Applied Math STEM Project
The Applied Math class (Gannon Johnson, Kamron Hoag, Braston Carter, Tanner Dorrell, and Steve Roberts) have been working on a STEM project the past three weeks. Our unit began by researching mechanical and material engineers. The boys continued designing and building a catapult. After some trial and error, an impressive catapult was created. The boys demonstrated the catapult to the 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. They took on the role of instructor as they shared knowledge in mechanical and material engineering, kinetic and potential energy, and an explanation of each working part on the catapult. They proceeded to demonstrate and engage 2nd and 3rd grade students by determining which balls (varying masses) would travel the farthest. Once predictions were made, the fun began! Despite their prediction that the ping pong ball would travel the farthest, elementary students soon learned that the ball with a higher mass traveled farther. Then, taking our experiment a step further, we tested the accuracy of the shot. After following advice from 2nd 3rd grade students we were able to successfully put the tennis ball through a basketball hoop!
To follow up, the Applied Math class met with the elementary classrooms the next day to make catapults. Students launched marshmallows with their new creations. Out of the third grade class, Kamron's group (Mya and Lauren) were our winners launching their marshmallows the farthest.
