7th Grade Projects
Mechanical Engineering: Newton's Cradles and Mousestrap Dragsters
Mechanical Engineers have a strong understanding of Newton's Three Laws of Motions, how to employ mechanical advantage, and how to harness potential energy to unleash it as kinetic energy. Newtons Cradle's and Mousetrap Dragsters are the perfect "vehicles" for students to explore and demonstrate these concepts and the Engineer Design Process. Along their work as mechanical engineers, students are practicing their orthographic drawing skills and safety in the lab using the drill press, band saw, belt sander, and other tools to accomplish their goals.
Aerodynamic Engineering: Flight of the Gliders
Human flight has captivated generations of aerodynamic engineers going back before Leonard da Vinci. Students capture the principles of aerodynamic design to fly ring wing gliders, paper helicopters, and, ultimately, balsa gliders.
Structural Engineering: Geodesic Domes
Geodesic domes are structurally sound and geometrically wondrous. Students explore the values of geometric frequency and constructive hubs and struts to a strong dome. They use their knowledge to construct, test, evaluate, and repair their domes and analyze the integrity of these unique structures.
