Longboard Science Project Ideas?

**jwise2170** · 11-20-2009 10:00 AM

help i really need ideas for a science project thats interesting so i chose longboarding.
any ideas???

**UltyHuck13** · 11-20-2009 10:32 AM

do green graphics/stickers/wheels make you go faster.

have fun!

the answer is quite simple

**Ogre** · 11-20-2009 10:43 AM

Why the roll time of unweighted bearings is irrelevant to speeds of weighted bearings

**Cann0n** · 11-20-2009 10:44 AM

Eh... If you can't do your own science project, I suggest changing topics. No offense... just common sense.

There is a lot of science tied into longboarding. Try explaining the differences between 50mm 99a shortboard wheels versus 90mm 76a wheels, and everything between. Use expansion gaps in sidewalks as an example of the limitations of transportation on shortboards vs longboards.

Include different tucks and pictures with guys in leathers racing down a hill at high speeds and compare that to trick boarding at skateparks on shortboards.

Explain the different angles of trucks, geometery, construction and design. Include Reverse king pin trucks, torsion trucks, tension trucks (springs), tarantula trucks, and other design you can find and explain them.

Explain the ABEC system, durometer, and board construction methods. Bring up the different lubes, including 3-in-1, WLG, teflon, and motor oils... there are threads on bearing lubes you can look at.

Explain the difference in tricks. Longboards are to sliding as shortboards are to kick tricks.

Also mention landboarding (aka dirtboarding), kite boarding, all the disciplines of longboarding (carving, cruising, DH, slalom, sliding, dancing, etc) and shortboarding (vert and street)

Bring up the safety gear including aerodynamic helmets. There are tons of materials boards are made of...

I'm done doing your homework. LOL.

Here is some good resources you could have found by searching.

Randal Skateboard Trucks - General Truck FAQ

Science of Skateboarding

Skateboard Science

Science Of Skateboarding -- Physicists Explain Tricky Skateboard Physics

The Art and Science of Skateboarding

Skateboarding - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Carveboard USA - Home of the Original Carveboards

**Cann0n** · 11-20-2009 10:45 AM

Dont forget...

Why the color green makes you go faster...

**TehSuck** · 11-20-2009 10:49 AM

What specific branch of science are you looking at? I had too much fun doing bike related stuff in my physics class. The fun part was boiling it down to make the topics interesting for the non-cyclist. Granted, this was before I took up longboarding.

For a physics class, you're gonna want to pick something probably a little bit on the broader side, and more importantly, something that's not really, really specific. I picked topics that the average person could understand, such as an entire 15 minute presentation as to why using a front brake only isn't dangerous, if you know what you're doing.

Dispel common myths that even non-skaters are familiar with, such as speed wobbles or something.

**Cann0n** · 11-20-2009 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by TehSuck

What specific branch of science are you looking at? I had too much fun doing bike related stuff in my physics class. The fun part was boiling it down to make the topics interesting for the non-cyclist. Granted, this was before I took up longboarding.

For a physics class, you're gonna want to pick something probably a little bit on the broader side, and more importantly, something that's not really, really specific. I picked topics that the average person could understand, such as an entire 15 minute presentation as to why using a front brake only isn't dangerous, if you know what you're doing.

Dispel common myths that even non-skaters are familiar with, such as speed wobbles or something.

Yeah, preach how loose trucks saves lives... Or how wearing a helmet will prevent your melon from caving in.