Cycling Physics (While Cycling) A Combined Teaching & Endurance Cycling Event Benefiting Students of Lake Mary High School and the American Diabetes Association   Luther F. Davis III, physics teacher in Lake Mary, Florida, plans to cycle in his classroom for the entire 7 hour school day.  His students will be treated to unique lessons about physics principles related to bike riding while also spreading health awareness in support of the American Diabetes Association.

Thanks Everyone, It Was Awesome! 143.1 Miles - 7 Hours - While Teaching!  $1705.64 Raised On Feb. 4, 2010!           Video Clips Below    Seminole Cyclists Fight Diabetes      Goals & Classroom Setup Explained     Apparatus Description                      Little Rams Stop By!       Red Bug Elementary                        Breaking 140 Miles!       Countdown to 7 hours - 143.1 Miles! Additional Video Segments are Available Here  The full 7 hours are being edited and will be updated soon.   Lake Mary High School PodCast is Here Physics of Cycling Presentations Available! Opening Sequence Video (Above) Download Introduction Day PowerPoint Download Ride Day PowerPoint Wired Magazine [GeekDad] Blog - Kathy Ceceri Graphs! All donations benefit the American Diabetes Association!         Use if greater than $5.00      Use if less than $5.00

Background & Purpose Mr. Davis is accustomed to over-the-top teaching practices; smashing cinder blocks over his chest while lying on a bed of nails to illustrate pressure, constructing a giant 1200-pound medieval siege throwing machine to demonstrate projectile motion, and even letting students drag him around the football field with ropes to show how forces direct motion.  This recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Education goes out of his way to stimulate student interest. Going out of his way, as he says, "Usually means bigger is better, and more meaningful." Now Davis, who within the last few years has become an avid cyclist, is planning to conquer new territory.  On February 4, 2010 he plans to cycle 140 miles in the classroom, all the while teaching physics and raising awareness for the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure. "What I'm really excited about is teaching students in a creative and unique way," Davis says excitedly.  Davis has completed ten 100 mile-plus bike rides over the last several months but none compares to what he has planned for this event. Davis has constructed an apparatus that will allow him to bike at over 20 mph, while he remains motionless with respect to students in the classroom.  "The angular momentum of the spinning wheels allows me to keep my balance," Davis says while breaking out physics terminology, even when hyping up the event.  He plans to use PowerPoint and video excerpts in addition to his anecdotal knowledge to convey lessons while he rides.  When asked if the teaching will make him more tired, Davis says, "Yea maybe, but, I'll be sharing physics with every exhale, it'll be more efficient that way!" Event Sponsorship Besides teaching physics, the event is also raising funds for the American Diabetes Association.  You can sponsor this teaching-cycling event! Donate a few cents per anticipated or completed miles!   Ex. Enter a donation of $2.80 if sponsoring 2 cents/mile.  Use if total is greater than $5.00  Use if total is less than $5.00      100 % raised will support the American Diabetes Association when Mr. Davis participates in a one hundred mile cycling event, the "Tour de Cure," in Orlando on February 28th, 2010. Click image for Tour de Cure Information.

Date & Time Thursday, February 4, 2010 7:25 am - 2:25 pm, EST Watch The Event Live! Live streaming video will be available from: Live Stream - Physics While Cycling the day/time of the event! Cycling in the Classroom? A "free motion roller" was constructed by Mr. Davis from off-the-shelf bike training components with custom designed framing. The apparatus allows for a realistic riding experience while remaining stationary with respect to the classroom.  The bike is not attached to the rollers in any way.   How Far is He Going to Go? A maximum goal is an average pace of 20 mph for seven hours yielding 140 miles for the school day! Bathroom and stretch breaks will be minimal to maximize total distance obtained. Lesson Outline The lesson provided to each class is outlined below:     1) Event Goals     2) Brief Bicycle History     3) Physics of Cycling         a) Work - Physical effort         b) Power - Work done over time intervals         c) Energy - Describes objects state         d) Angular Momentum - Spinning wheels         e) Torque - Varying force via gears         f) Biological effort vs. Physical effort     4) American Diabetes Association Support Download the PowerPoint The prepared PowerPoint delivered to students will be available here a few days before the event. Classroom Setup Student seating will maximize viewing of the cyclist (teacher) as well as three LCD projection displays:     1) Prepared PowerPoint     2) Real-time imagery of data collection;         a) accumulated distance (miles),         b) current speed (mph),         c) current heart rate (% max), and         e) current cadence (pedal rpm)     3) Current view from Live Streaming link above. Links Lake Mary High School  Where Mr. Davis teaches. Seminole Cyclists  A Central Florida Cycling Club to which Mr. Davis belongs. Luther's Personal Tour de Cure Team Page You can check individual and team goals. American Diabetes Association An honorable charity worth supporting. Contact Information Luther F. Davis III Lake Mary High School 655 Longwood-Lake Mary Road Lake Mary, Florida  32746 Luther_Davis@scps.k12.fl.us School Voice Mail: 407.330.9681