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Ever wonder how Michael Jordan seems to float in mid-air on a dunk? Or how bike gears help you ride uphill? Wonder no more! Introducing The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science: 54 All-Star Experiments (Workman Publishing / on sale December 2016 / Ages 9 and up / $14.95), a fact-filled and whimsically illustrated tour through the physics and physiology of athletic excellence from Sean Connolly. Inside the pages, readers will find 54 awesome, hands-on experiments that demonstrate the scientific principles powering a wide variety of sports and activities. The results? Some major learning opportunities—and fun!—to be had by all, proving just how useful science can be on the playing field.

The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science is divided into seven chapters by sport type, including Bat and Ball Sports and Goals and Field Goals. Each entry within the chapter poses a compelling question like “Why Throw Forward Passes in a Spiral?” Then it goes on to set the scene for the science that makes it all happen. And finally, it’s time to experiment! Using common household objects, each project includes step-by-step instructions, tips, and a detailed explanation of why the experiment worked and how it relates to the real sport.

Observe how marbles sink in water to understand the unpredictability of the knuckleball.
Discover how martial arts experts use Newton’s second law of motion with a Ping-Pong paddle karate chop.
Replicate the angular momentum of lacrosse shots with a daring leap onto a playground merry-go-round.
Plus, how a Frisbee flies, the secret to a figure skater’s spin, and more.
In The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science, Connolly takes the tradition of scientific exploration and applies it to familiar and compelling situations. Each experiment creates exciting and memorable learning opportunities designed to appeal to lovers of both sports and science, and those who need a little push!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Sean Connolly has written more than 50 books for children and adults. His lifelong fascination with Fenway Park’s Green Monster, coupled with years of trying to master the one-handed backhand and the simple two-putt, have taken him to the intersection of where sports science, and wonder meet. An American, he lives in Bath, England. @seanconnolly007#SportsScience