CurioCity - CurioCité | Saskatchewan Curriculum

LDSD: We Brake for Mars (Part 1)Videos with Starting Points

How do you test a giant parachute designed to land a rover on Mars? This NASA test involved a helicopter, a one-kilometer-long rope, and a rocket sled!! Read More »

Why is ketchup so hard to pour?Videos with Starting Points

Ever go to pour ketchup on your fries...and nothing comes out? (4:28 min.) Read More »

The movement of fluids: Why do curveballs curve?Articles

Bernoulli’s equation is key to understanding why curveballs curve. Read More »

All aboard!Articles

Rowing has existed as a sport for a long time. The ancient civilizations of Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all have left evidence that they organized boat races. Read More »

Getting Down With the LugeArticles

Physics in action at the Winter Olympics. Read More »

Taking the ShotArticles

A frozen disk of vulcanized rubber traveling at speeds upwards of 100 mph is about to be sent into flight... While a blast from the point is exciting for a fan , it turns out to be... Read More »

The evolution of the skiArticles

When Alpine Skiing became popular in the 1800s, skis weren’t much more than a couple of wooden planks attached to your feet with leather and laces. Skis have certainly come a long way! Read More »

Paintball - the ball, the gun, the sportArticles

From the non-toxic food-grade ingredients of the paint balls to the compressed gas for the gun, Paintball is a sport based on science. Read More »

Strike, Spare, or Gutter?Articles

If you want to bowl a perfect game, you better listen up and learn some physics before you hit the lanes. Read More »

Slam dunk!Articles

Good basketball players can improve their game and improve their scoring by understanding some simple physics. Read More »

The Physics of Skipping StonesArticles

So what makes stones thrown this way bounce but others that are thrown differently sink? The answer this we first need to discuss momentum and its conservation. Read More »

Brain Meets BrawnArticles

Arm Wrestling is actually an organized sport. Like many other sports, Physics plays in a big role in determining the winner. Read More »

Soaring for SportArticles

Ever wish you could leap off a building and fly? A group of skydivers and BASE jumpers do just that in the sport of wingsuit jumping. Read More »

How did scientists figure out the speed of sound and light?Articles

It took researchers about 400 years to finally agree on these figures. Let's have a brief look at how this research got started. Read More »

When the rubber hits the road… from the skyArticles

Airplane tires need to be specially designed to give them the strength necessary to stay intact during takeoff and landing. Read More »

The hovering human: Sixty seconds to engineering fameArticles with Starting Points

On June 13, 2013, the AeroVelo team and their Atlas aircraft set a world record for human-powered flight. Read More »

Ballet shoes and elastomers: Have I made my pointe?Articles

The ballet shoes use innovative materials like elastomers to help prevent injury. Read More »

HDPE vs. silk: Comparing the production of natural and synthetic fibresArticles

Natural silk from the cocoons of mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori) is stronger and can be produced more efficiently than HDPE. Read More »

Is Barefoot Running Healthier?Articles

Your running shoes may actually be negatively affecting the way you run. Read More »

Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar... whatever the event, artistic gymnastics is a sport that demonstrates strength, ability... and a whole lot of balance! Read More »

Curling Rocks!Articles

Physics and the sport of curling. Read More »

High Tech Helmets Take On ConcussionsArticles

Football and hockey are gearing up for another season, but there's another battle being played out this season--high impact sports vs. high tech equipment. Read More »

Sharks in the PoolArticles

At the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the joke was that triathletes were swimming their best times because of sharks in Sydney Harbour. That would definitely make me swim faster, but itdidn’t... Read More »

Buoy oh boyArticles

Have you ever been on a boat cruise and wondered how you’re staying afloat? How are these ships able to float on water, which is much less dense than steel? Read More »

Stiletto WeaponsArticles

Models are known for sporting high heel shoes down the runway, but there may be some evolutionary reasons from wearing these top fashion items. Read More »

Ollies, 5-0 Grinds off a Ledge...Articles

The first skateboards were nothing more than boxes or planks of wood on roller skate wheels. It wasn't until the 70's, though, that the current polyurethane (plastic) wheels were... Read More »

A Powder AdventureArticles

How did Snowboard Steve go from kick flips to being the snow equivalent of a lawn ornament? Well, it all begins with friction. Read More »

Dimple PlanArticles

Did you ever wonder why on earth golf balls are designed with dimples? Still don’t have the answer? Take it in stride; golfers needed nearly four hundred years to figure that one out. Read More »

Chucking your cell phone as far as it will goArticles

The latest oddity to capture Canada's attention, hailing from Finland, is the Mobile Phone Throwing Contest. This competition started in 2000 in Finland and has been running annually ever since. Read More »

So You Think You Can Dance?Articles

Ballet dancers, when achieving amazing feats such as seemingly endless turns and floaty leaps in the air, are more than performers they are physicists! Read More »

Karate - More than just a chop!Articles

Karate, is this word shrouded in mystery for you? Or does it make you think of a person dressed in white robes sporting a black belt flying around doing crazy kicks and punches? Read More »

All aboard!Articles

Rowing has existed as a sport for a long time. The ancient civilizations of Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all have left evidence that they organized boat races. Read More »

Walking in a wonderland of snowArticles

So, what exactly are snowshoes and how do they work? Read More »

Christmas with a bangArticles

Christmas crackers make a loud bang when pulled apart at their ends, which you can think of as a little holiday gift from chemistry to you. Read More »

Wax, curves and woodArticles

As you rip down the mountain on your fancy snowboard, do you ever wonder what makes it go, or why it handles the way it does? Read More »

Slippery slopesArticles

Let's take a quick look at the physics of snow and why skis can slide on it. Keep in mind that while I'm using skis as an example, the same physics applies for anything else you dare ride... Read More »

Taping Hockey SticksArticles

There are many reasons why players choose to tape their sticks, all of which invovle concepts form Physics. Read More »

Scared hitlessArticles

Because it can take as little as 0.3sec for a volleyball to go from one player to an opponent, volleyball is all about anticipation. Whether you know it or not, your brain uses a lot of... Read More »

Spiking in the sandArticles

Who doesn’t love summer? Cookouts, ice cream, and trips tothe beach! Next time you’re at the beach, grab some friends and join a sand-physics-volleyball game! Read More »

Scinamation: The science of low level speedingVideos

This video from RiAus explains the science behind why speeding, even just a little bit, greatly increase the risk of a traffic collision. Read More »

Immovable Object vs. Unstoppable Force - Which Wins? Videos

Which will win in a showdown? The immovable object or unstoppable force? Find out in this fast paced explanation. Read More »

Differential GearsVideos

Learn about gears and automobiles. Read More »

Photographing Supersonic ShockwavesVideos

How can you see the shockwaves formed when an aircraft flies faster than the speed of sound? NASA engineers figured out how to do this as part of their research into ways to make quieter... Read More »

LDSD: Supersonic Test FlightVideos

On June 28, 2014, NASA used a giant balloon and rocket motors to test its inflatable Low Density Supersonic Decelerator and a supersonic parachute in the skies high above Hawaii. Did it work? Read More »

Ping Pong Ball Breaks Sound BarrierVideos

Researchers have developed an air cannon that can shoot ping pong balls at super sonic speeds! That is faster than an F-16 fighter jet at low speeds! Read More »

Is it better to walk or run in the rain?Videos

This video by MinutePhysics explains whether it is better to walk or run when caught in the rain! Read More »

Kinematics of grasshopper hopsVideos

The force and acceleration of a grasshopper is calculated using a high speed camera and tracker software. A velocity vs time graph is also produced. (5:15 min.) Read More »

The science of golf: KinematicsVideos

NBC Learn, in partnership with the United States Golf Association and Chevron, explores the science of golf. In this segment, the concept of kinematics, the use of stimpmeters and how they... Read More »

The counterintuitive physics of turning a bikeVideos

This video from MinutePhysics explains the counterintuitive physics behind turning a bike. Read More »

Why is it harder to drive backwards?Videos

Practicing for your driver's test and finding the reverse parking to be trickiest? This video from Minute Physics explains why is is harder to drive backwards than forwards. Read More »

An athlete uses physics to shatter world recordsVideos

When Dick Fosbury couldn't compete against the skilled high jumpers at his college, he tried jumping in a different way -- backwards. (3:50 min). Read More »

The physics of baseball pitchesVideos

This video from DNews explains the physics behind a good baseball pitch. Read More »

Projectile motion & parabolas - The science of NFL footballVideos

This video from the National Science Foundation explains the science behind projectile motion and NFL football. Read More »

Kinematics - Science of NFL footballVideos

Learn about NFL football and kinematics in this video from the National Science Foundation. Read More »

Soccer physics: The "impossible" free kick Videos

In 1997, Brazilian football (soccer) player Roberto Carlos setup for a 35 meter free kick with no direct line to the goal. Carlos’s shot sent the ball flying wide of the players, but just... Read More »

Science of the Penalty Kick - by ESPNVideos

Learn about the science behind a World Cup penalty kick. Read More »

Sport Science: Jeremy Lin - ESPNVideos

This summer impress your friends with your knowledge of why Olympic athletes are so good at what they do!

The Science Behind Striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez - ESPN Sports ScienceVideos

Learn the science behind striker Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez's success on the field. Read More »

Science of NHL Hockey: KinematicsVideos

Learn how quick skaters use the principles of kinematics to give them an edge in the NHL. Video courtesy of NBC Learn - the... Read More »

Science of NHL Hockey: VectorsVideos

Learn how much is involved in one of the most overlooked hockey skills, passing! Video courtesy of NBC Learn - the science of NHL hockey! Read More »

Science of NHL Hockey: Force, Impulse and CollisionsVideos

Every movement of a hockey puck follows the laws of physics such as, force, impulse, and collision. Video courtesy of NBC Learn - the science of... Read More »

Birdie in flight: The science of badmintonVideos

This video from Science Friday explains the science behind badminton. Read More »

Sport Science: BreaststrokeVideos

Learn the physics behind the tricks of the breaststroke.

The Biomechanics of Usain BoltVideos

The Science of the Summer Olympics - Bolt's stride, strength, and muscle coordination make him a biomechanical marvel! Read More »

Maximizing the Long Jump of Bryan ClayVideos

The Science of the Summer Olympics - using engineering principles to help improve long jump distances. Video courtesy of... Read More »

Sarah Robles and the Mechanics of WeightliftingVideos

The Science of the Summer Olympics - comparing a weightlifter's arm movements to a robotic arm! Video courtesy of NBCLearn. Read More »

Why Isn't "Zero G" the Same as "Zero Gravity"? (SciShow)Videos

This Quick Question from SciShow explains the difference between gravity and g-force, and how you can experience zero-g in space even when it’s not zero gravity! Read More »

Exoplanets Explained (Johnson Exolab at Caltech)Videos

How do you detect planets that are hundreds of light years away? Professor John Johnson and his team of scientists explain. Read More »

Earth vs. airplane: Why jets don’t need to keep up with the planet’s rotationArticles

In the Northern Hemisphere, planes actually tend to fly faster when they are travelling in the same direction as the Earth’s rotation. Read More »

How Does the Earth Spin?Videos

One of the most common physics misconceptions is that an unbalanced force causes constant motion. In truth, an unbalanced force leads to changes in motion - accelerations. Read More »

Why Math? Cedar Point Top Thrill DragsterVideos

Eric tells us what role math plays with one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world! (video courtesy of VRoc.ca) Read More »

Relativity: Basics & How it Impacts our Day to Day LivesVideos

Learn how classical relativity impacts our everyday life. Read More »

The Mighty Mathematics of the LeverVideos

Archimedes once said “Give me a place to stand, and I shall move the Earth.” While the idea of a person moving such a huge mass on their own might sound impossible, chances are you’ve seen... Read More »

Why is ketchup so hard to pour?Videos with Starting Points

Ever go to pour ketchup on your fries...and nothing comes out? (4:28 min.) Read More »

The science behind helmet technologyVideos

Race car driver Amy Castell explains the science and technology of racing helmets. Read More »

The Truth About Toilet Swirl - Southern HemisphereVideos

Hosts of Veritasium and Smarter Every Day conduct the same experiment on opposite sides of the globe to prove the Coriolis Effect is real. Synch with northern hemisphere video... Read More »

The Truth About Toilet Swirl - Northern HemisphereVideos

Hosts of Veritasium and Smarter Every Day conduct the same experiment on opposite sides of the globe to prove the Coriolis Effect is real. Synch with southern hemisphere video... Read More »

Surprising Applications of the Magnus EffectVideos

This video explains the Magnus Effect which describes how spin effects moving objects. The importance of the Magnus Effect extends from the effect of spin on a ball to some travel applications. Read More »

The science of surfboardsVideos with Starting Points

Have you ever been surfing and wondered what kind of board would be best and why? This video from DNews explains the science and history of surfboards. Read More »

How do bikes stay up?Videos

This video from MinutePhysics explains the physics behind why bikes stay upright. Read More »

LDSD: We Brake for Mars (Part 2)Videos

How do you slow test technologies to slow down spacecraft before they land on Mars? NASA created an “outdoor wind tunnel” in the desert to test their ideas. Read More »

Getting Curiosity onto MarsVideos

On August 5, 2012, NASA will land its latest robotic exploration craft, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity, in the Gale Crater on the surface of Mars. This video shows how they plan to do it. Read More »

Wringing out Water on the ISS - for Science!Videos

CSA Astronaut Chris Hadfield performing a simple science experiment designed by grade 10 Lockview High School studentsfrom Fall River, Nova Scotia – winners of the CSA national science contest. Read More »

Minute Physics: What is Gravity? Videos

One Minute Physics provides an energetic and entertaining view of old and new problems in physics -- all in one minute! This episode discusses the basic nature of gravity, one of the four... Read More »

Tears in Space (Don't Fall)Videos

Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Chris Hadfield demonstrates the physics of tears in space. Read More »

Newtons Laws of MotionVideos

Learn about Newton's 3 laws of motion that helped start a scientific revolution! Read More »

Newton's first law of motionVideos

This video from the National Science Foundation explains Newton's first law of motion and how it relates to NFL football. Read More »

Newton's second law of motion - Science of NFL footballVideos

This video from the National Science Foundation explains Newton's second law of motion and how it relates to NFL football. Read More »

Science of NHL Hockey: Newton's Three Laws of MotionVideos

Every action and reaction hockey players make, follow fundamental laws of physics; especially Newton’s laws of motion. Video courtesy of NBC... Read More »

Centripetal ForceVideos

In this animated physics video, learn about centripetal force and Newton's second law. Read More »

A simple proof of conservation of energyVideos

This video from MinutePhysics provides a proof (mathematical) for the conservation of energy Read More »

The Tacoma Narrows FallacyVideos

Learn the REAL reason for the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapsing. Read More »

How Do Snakes Move?Videos

How does an animal without legs actually move across the ground? This is a question that mathematicians at the National Science Foundation set out to answer using observation,... Read More »

The Physics of Surfing!Videos

Learn about the physics of surfing from researchers and surfers in Hawaii! Read More »

Why Math? - Indoor SkydivingVideos

The VROC crew visits Niagara Freefall Indoor Skydiving in Niagara Falls to learn about the facility & how math plays an important role in the body mechanics of skydiving. (Video courtesy of vroc.ca) Read More »

Science of the Winter Olympics: Aerial FreestyleVideos

This cool video shows the physics behind aerial freestyle ski jumping and why skiers need to really understand physics in order to complete the jumps! Read More »

TEDx - The Science of SprintingVideos

Let physics help you become a better sprinter. Learn why Usain Bolt is so fast. Think he will break more records this summer? Read More »

Science of Speed - Drag and DraftingVideos

Drag can hurt a racers speed and fuel efficiency. Learn about drag and how engineers deal with it when designing cars. Read More »

Science of Speed - BalanceVideos

Learn about the importance of car balance when racing from race car drivers and engineers. Read More »

Science of Speed - Tires and PressureVideos

Learn about tires and pressure and how they relate to speed and racing. Read More »

Science of Speed - GripVideos

Learn about grip, or frictional force, of the tire on the track. Read More »

Science of Speed - Friction and HeatVideos

Learn the role of friction in racecar driving and why it can be a driver's best friend and worst enemy. Read More »

Science of Speed - Load TransferVideos

NASCAR tracks are divided up into three parts. This is because the cars grip changes at different parts of the turn. Watch this video to learn why and to find out how engineerings work to... Read More »

Sport Science: Dwight Howard just breaks Shaq's maximum reach recordVideos

Here is a sport that is in the Olympics. Scientists and Dwight Howard use science to document how Dwight could break Shaq's record of max vertical reach! Read More »

Science of NHL Hockey: Work, Energy & PowerVideos

See how much work, energy, and power is involved in hockey’s most famous move, the slap shot. Video courtesy of NBC Learn - the science of NHL hockey! Read More »

Quick Physics TricksVideos

Want to learn some quick physics tricks to impress your friends, teachers or just for fun? Check out this quick video explaining some neat tricks governed by the laws of physics! Read More »