We came across this article recently making the case that young minds learn better when academics and athletics come together.
Elizabeth A. Barton, Associate Professor of Research, Wayne State University, makes the case:
“The basic principles of rowing appear quite simple, but in reality, rowing success is complex. Momentum is transferred to the water by pulling on the oar and pushing with the legs, which causes the seat to slide backwards. The oars pivot on a “lock-pin assembly,” which levers the water backwards. The motion of the boat is complicated by the movement of the rowers within the boat, the current of the water and wind speed.
Rowing leans heavily on STEM concepts commonly found in the fields of mathematics, physics and kinesiology. Through the sport, our curriculum covers works from the famous Greek mathematician Archimedes up through NASA engineer Katherine Johnson.
For example, potential and kinetic energy, boat velocity and rowers’ mass are strategies for teaching essential concepts.”
Click through to her article for more:
Why I’m teaching kids science through the sport of rowing
https://theconversation.com/why-im-teaching-kids-science-through-the-sport-of-rowing-113895