Whitby’s Design Technology teacher, Leslie Perry, explained, “Design touches almost every aspect of the Olympics. From the infrastructure of an Olympic city, to the uniforms, to the equipment...the Olympic games are not only the premiere athletic contest, but a culmination of some of the best design science has to offer.”
While discussing the advancements made in equipment and uniforms, students inquired about the testing process that occurs before new designs are put to use. Students compared the development process of the new two-person American bobsled and the improved speed skating uniform, both created particularly for use in Sochi. After much discussion, research and critical thinking, students found that because the speed skating uniforms were not tested on the athletes until their Olympic debut, it may have caused the lackluster performance from the American speed skating team. However, students discovered the development and testing for the new bobsled was much more thorough, tested on various tracks, enduring scrupulous and comprehensive aerodynamic design tests before it was introduced in the games.
This research provided tangible answers to their questions, but as scientists, students wanted to know more and asked: At this high level of competition, how much does the equipment and uniform matter? In today’s world, how reliant are athletics on the newest design? Will design and science have an increasing effect on athletics? What other aspects can influence an athlete’s performance? To answer these questions, students met with School Counselor and Life Skills teacher, Rachel Clark, to talk about mindsets. Students worked on diagrams mapping out the mental, physical and emotional requirements to be an athlete of Olympic caliber. View the template for the mindset task.
Throughout this unit, students were able to make applicable connections to a historic and international event. Whitby’s IB curriculum focuses not just on what but why. It is important for students to see the depth at which design and science are involved in a global athletic event such as the Olympics to fully understand the power of technology and its impact on our world.