STEM Olympics: Half-Pipe Snowboarding

When did snowboarding make its debut at the Winter Olympics?

• 1998

• 2002

• 1994

• 2006

What force pulls the snowboarder straight down the halfpipe?

• Gravity

• Friction

• Magnetism

• Electricity

What does the snow create that affects the snowboarder?

• Contact force

• Magnetic force

• Wind resistance

• Buoyancy

What type of energy is the energy of movement?

• Kinetic energy

• Potential energy

• Thermal energy

• Chemical energy

How do snowboarders create more kinetic energy?

• By pumping their legs

• By holding their breath

• By standing still

• By leaning forward

What is the relationship between potential energy and height?

• More height means more potential energy

• More height means less potential energy

• Height does not affect potential energy

• Height decreases potential energy

What is the main benefit of a taller halfpipe for snowboarders?

• More potential energy

• Less air resistance

• More friction

• Less gravity

What must snowboarders balance as they travel down the halfpipe?

• Gravity and changing speed

• Friction and air resistance

• Weight and buoyancy

• Magnetism and electricity

What is the purpose of engineering halfpipes to be tall?

• To provide snowboarders with enough energy to perform tricks

• To make them look impressive

• To reduce construction costs

• To increase safety

What is the force that "sucks" the snowboard to the walls of the halfpipe?

• Contact force

• Magnetic force

• Gravitational force

• Electric force