George Tuthill, interim associate vice president for the College of Graduate Studies, helped NBC and the National Science Foundation explain the science behind athletic performance at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The Science of the Olympic Winter Games Web site featured 16 video segments detailing the science behind each sport, such as ski jumping, ice skating, bobsledding, and snowboarding.

Tuthill, a physicist, was asked to describe scientific principles at work in various sports because of his past work in science outreach with the National Teachers Enhancement Network, a project funded by the National Science Foundation.

“Understanding the science principles at work can help anyone to better appreciate the Olympic events and the accomplishments of these athletes. And, for teachers of science, the Olympics represent wonderful teachable moments to convey science ideas,” Tuthill said.

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