How a Paralympian athlete is helping scientific research into aerodynamics

Paralympian Melanie Woods is helping Loughborough University do research into the effect of aerodynamics on wheelchair cycling. 

Words:

• When someone is spurred on to do something, it means something inspired or motivated them to do something. 
• A lap is a circle around an athletics track.
• Aerodynamics is the way objects move through the air. It’s often used to describe the interaction between objects and forces such as wind resistance. 
• A scale is a device used to weigh things.
• When something is described as dynamic, it means it is constantly moving or changing. 
• The word force is used in the study of aerodynamics to describe a power. For example, gravity, magnets and wind resistance are all examples of forces. 
• Drag is a term used in the study of aerodynamics. It describes the force that is moving in the opposite direction of the way an object is moving. It is very similar to air resistance.
• Air resistance is the term used to describe the force air has on a (moving) object.
• The preliminary findings are early results in a research project. They are not the final conclusions, but give you a good idea of the results of the project. 

Video:

Watch the video until 00:56.

1.  Mark the three statements that are true.

A: Melanie suffered a spinal injury after being hit by a car.

B: Melanie is paralysed from the waist down.

C: Melanie became a PE teacher after her accident.

D: Due to her athletic background, Melanie quickly found success in wheelchair racing.

E: Melanie has competed in the Paralympic Games twice.

Watch the video from 0:56 to 2:41.

2. The researchers use a ‘balance’ for their research. This is similar to a weighing scale. What does the balance measure?

A: It measures the downward force to see where Melanie is.

B: It measures when Melanie goes forwards or backwards.

C: It measures when Melanie goes side to side.

D: All of the above.

3. The researchers have identified three positions to test with Melanie: catch, release and recovery. What is the athlete doing in a catch position?

4. Why did the researchers choose these positions?

A: They are the most difficult for the athlete to perform. 

B: They are important for measuring wind resistance. 

C: They are the moments when the athlete is in motion.

Watch from 02:41 to the end of the video.

5. One of the researchers explains he used to research vehicles. What does he say about the difference between researching vehicles and researching athletes?

A: It was used as a place of worship.

B: The Mayans held court cases here.

C: It was used a burial site.

D: The Mayans stored treasures here.

E: It was a battleground.

6. What do the researchers hope to do with the results of the research? Name at least two things.

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