Ever wonder why a football has such an unsual shape? Find out with this video from the Science of Football colelction that examines how the geometric properties of a football make it perfectly suited for being thrown accurately over long distances.

Concepts

geometric shapes, spheres, 3-d figures, ellipses, aerodynamics, cross section, rotations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Show this video during a middle or high school geometry unit to create cross-curricular connections between math, science, and physical education
• Following a viewing of this video, have students perform a short research assignment in which they investigate the shapes and properties of other sports equipment
• Ask students to create an equation for an ellipse that most closely resembles the cross-section of a football

Pros

• Engages learners by using sports to teach about math and science
• Uses diagrams to highlight the geometric and aerodynamic concepts discussed in the video

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSG-GPE.A.3 HSG-GMD.B.4 MP4 MP7