Science Behind Sports

In order to execute amazing tumbling passes and stick the perfect landing, gymnasts need proper training and a lot of practice. They also need to understand the science behind what they're doing on the mat and in the air. Readers are introduced to the areas of STEM-science, technology, engineering, and math-that help gymnasts perform at their best, including the ways engineers have created safer equipment and the ways technology is being used to reduce injury. Eye-catching fact boxes, detailed sidebars, and full-color photographs provide readers with an inside look at the science behind this popular sport.

Physics explains how an ice hockey player scores a goal. Biology explains why certain exercises help hockey players become better and stronger. Math is used to calculate the exact measurement of different kinds of hockey rinks. Engineers use technology to create the safest equipment for hockey players. Readers see how these areas of STEM come together in a hockey game, and they're sure to enjoy this unique look at common science curriculum topics. The detailed main text is supported by fun fact boxes, enlightening sidebars, helpful diagrams, and vibrant photographs of ice hockey players in action.

Science isn't just used in a laboratory or a classroom-it's necessary on the basketball court, too! Slam-dunks, quick passes, and jump shots are only possible because of science, and readers discover why as they explore the ways physics, biology, and other areas of science are applied in the game of basketball. As readers take in details from fact boxes, sidebars, and diagrams, they see the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math-also known as STEM-on the basketball court. They also find fun photographs of some of the sport's biggest stars using science to score.

If readers have ever wondered how soccer players "bend it like Beckham," they'll enjoy this unique look at the science behind the world's most popular sport. Detailed text, fact boxes, sidebars, and diagrams help readers understand the many ways scientific concepts are applied on the soccer field. Readers also learn how scientific knowledge is put to use along with the other areas of STEM – technology, engineering, and math – to help soccer players train, avoid injury, and heal more quickly if they do get hurt. Full-color photographs place readers in the middle of the action on the pitch.

Lacrosse is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports played by young men and women in North America. In order to fully understand this exciting sport and play it safely and successfully, it helps to have a strong understanding of the science behind it. Readers discover the ways science, technology, engineering, and math are used together on the lacrosse field. This engaging take on familiar STEM topics is sure to delight readers who are sports fans. The fact-filled main text is enhanced by the use of accessible diagrams, fun fact boxes, informative sidebars, and exciting photographs of lacrosse games.

Why does a curveball curve? Why is it sometimes better to slide into a base than to run to it? How can baseball players avoid common injuries? As readers discover the science behind baseball, they find the answers to these and many more questions about the sport that's often called America's pastime. Fun fact boxes, informative sidebars, and action-packed photographs give readers an exciting look at the way common areas of science are applied in baseball games-from the backyard to the big leagues. This fresh look at STEM-science, technology, engineering, and math-is sure to captivate readers.