9th Grade STEM Program

Marking Period One and Two

STEM Projects

Cube - Visualizing three dimensional space

Deck - Designing and constructing a scaled model

Wind Turbine (Current) - Maximizing the electrical output of a wind turbine

Slow Car (Next Project) - Utilizing gears to gain a mechanical advantage

Cube Project

Cube Project Topics

Math Topics • Volume and Surface Area

• Using algebra to find the new volume when doubling surface area

Technology Topics • Isometric Drawings

• Visualizing three-dimensional space

Science Topics • Measurement

• Units

• Nature of Science

Deck Scaled Model

Deck Scaled Model Topics

Math Topics • Proportions (Scaled:Real if Dimensions)

• Slope (Stairs)

• Creating Equations (Spacing of Joists)

Technology Topics • Architectural Scale

• Construction Terminology and Techniques

• Architectural Modeling

Science Topics • Measurement

• Force and Pressure

Wind Power

Project

Design an experiment

to find the optimal

number of blades and

pitch

Use the research data

to design a turbine

that generates the

maximum voltage

Wind Power Topics

Math Topics • Graphing Scatter Plots

• Solving Equations to Find Wind Power

Technology Topics • The Design Process

• Research and Experimentation

Science Topics • Energy Conversion

• Independent vs. Dependent Variables

• Data and Graph Analysis

The Students’ Perspectives

Joe Buonomo

John Gregson

Emily Sensenig

Ben Good

Schedule

Common Planning Time for STEM Teachers

Provides an opportunity for continual collaboration

A/B Schedule

Alternates Physics and Technology Classes

Smaller Class Sizes for Extending and Refining Activities

Allows for the flexibility to meet as a whole for presentations

Allows teacher to encourage active participation from EVERY student

Altered Schedule for Wisdom Wednesday

Wisdom Wednesday Learning

Experiences

General Contractor Discussion - Jim Stauffer

Dart and CNH Company Tours

Career in Engineering - Josh Fabian

Sicorski Helicopter - Elise Baker

National Guard Levee Project

Levee Project

The STEM Classroom

Observed Benefits

The students enter math with a basic understanding of concepts.

Students see math topics from another perspective.

Increased interest in the field of engineering

Improved presentation and collaboration skills