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The Science of Speed

The Science of Speed

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One can't win NASCAR races without getting the science right. This 12-part series explains the scientific principles that are essential to the NASCAR experience. Viewers learn how science makes cars powerful, agile, fast, and safe.

Pit crew station filled with tires at a racetrack. Caption: Friction is necessary for breaks and tires to work.
The Science of Speed
Episode 1
5 minutes 27 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Race car on a track. Caption: Front downforce gives you front grip,
The Science of Speed
Episode 2
5 minutes 2 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A race car about to go into a turn. Caption: That means that car won't turn.
The Science of Speed
Episode 3
5 minutes 16 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Illustration of two cars bumper to bumper. Caption: is pushing the air out of the way for both cars.
The Science of Speed
Episode 4
5 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A simulation of a car crash on a wall. Caption: Gregory Earle, When a car hits it, the wall deforms and moves.
The Science of Speed
Episode 5
4 minutes 29 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Illustration of a car frame. Caption: The chassis is made from steel tubing,
The Science of Speed
Episode 6
5 minutes 30 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Three men, one wearing a vest being lit on fire. Caption: it forms a char a carbon shell around the fiber.
The Science of Speed
Episode 7
4 minutes 38 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
That affects how much grip each tire has.
The Science of Speed
Episode 8
5 minutes 5 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Side view of an engine. Caption: a NASCAR engine uses hydrocarbon molecules for fuel.
The Science of Speed
Episode 9
4 minutes 52 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
A spiraling tube. Caption: They run into each other and cancel themselves out.
The Science of Speed
Episode 10
4 minutes 46 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Close up view of a tire. Caption: (Diandra) Higher temperatures mean molecules are moving faster.
The Science of Speed
Episode 11
5 minutes 7 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
Two race cars barreling around a corner. Caption: Dover has 24 degrees of banking
The Science of Speed
Episode 12
5 minutes 18 seconds
Grade Level: 10 - 12
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Major funding provided by the Department of Education