Individual pursuit graphs
In this activity, students analyse graphs of speed, force and power for Alison Shanks, one of New Zealand’s world champion cyclists, in the women’s 3,000 metre individual pursuit track cycling event.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
describe motion based on information from a speed versus time graph
use a graph to estimate acceleration and distance travelled
use graphs of speed and force to estimate aerodynamic drag.
San Diego wind tunnel
The impressive wind tunnel fan at testing facilities in San Diego. Lindsey Underwood, Alison Shanks, Craig Palmer and Jesse Sergent visited to test their aerodynamic performance.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
student worksheets.
Related content
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Activity idea
The On your bikes activity requires students to analyse graphs of motion for New Zealand champion cyclist Alison Shanks. A worksheet leads students to analyse graphs of speed, force and power.
Useful link
In this article, two time Olympian, track and road cyclist Alison Shanks, shares her memories of Beijing 2008 and London 2012 in what she describes as two quite different experiences.
