Sport is under the microscope at the Discover Science & Engineering stand at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in January 2010.
The highlights on our “Discover Sport” stand, in the World of Science & Technology Industries Hall, include a F1 Ferrari car. Learn about the science and engineering that goes into Formula 1 racing, and see how a wind tunnel simulates the aerodynamic air flow around model designs such as those for racing cars.
Athletics and cycling
You can also see how athletes are put through their paces by staff from Dublin City University’s School of Health and Human Performance.
Researchers will also explain how cyclists in a recent race around Ireland wore sensor equipment in their clothing for performance analysis.
Adidas will have a display on the history of the development of running shoes.
You can undergo a gait analysis, to work out which type of runners would suit you best.
Games and sensors
T4 – the support service for technology subjects at Leaving Certificate – will also be on hand to show how the SolidWorks 3D CAD (computer-aided design) program is used to design and develop running shoes and other sports equipment.
The CLARITY research group will explain how sensors are used in everyday items, and you can find out about “exergaming” and “exerlearning”.
New exergaming systems such as Wobbleball use motion tracking devices and capture large body movements to control on-screen games. The sensor technology is similar to the systems used in the Nintendo Wii.
CLARITY has also developed the Dancemat exerlearning system, which contains embedded sensors usually used in Xbox games. You need to jump to various spaces on the Dancemat to spell or to add.
Careers and workshops
Among the many other activities, Discover Primary Science staff will demonstrate the DPS activity pack, and Steps to Engineering will have information and advice about careers in science and engineering, as well as details of programmes on offer.
On the balcony of the main hall at the RDS we will be running science workshops and seminars about nutrition, hydration and fitness for sport. Watch out too for the K’NEX Challenge workshop.
DSE is also sponsoring the “Bend It Like Beckham” show, which will take place in the BT arena each day throughout the show.
Learn more
Visit the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition’s website
Read some figures at a glance for the 2010 BT Young Scientist Exhibition
Find out what happened to the Young Scientist winners from the past decade
Learn about the RDS Primary Science Fair at the 2010 show
