physics and the university's wind tunnel to help improve their performance. The pupils then tackled a practical challenge to calculate how far they could cycle on the calories in a marshmallow.
Luke Stitson from Exeter School says he enjoyed the day: "I'm very interested in sport and I like physics so it's a perfect combination. I'm studying sciences at A-level and want to go on to university. I'm not sure what I want to do yet, but today has given me some ideas."
Will Holmes from Thomas Hardye School adds: "When these opportunities come up to learn about engineering, I always take them. Learning about how important science is to sport has been very interesting."
The young people also got the chance to learn about Southampton's innovative project to build a human-powered aircraft and fly it in a competition. Although the glider-like aircraft is still being built, Dr Alex Forrester demonstrated how the ‘pilot' will generate enough power for take off by vigorously pedalling a cycle attached to a giant propeller.