The Science of Soccer By: Ms. Sowin Perseverance Science Teacher

Introduction to the Science of Soccer  I chose to do my Science Sports project on soccer because I enjoyed playing it for 15 years. In addition, soccer is a game that requires skills, strength, and intelligence.

Potential Energy  Potential energy is stored energy. An example of potential energy in soccer would be the goalie standing still waiting to save a shot. The goalie is not yet moving, but is getting ready to.

Kinetic Energy  Kinetic energy is energy in motion. There are many examples of kinetic energy in soccer, such as the players running, dribbling, and kicking. Also, when the goalie jumps to save a shot, this goalie in in motion and therefore illustrating kinetic energy.

Digestive System  The digestive system mechanically and chemically digests food to give our body energy. First, our body needs to use energy to chew the food and then enzymes, the stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines work together to give our body nutrients. The digestive system helps soccer athletes get the energy they need to play hard!

Respiratory System  The respiratory system cleans incoming air, gets oxygen into our body, and removes carbon dioxide from our body. The body uses oxygen to release the energy stored in food and gets rid of carbon dioxide that can be dangerous. Soccer players need healthy lungs so they can breathe easily even when they are playing hard.

Circulatory System  The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. It needs energy to pump the blood throughout the body. Soccer players need a strong heart so they can exercise hard and often. The circulatory system makes sure all of the athletes’ cells are are getting enough oxygen.

Excretory System  The excretory system releases water and salt from the body as well as releasing excess heat. Energy is needed to keep this system working. Soccer players need the excretory system to sweat and cool off their bodies.

Muscular System  The muscular system produces force to move body parts. It uses mechanical energy contract our muscles that make our body move. Soccer players need strong muscles to move their legs to run fast and kick the ball hard.

Electric Energy  Electric energy is the flow of of electrons around a circuit. A circuit transfers electric energy from a power source to a defice that converts electric energy into another form of energy such as light, heat, and sound. Electric energy has made it possible for millions of people to watch professional soccer on TV and even play it on the computer!

Energy Transformation  There are many kinds of energy transformations that are related to soccer. For example, a soccer player can transform the chemical energy in a banana into the mechanical energy needed for running. Running then can produce heat energy causing the soccer player to get hotter.

Conserving Energy  Conserving energy can help athletes in two major ways. On a personal level, soccer players can rest up before a game starts so they have more energy for later. On an environmental level, conserving energy lowers pollution. Less pollution allows athletes to breathe in healthier air allowing them to run faster.

Newton’s 1st Law of Motion  Newton’s 1st Law says that an object in motion will want to stay in motion and object at rest will want to stay at rest unless acted upon an outside force. Soccer players and the ball are constantly moving and they will continue to move unless an outside force stops it. For example, one soccer player may run into another and therefore stop. Also, the friction that the grass makes is what slows down the soccer ball.

Newton’s 2nd Law of Motion  Newton’s 2nd Law says that the greater the force acting on an object, the greater the acceleration, or change in the object’s motion. Therefore, the greater force behind a player the faster he or she will run. Also, the greater force behind a kick, the faster the ball will go.

Newton’s 3rd Law of Motion  Newton’s 3rd Law says that “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” For example, a soccer player heading the ball up will make the ball come down the same amount. Also, the ground is pushing up the same amount the player is pushing down allowing athletes to stand on the field.

Machines  Machines help our soccer players exercise to increase their muscular endurance. For example,one complex machine soccer players use is the bicycle. When they push down on the pedals--a wheel and axle- the bike moves forward. The chain connecting the back wheel and pedals changes the direction of the force. The different gears on a bike will make it easier to pedal faster. To stop, the athletes squeeze the hand brakes, which are levers. Soccer players also use pulleys when they pull down to lift weights up.

Conclusion  Soccer would not exist without science. Our body needs energy to play and move. The ball moves and stops a certain way due to Newton’s Laws of Motion. The greater the force, the more the ball will move. Electrical energy has allowed us to watch soccer on television and play it on the computer. Machines have helped athletes continue to work-out. We need to take care of our bodies and our environment to make sure fun sports can continue to be played!