Why Don’t Skis Sink Into the Snow?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why don’t skis sink into the snow?

The Big Idea

Skis do not sink because they spread your weight over a big area! Your weight is the same, but the push on each bit of snow is much smaller. Scientists call that push pressure, and it is the secret of skiing.

Boots Sink

Step one: boots sink. When you stand in boots, your weight pushes down on a small area. That means high pressure, so you sink into soft snow.

Skis Spread

Step two: skis spread weight. Skis are long and wide, so the same weight is spread over a big area. The pressure is much lower, and you glide on top.

Other Helpers

Step three: nature uses the trick too. Snowshoes work the same way, and so do the wide hooves of reindeer. Wide feet spread weight and keep animals on top of the snow.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A boot is small, so it pushes hard on the snow. A long ski spreads your weight out. Reindeer have wide hooves for the same reason. That is how skiers, snowshoers, and reindeer all stay on top of soft snow.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Pressure is weight divided by the area it touches. More area means less pressure. Snowshoes were invented thousands of years ago, and people still use them today. Always go out in snow with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Take a piece of soft modeling clay. Press one fingertip into it, then your whole flat hand, with the same push. Which sinks deeper? A small area means higher pressure. Share what you discover with a grown-up.

Outro

Skis spread your weight, so the pressure is low and you glide. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!