In a bustling middle school classroom, the air is filled with excitement and the sound of wheels whirring as students eagerly test their creations. What's causing this buzz of activity? It's none other than a hands-on project led by their Technology teacher, Mr. Birchfield, where students are tasked with designing and testing mouse trap cars.
Mr. Birchfield, the brain behind this engaging activity, outlines its primary objectives: "The primary objectives of this activity are to learn about and apply the principles of Energy, Friction, and Mechanical Advantage. Students are challenged to produce a vehicle powered solely by a mouse trap that will outdistance their classmates."
One of the greatest challenges faced by the students, according to Mr. Birchfield, lies in the design and execution phases. When asked about the difficulties encountered, Mr. Birchfield explains, "Students often ask 'What do I do next?' My response is simple: 'What do you think you need to do next?' Critical thinking is a big part of this class, which is what I try to encourage in my students."
The project is deeply rooted in STEM principles. Mr. Birchfield elaborates, "The principles of STEM are embedded in all activities in this class. This particular challenge focuses on The Law of Conservation of Energy, types of energy, Friction (both beneficial and detrimental), mechanical advantage, the design process, and ratios, particularly when dealing with gears."
But what do the students themselves have to say about their experiences?
Student Insights:
Avery Carrick:
"The hardest part for me was gluing the car together since I kept messing it up and not gluing it well enough. The solution was to hold it together tighter and apply more glue. Yes, I had axles, but they were too small, so I had to get bigger axles for my car to run. Despite the challenges, I was surprised it ran at all, given my struggles with gluing."
Jaxsen Joyce:
"I changed my string on the car because it was too short, making it difficult to wrap around the axle. I was surprised at how well it ran despite my mistakes with glue. It shows that persistence pays off."
Blake Burgess:
"The hardest part for me was building the frame of the car, ensuring everything was cut evenly and glued together properly. I decided against using gears, which I thought would be time-consuming. To my surprise, my car traveled an impressive 82 feet, thanks to the meticulous construction."
Through the mousetrap car challenge, Mr. Birchfield not only facilitates hands-on learning but also fosters problem-solving skills, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of STEM concepts among his students. As the cars race across the classroom floor, it's evident that learning has never been more engaging or exhilarating.