Featured Activity: GRAPPLING WITH GRAVITY
There is little that's more awe-inspiring in a basketball game than a gravity-defying slam dunk. It takes an amazing amount of athleticism to achieve these showy feats, as well as a healthy knowledge of physics.
Each month, four classes will be selected to win a $500 cash prize to support their classroom!
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR WINNERS
PLEASE NOTE:
- Program is open to fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade classes in Oklahoma
- Monthly activities are posted October through March; winners are announced the following month
- Participation each month is encouraged, but not required
HIGH FLYERS
How high a basketball bounces affects a player’s ability to dribble and to control rebounds.
CONNECTIONS
Let’s investigate how different surfaces affect the bounce of a basketball.
PERFECT SHOT
Using catapults to investigate the trajectory – or curved path - a ball takes when it's thrown.
HANG VERTICAL!
Exploring vertical jump heights.
PERF. SHOT #2
Most basketball players add backspin to the ball when they shoot. Does it really make a difference in their shot?
THINK FAST!
Testing reaction times.
TO THE BANK
There are many different types of shots that can be made in basketball. Let’s take a scientific look at two and discover the benefits of both!
GRIP AND SLIDE
From staying put to running past the defense, we use friction a lot. Let’s investigate friction, and how it can give us a scientific advantage on the court!
NEED A LIFT?
Sometimes a long pass from the defensive end can set up a great fast break. Let's investigate how science can assist with passing!
PRESSURE
Everyone knows about the pressure that comes with taking that game winning shot, but the ball itself requires pressure, too.
GOOD HANDS
Whether catching a quick pass or laying in a bucket, nimble hands are crucial in basketball. Let's investigate how they work.
GET VERTICAL
More than in many other sports, jumping is essential in basketball.
SALT
You have probably experienced the sting of salty sweat getting in your eye after some exercise or a game of basketball. Maybe you tasted salty sweat as it ran down your face and onto your lips. What’s salt got to do with us and our ability to play basketball?
LOUD CITY
Thunder fans in Loud City are great at getting the noise and excitement levels way up! But what is sound exactly? What makes sound louder? Let’s do some experiments to see how sound waves work!
PASS THAT ION
Whether you are washing your gym socks or crushing your thirst with a citrusy drink, you use acids and bases every day. What exactly is an acid or a base? How do we recognize them? Let’s experiment to find out.
WHICH SIDE?
You probably know whether you’re right- or left-handed, but have you ever thought about whether you’re right- or left-footed? How could you find out? Try these experiments to see what you can discover!
POUNDING
Have you ever wondered why you feel a thumping in your neck and other parts of your body while playing basketball? Have you ever felt this sensation even after the game was over? Let’s investigate and find out why.
SPIN TO WIN
You have probably seen athletes spin basketballs and make them balance on their fingers. You may have even tried it yourself. Let's explore these kinds of movements.
OVER AND OVER
What can a marshmallow launcher show us about free throw shooting technique?
RUMBLE ZIPS IN
Engineer the perfect way for Rumble to make his grand entrance!
PRESSURE
Discover how tough feet really are!
ROLLING DOWN
Get loud by making your own noisemaker and experimenting with the dynamics of sound!
BOUNCE IT
Explore the advantages in the design of different sports balls!
BOXING OUT
What role does balance play in putting up a good defense near the rim?
STORM CHASERS
The Storm Chasers have a way of getting the crowd really excited!
CAPTURE
What's the greatest Thunder basketball moment you remember seeing?
NUTRIENTS
Fine-tune your body to the optimim level of performance.
THE CODE
Know the code of sound.
TRAMPOLINES
Rumble wows with through the air using a trampoline!
EVENT CHAINS
Rumble wows with through the air using a trampoline!
GET A GRIP
Discover how grip strength and basketball come together.
IF THE SHOE FITS
Have you ever stared at a players’ shoes?
BBALL BASH
Some of the most exciting aspects of a fan is welcoming new players.
MUSCLE HUSTLE
Preparation involves a large amount of perspiration
GRAVITY
Explore physics activities to capture the magic of gravity.
Devon believes that science, technology, engineering and math education are crucial for future development and would like to recognize a school that demonstrates innovative approaches to fostering students’ continued interest in science. Devon's Science Giants grant program is designed to help educators provide science instruction to spark students' interest in the subject.The winner of the Devon Energy Science Giants grant will receive a grant toward program development or improvements to facilities. Schools will be judged based on innovative and sustainable approaches used in and out of the classroom to cultivate interest in science. The winning project must also showcase vision to improve student achievement in science within the means of an appropriate and resourceful budget. Schools in Oklahoma, Canadian, Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Dewey and Kingfisher counties are eligible to apply for the grant.
Full details about the grant rules and application forms can be found at devonenergy.com/sciencegiants.
A HUGE special thanks to Science Museum Oklahoma and Oklahoma City Public Schools for their assistance in making this program possible.
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