The Physics Of Hockey

Physicist and amateur hockey player Hache examines some of the physical principles behind the world's most popular winter team sport. Illustrations.

"Slap shot science is an under-the-hood, behind-the-scenes, action-packed romp through special moments in the game as seen from the perspective of science and explained in a way everyone can understand"--Back cover.

A member of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change examines the fossil-fuel industry's public relations campaign to discredit the science of climate change and deny the reality of global warming.

"Describes the science behind the sport of hockey, including skating, shooting, goaltending, and the rink"--Provided by publisher.

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.

The slap of a hockey stick. A soaring puck. A quick-thinking goalie gets the save! What's behind it all? Science! Let Max Axiom, Super Scientist, explain the science behind the perfect slap shot, the right way to skate the ice, and much, much more.

A fast-paced look at the fascinating science that explains the game of hockey. From the moment the first player steps onto the ice, every conceivable principle of science is in play. To understand hockey—fully understand it—Alain Haché argues that you must first learn how ice reacts to a passing blade, how the trajectory and aerodynamics of the puck affect its chances of getting into the net, how the tension on the stick transfers energy to the puck, and dozens of other details of the game. Slap Shot Science is an under-the-hood, behind-the-scenes, action-packed romp through special moments in the game as seen from the perspective of science and explained in a way everyone can understand. Among the topics Haché discusses are the differences between real ice and synthetic ice, the perfect amount of sharpness for a skate, how goalies can make spectacular saves even though the puck is traveling 100 miles per hour, whether players are skating faster today than in years past, and how equipment prevents many serious injuries. Slap Shot Science shows us how statistics can predict future performance by players and teams and why they can also be misused in many ways. By the close of the book you’ll see hockey in a more sophisticated and scientific light, and the reasons things happen the way they do will be clearer than ever.

Hockey players need speed, strength, and skill to become great. They also need science. In this volume, readers explore the many ways science is put into action on the ice. Vibrant photographs of hockey players present science concepts in a real-life setting. Readers also explore the connection between science, technology, engineering, and math in the world of hockey. Detailed sidebars and graphic organizers help explain these STEM curriculum concepts in an accessible way. The next time readers play hockey or see a National Hockey League game, they’ll have a new appreciation for the science that makes this sport possible.

A physics-driven exploration of sports played on ice and snow that is truly fun and informative, Gliding for Gold is the perfect primer for understanding the science behind cold weather athletics.