Book 28, Question 62 · Video
How do ski jumpers fly so far?
A ski jumper gains speed down a ramp, jumps at the end, and flies through the air with long skis forming a V shape. The body and skis act like a wing, and air flowing underneath holds the jumper up. In the 1980s, jumpers discovered that the V style lets them fly farther than keeping their skis parallel. Jumpers wear strong helmets and train for years.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do ski jumpers fly so far?
The Big Idea
Ski jumpers soar through the air like birds! They fly incredibly far. How do they do it?
The Ramp
Step one: The Ramp. A ski jumper gains speed down a ramp, jumps at the end, and flies through the air with long skis in a V shape. It's a breathtaking sight.
Like a Wing
Step two: Like a Wing. The body and skis act like a wing, and air flowing underneath holds the jumper up. The longer they stay up, the farther they go.
The V Style
Step three: The V Style. In the 1980s, jumpers discovered that the V style lets them fly farther than keeping skis parallel. Jumpers wear strong helmets and train for years.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Gain speed. Jump. Spread skis. Air lifts.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Jumpers lean far forward to make their bodies like an airplane wing. V style flies farther. Air holds them up. Strong helmets a must.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Fold a paper into a V-shaped glider. Fly it gently. Watch how it glides. Try a flat glider too. How is it like a ski jumper?
Outro
Ski jumpers speed down a ramp and fly with their skis in a V shape. Their bodies and skis act like a wing, with air underneath holding them up. The V style, discovered in the 1980s, lets them fly farther. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Share what you learned with someone at home, and see what they think! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!