Geometry is essential for ice skating. Take a moment to write down a few ways in which geometry affects the precision of the sport. Discussion Questions
What data is necessary to collect in order to understand the role of geometry in figure skating, hockey, and speed skating?
What spatial perspectives and/or mathematical planes are important for precision?
The location and cost of ice rinks is often a limiting factor for families interested in recreational skating. Fortunately, several low-cost options are available for both ice hockey and figure skaters.
Shooting Boards Starting at less than $100, it is possible to purchase various types of hockey shooting pads. These are plastic boards which can be used for practicing puck handling techniques, but not skating. These boards, approximately 2 to 4 feet wide and 4 to 8 feet long, are available from a variety of manufacturers and stores. HDPE, US Plastic Corporation High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is an affordable plastic which can be purchased directly from a manufacturing company, starting at only $2 to $3 per square foot. As a low-glide surface, it is suitable for ice hockey practice and some basic figure skating. A demonstration video available on YouTube shows the use of two HDPE sheets, each 4 x 8 feet and3/16 inches thick, from US Plastics Corporation. In February 2014, these two sheets cost only $140, plus a $140 freight shipping charge! Placed side by side, these two sheets make a rink 8 feet by 8 feet.
UHDPE, Direct Import from China The next best surface is Ultra-High Density Polyethylene (UHDPE), which is commonly used at commercial synthetic ice rinks. These are available from various companies in the USA and abroad, but the best value can be imported direct from China. According to a February 2015 estimate, an Olympic-sized synthetic ice rink (100 ft x 200 ft UHDPE) with sideboards is available for only $22,000, including shipping to East Coast USA! (Import tax and transportation from seaport were not included in this estimate.) Recycled Plastic, Budget Ice from Canada One of the lowest-cost synthetic rinks in North America is a recycled plastic surface available from Canada. A small sample is available for only $208 plus tax and shipping, according to an estimate in October 2015.
Sinter-Pressed, SmartRink from Canada One of the highest-quality synthetic ice consists of sinter-pressed materials, which are reported not to flake or scratch like other brands. This surface is available from Canada, as well as some US warehouse locations. Buildings Ice rinks can range from a recreation-room or basement model (e.g., 8' x 8') to a full Olympic sized rink. Although outdoor rinks offer a lower cost and the ambiance of outdoors, indoor rinks have many additional benefits. For instance, indoor rinks allow for more flexibility of use, such as skating at night and during bad weather, as well as protection from leaves and organic matter. Some of the most common buildings used for ice rinks include tension fabric structures, steel structures, and pole barns. These options are available at ultra low-cost from China, with prices as low as $3 per square foot, compared to US models from $9 per square foot or more! Some companies also offer free installation options. Additional Information
Synthetic ice is a popular, low-cost alternative to real ice rinks. Available in several forms and quality levels, synthetic ice usually consists of a slippery plastic surface which mimics the performance of real ice.
Compare the force line in each graph, using words. What is one major qualitative difference between the graphs?
In the second graph, what is the minimum force? Is the real force ever less than 0? Why or why not?
Why is force applied before the skate moves? Does this force contribute to velocity? At what point does force contribute to acceleration and velocity?
In the first graph, what is the maximum force? The maximum position? Velocity? Acceleration?
In the second graph, what is the maximum force? The maximum position? Velocity? Acceleration?
In each graph, calculate the range of time in which skate movement occurs. Which is larger?
The second graph claims that the skate has been pulled 1 meter. What is the evidence for or against this assertion? (Hint: How long is the skate?)
What force is required to pull the skate 1 meter on synthetic ice? On real ice? Which force is larger?
The following books from Schottenbauer Publishing contain similar types of graphs and data pertaining to the science of ice skating, figure skating, and hockey:
A simple demonstration of one type of synthetic ice is available below, in the YouTube video My First Ice Rink. This synthetic ice consists of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), one of the least expensive surfaces manufactured in the USA. In fact, 3/16" x 48" x 96" HDPE sheets from US Plastics Corporation sold for approximately $2 per square foot in 2014.
While high-quality synthetic ice may cost $16 per square foot or more, one variety of Ultra-High Density Polyethlene (UHDPE) is available low-cost from Dezhou Shengtong Rubber & Plastic Co., Ltd. in China. According to price estimates in February 2015, an Olympic-sized synthetic ice rink (100x200 ft, UHDPE with sideboards) is available from China to East Coast USA w/shipping (not including import tax) for only $22,000!
Additional videos demonstrating HDPE synthetic ice are available on the Skating Science Playlist.
