Science fair ideas and cycling

[mcallen]

My 8th grader has to design another science fair project this year, and we were thinking that we could work on something bike-related. Any ideas, research questions, etc. would be most welcome.

I have lots of bikes and wheels, some trainers, a set of rollers, a power meter, old helmets, and a mix of tools and power tools.

[mhespenheide]

[1] Compare the power versus wheel speed of various tires to see about rolling resistance. Or for the same brand/model of tires at different widths.

[2] Try to replicate some of Jan Heine's experiments.

[kppolich]

Originally Posted by mcallen

My 8th grader has to design another science fair project this year, and we were thinking that we could work on something bike-related. Any ideas, research questions, etc. would be most welcome.

I have lots of bikes and wheels, some trainers, a set of rollers, a power meter, old helmets, and a mix of tools and power tools.

bicycle powered blender and make smoothies for everyone.

[Steve in SLO]

Put a bicycle on a trainer with a generator and have kids jump on and light up a lightbulb.

[zennmotion]

gyroscopic effects/centripetal force- how does a bicycle stay upright, how it turns etc. Holding a spinning front wheel while standing on a spinning pedestal is a good hands-on demonstration.

[zennmotion]

Originally Posted by kppolich

bicycle powered blender and make smoothies for everyone.

I don't think the school is the olympic training center.

[Louis]

[2LeftCleats]

Determine scientifically which is better, Shimano or Campy. This would be Nobel Prize worthy.

[stephenmarklay]

1. Demonstrate how a spoked wheel’s tension creates a strong structure.

2. Use simple electronic software/hardware to measure spoke tension with via vibration frequency.

[Steve in SLO]

Originally Posted by 2LeftCleats

Determine scientifically which is better, Shimano or Campy. This would be Nobel Prize worthy.

Scientifically speaking, I feel Campy is better.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by Steve in SLO

Scientifically speaking, I feel Campy is better.

Fake Science !!!

[mcallen]

Originally Posted by zennmotion

I don't think the school is the olympic training center.

Hmm... maybe I could start a training center in my garage over the winter. Power testing and training on my kids in the name of science to get them ready to ride with in the spring. n=2

[Louis]

I got it - a complete analysis of counter-steering.

[Louis]

Or, why people no longer think that 19mm tires are fast.

[Louis]

Ooooo, ooooo, ooooo - I got it:

Either what the best chain lube is, and why, OR, whether one should rotate through multiple cassettes as you replace the chain.