Investigation of toppling ball flight in American football with a mechanical field-goal kicker

A mechanical field-goal kicking machine was used to investigate toppling ball flight in American football place-kicking, eliminating a number of uncontrollable impact variables present with a human kicker. Ball flight trajectories were recorded using a triangulation-based projectile tracking system to account for the football’s 3-dimensional position during flight as well as initial launch conditions. The football flights were described using kinematic equations relating to projectile motion including stagnant air drag and were compared to measured trajectories as well as projectile motion equations that exclude stagnant air drag. Measured football flight range deviations from the non-drag equations of projectile motion corresponded to deficits between 9 and 31%, which is described by a football toppling compound drag coefficient of 0.007 ± 0.003 kg/m. Independent variables including impact location and impact angle orientation resulted in 15 impact conditions. We found that an impact location of 5.5 cm from the bottom of the ball maximized trajectory height and distance. At the 5.5-cm impact location, alterations in impact angle produced minimal change in football trajectory, including launch angle (range = 1.96 deg), launch speed (range = 1.06 m/s), and range (range = 0.94 m).     

Education Collections as Museum Collections

Museum education collections are inarguably a part of a museum's actual collection, just as are the research/permanent collections. However, past practices indicate that education collections are typically not given equal stature in museological terms. This paper argues that techniques and practices used with research/permanent collections should be applied to education collections, a viewpoint that has not yet been readily embraced. Several methods are addressed for upgrading an education collection to a level similar to a museum's permanent collection. The Lubbock Lake Landmark's education collection serves as a case study to demonstrate the need for the application of proper museological techniques to conform to best practices. A scope of collection was created, preventive conservation techniques were applied, a gap analysis was performed, and legal issues concerning the education collection were addressed.     

A Consideration of Museum Education Collections: Theory and Application

Abstract This article addresses problems associated with museum education collections. Museum education collections are used to provide visitors with opportunities to handle museum objects. These collections are primarily composed of objects that are damaged, lack provenance, or do not fit the scope of the collection. Sometimes, these collections are displayed haphazardly and their interpretation may lack thematic context. Some museum education collections are not being utilized to their fullest educational capacity. The application of cognitive, exhibition, and collections management theories can alleviate some problems with museum education collections. A critique of the education collection at the Lubbock Lake Landmark is presented as a case study of these problems and some of the potential solutions to them. The study can be used as a template by other museums to solve similar problems in their education collections.