Tennis

The study investigated differences in the one‐ (SH) and two‐handed (DH) backhands when hit flat, across‐court (AC) and down‐the‐line (DL), and with heavy topspin DL (TDL). The ability to disguise each of these backhands when hitting the above strokes was also assessed. Eighteen college‐level male tennis players, identified as having a high performance topspin SH (n = 6) or DH (n = 12) backhand drive, participated in the study. Players were required to hit three AC, DL and TDL backhands from the baseline with their preferred technique, while being filmed with two high‐speed video cameras operating at 200 Hz. The highest horizontal velocity backhand for each stroke was analysed. Results indicated that the sequential coordination of five body segments (hips, shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and hand/racquet rotations) was required for the execution of the SH stroke. The same number of segments were generally coordinated in the DH stroke (hips, shoulders, and varying degrees of upper arm and forearm rotations followed by hand/racquet movement). Mature players produced comparable racquet horizontal velocities 0.005 s prior to impact using either the SH or DH backhand technique. The SH backhand was characterised by a more rotated shoulder alignment than the DH stroke (SH: 119.1°; DH: 83.4°) at the completion of the backswing. At impact the ball was impacted further in front (SH: 0.59 m; DH: 0.40 m) and a similar distance to the side of the body (SH: 0.75 m; DH: 0.70 m). Players using the DH backhand technique delayed the horizontal acceleration of the racquet towards the ball (SH: 0.13 s; DH: 0.08 s prior to impact) and thus were capable of displaying a similar hitting motion closer to impact than players with a SH technique.     

A Laboratory Experiment, Based on the Maillard Reaction, Conducted as a Project in Introductory Statistics

ABSTRACT: A simple laboratory experiment, based on the Maillard reaction, served as a project in Introductory Statistics for undergraduates in Food Science and Technology. By using the principles of randomization and replication and reflecting on the sources of variation in the experimental data, students reinforced the statistical concepts and techniques introduced to them in lectures before the experiment. The experiment was run simultaneously by several student groups, using the same materials. Comparing the results of their analyses of variance, students became aware of the difference between P values and significance levels in making statistical decisions. In the experiment, the complete randomized design was applied; however, it is easy to adjust the experiment to teach students simple regression and randomized block designs.     

Reviewing Newspaper Articles as a Technique for Enhancing the Scientific Literacy of Student‐teachers

The ability to understand and evaluate news reporting of science is often cited as an attribute of a scientifically literate person. This work reports on an attempt to develop such attributes in a group of 19 student‐teachers. They were introduced to a review technique designed to help them evaluate newspaper representation of science and engage more effectively in a course dealing with biotechnology and associated socio‐scientific issues. The work they produced was examined for a range of evidence, and this showed that they were able to comment effectively on issues such as the newsworthiness of stories, bias in reporting, and the portrayal of science and scientists. Questionnaire responses indicated that the technique helped them to think about the media reporting of science in ways that were new to them. They believed school‐age students would benefit from a similar technique, and its use in schools is seen as highly desirable.     

Futures education for the gifted

Futures education is an important area for educators of the gifted who are interested in leadership potential for it develops those skills which students can use to meet the issues and challenges of today's and tomorrow's world.