Applied Academics
Acrylic Project
The future is in Plastics! With more than 20,000 different types of plastics, it is imperative that the material and its end product be tested before production. In this project, students test the effect of stress on the chemical resistance of acrylic. Next, students tap into their artistic ability while creating an acrylic sculpture using readily available materials.
Applied Mathematics
Architects, designers, engineers and technicians routinely make mathematical calculations for construction and production. The activities provided here give students experience in calculating perimeter, circumference, area and volume.
The Bicycle: A Great Vehicle for Learning
Students learn about the bicycle’s evolution, manufacturing processes and physics concepts, then rank bikes on a spreadsheet in this activity that kids can really relate to.
Cardboard Boat Challenge
Students research, design, construct, and race cardboard boats, gaining substantial math, science, communication, and engineering experience. Includes key definitions, detailed student instructions, 13 pages of student work sheets, plus an evaluation sheet.
Career Posters
This activity combines researching the details of various technical careers with creation of a poster that organizes and displays gathered information. Students can introduce their posters through two-minute oral presentations.
Calculating Home Electricity Consumption
Students gain greater awareness of their personal use of electricity and get some excellent experience with the practical application of mathematics through study of their families’ consumption of electricity.
Constructing a Simple Gyroscope
Students learn about the physics of gyroscopes and their various applications, then construct a simple gyroscope based on the design of a spinning top.
Designer Concrete
Background on composite materials and their use in construction, with an activity that has students experiment with different formulas for concrete, then strength test the results.
Encourage Recycling Through Communications Project
Students assess the amount of school cafeteria waste being thrown out or recycled then design and produce tent-card advertising to encourage recycling. Includes student worksheets, follow-up questions, and an assessment/grading rubric.
Energy Conservation
Teach kids how to save energy—and money—before they’re paying the bills! A light bulb energy calculation activity, a home energy efficiency test, and lots of tips and info on how to be a wise energy consumer are included.
Forensics 101—Applying Physics to Solve Crimes
Capitalize on CSI mania! Students apply math and science knowledge to solve a class "murder case" that shows how forensic experts use physics principles.
Geodesic
Dome Construction
Students explore math, science, and technology principles related
to design and construction, then work in teams to build a geodesic dome. Eight
student worksheets, plus a detailed assessment form are included.
Math Challenges
From the best of the “More than Fun” archives! Twenty mathematical mind-benders that engage and enrage young minds. Includes two sheets of problems and two sheets of solutions. Perfect one-day project for you or a sub!
Newton's Laws of Motion Challenge
Activity challenges students to design and build a simple energy-transferring machine that helps them understand Newton’s Laws of Motion.
Pressurized Air/Water Rocketry—Build, Test and Learn!
The history of rocketry, the functioning of liquid-fuel and pressurized-air rockets and Newton’s laws are covered. Then, students and/or instructor build a launcher using wood and PVC tubing and launch bottle rockets.
Pinhole
Camera for Science, Art, and Fun
A pinhole camera is a camera without a lens—a
tiny hole replaces the lens. Having students make their own camera, take photographs,
and develop the pictures is a rewarding experience. It also helps students
understand the properties and nature of light and better understand the function
of a lens in the eye and other optical devices.
Snap! Catch Students' Attention with Mousetrap Vehicles
Teach physical science concepts by having your students design, construct, test, evaluate and modify mouse trap cars--and airplanes!
Simple Sextant
Students learn the history of navigation, then construct a functional sextant using a plastic protractor, drinking straw, fishing weight (sinker), string, and tape.
Technical Reading and Writing
Introduce your students to the simple techniques of technical reading and writing. Includes a project in which students create a CD-ROM Book Report.
Tensional Integrity
Tensional integrity, or tensegrity, is covered with explanations of torque, stress, and Hooke’s Law. Once students understand the principles, they can complete three activities building structures based on what they have learned.
Up Periscope
Students learn about buoyancy, propulsion, and control systems in the course of designing, constructing, and testing a submarine that uses PVC pipe and a basic dc switching circuit. High school level.
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Wanted! Famous Technologists Posters
Students practice research, word processing, design and information technology skills, and learn a bit of technology history, in the course of making a poster of a notable technologist or inventor.
Write Right!
Creating an owner’s manual for a product sharpens students writing skills and their ability to communicate clearly and effectively. This activity also gives educators tips on producing both writing prompts and grading rubrics—and provides a rubric for use with the owner’s manual project.
Subject Codes:
- A — Applied Academics
- B — Building Trades / Construction
- C— Communication
- D — Drafting / Design / CAD
- E — Electricity / Electronics / Computer Technology
- G — Grading / Assessment
- M — Manufacturing
- PE — Power / Energy
- P — Problem Solving / Pre-Engineering
- S — Great for Substitutes
- T — Transportation
- W — Woodworking
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