Sunday’s Big Idea
Mental Health
The game of modern American football came about through rules changes in response to a string of deaths in the early 20th century. To make the game less brutal, for instance, the forward pass -- a marvel of mechanics -- was introduced.
As the game has evolved, and as our understanding of degenerative brain disease has evolved, new rules are being considered, such as the NFL eliminating kickoffs -- one of the most dangerous plays in the game. But is that enough? Can physics step in and design a new helmet that will better absorb the shock of a hit?
In today's lesson, Ainissa Ramirez explains the physics involved in football, as well as the ways in which science can help to makle the game safer.
