The Exeter Alternative School
The Physics of Rowing
In this project you need to discover just how oars and paddles work to make a boat move through the water.  In order to answer the essential question, you will need to pick at least 4 focus questions to answer.

Essential Question:
*What is the best way to row a boat through the water?
Focus questions
*What are levers?
*On an oar, where are the fulcrum, effort arm, resistance arm?
*What is the best rowing technique for rowing fast? for rowing a long way?
*How is rowing different from paddling? Which is more efficient?
*How is an oar like a wing?
*What information needs to be considered when placing oar locks on a boat?
*What muscles are used in rowing? In paddling?
*What materials make the best oars?
*How does Newton's third law apply to rowing?
*What is the best number or rowers to use in a 30 foot boat? Why?

 

Helpful Links:
Notes about Levers
Levers Worksheet #1
Rowing final project
Rowing Techniques (in German)
The Physics of Rowing FAQ
Training tips for fast rowing
Classes of levers
The Physics of oars
Oar matierials
Oar length
Rowing Muscles
Rowing Muscles again