Skateboards & STEAM?

Skateboards and STEAM?

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

 

I came across a video today that got me thinking about this topic.

Part of teaching is to connect lessons to real world situations.  I love to make connections to other subject matter in my class as it relates to our artwork.  This makes learning more relevant.  When someone taps into something that is of personal interest we tend to want to get involved and sometimes even dig deeper than we would otherwise (I know I do anyway.).  

 

Art plays a part in the board design.  Graphic artists create all sorts of art that can be seen on skateboards today. 

How Skateboards are Made



A High School Art Class Designs Their Own Skateboards



You can also check out the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum to see how boards have changed over the years.  

 

Math and Science is involved when you consider the overall design of the board from wheels, shape, length, etc.  The principles of motion also come into play.  There's a lot of strategic thinking involved as the skater maneuvers through obstacles in their environment.  Check out some of these videos featuring, Bill Robertson, Ph. D. - Dr. Skateboard (Professor, Educator, Skateboarder, Action Scientist).

Simple Machines



Newton's First Law of Motion



Physics of Skateboarding



Read more on Edutopia.


Additional resources:

A Canadian school created an at-risk program that involves graphic design, making skateboards and selling them.  For video information click here.