OU maths lecture: Boomerangs, Bouncing Balls and Other Spinning Things

The Open University maths department are hosts of a lecture at the OU with a range of exciting experiments conducted by Dr Hugh Hunt, a Senior Lecturer from the Engineering Department of Cambridge University and a recognised expert in gyroscopes and boomerangs.

Dr Hunt leads a fun filled session showcasing a range of exciting experiments and games designed to explore questions such as; why does a spinning top stand up? Why doesn't a rolling wheel fall over? Why is top-spin so effective in tennis? How does a falling cat always manage to land on its feet? How can the Hubble Space Telescope turn around in space? What do ice-skaters do to spin so fast?

Dr Hunt will also look closely at the common threads that link all spinning things but in a light hearted and fascinating way that won’t require high powered maths, just an appetite for fun and the help of lots of lots of toys and videos. Perhaps even the odd boomerang:
 

Find out more:

• Watch the lecture
• Study maths with the OU