9781422286784

and monitors. The wheel layout is designed to let a man moving 150 miles per hour main- tain his concentration on the road while still being able to manipulate the computer and electronic functions of the car. The stock cars of NASCAR are not as tech- nical as Formula 1 machines, but tech still plays a huge part in the popular racing se- ries. In the old days, racers kept track of their fuel use with a dial or a chalkboard. Today, computers take information beamed directly from the moving car and constantly adjust fuel readings to help teams know when it’s time to make a pit stop. Today’s hard-charg- ing, step-on-the-gas drivers have to know as much about computer controls as about how to make a slingshot pass. TEXT-DEPENDENT QUESTIONS 1. How did the design of the new World Cup ball help players? 2. What condition are new football helmet designs aiming to reduce or control? 3. How has tech helped cyclists ride faster? RESEARCH PROJECTS Time for a workout! Put on a wool sweater and jeans and run a mile or play some basketball. Then do the same thing in synthetic gear. Feel the difference? Can you take measurements of your temperature, time, or comfort level to compare playing in the two types of gear?

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