No wolf stands an opportunity

Who’s afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf? Certainly not the third graders from Kenton Elementary.

In a artistic twist on physics, the scholars partnered with engineering and building administration undergraduates from Ohio Northern University to construct automobile ramps designed to knock down a plastic wolf figurine. This hands-on STEM exercise taught the younger learners the basics of power switch—particularly, how potential power converts into kinetic power.

Approximately 130 third graders participated within the occasion, which was sponsored by the Baja SAE crew in ONU’s T.J. Smull College of Engineering. Using supplied kits, the scholars engineered their very own ramps and erected obstacles to check their designs towards the goal.

“It’s a science lesson that’s a fun, hands-on activity, and the students love it,” stated Dr. David Mikesell, professor of mechanical engineering and advisor for the Baja SAE crew.

The exercise is a part of a broader outreach mission referred to as LearnTwice, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The initiative encourages collegiate Baja SAE groups to foster curiosity in STEM topics amongst youthful college students. In return for partaking the group, SAE gives free science kits and rewards the collegiate groups with $2,500 in funding.

ONU’s Baja SAE team, which designs, builds, and races rugged, single-seat, all-terrain automobiles, has participated in LearnTwice for roughly 12 years.

For Amy Mikesell, a third-grader instructor at Kenton Elementary and spouse of Dr. Mikesell, the annual go to from the engineering college students is a spotlight within the tutorial yr.

“It’s important for third graders to see that science can be fun,” she stated. “They have time to experiment, play, and just enjoy it.”

Beyond the science curriculum, the exercise exposes the scholars to optimistic faculty function fashions. “For certain segments of our population that aren’t familiar with college, it’s planting that tiny seed,” she stated.

Aiden Shilliday, mechanical engineer main volunteering with the crew, hopes the exercise sparks an curiosity in physics, science, and engineering.

“I hope these subjects seem less daunting and the third graders are inspired to dream big for the future,” he stated.