Power

High school students work collaboratively in teams of two to design and construct a hydraulic arm capable of competing in a game similar to "Hungry Hungry Hippos," picking up marbles, ping pong balls, and 3D printed blocks and placing them in an area over 90 degrees away. Using foam board, tubing, syringes, nuts, and bolts, students will create a functional prototype before recreating their design in AutoCAD and laser cutting it out of 3mm veneer. With practice, students will hone their skills before participating in the challenge, developing valuable STEAM and teamwork skills along the way.

This project challenges high school teams to design and build a unique lowrider model that can hop, bounce, and tilt side-to-side using a hydraulic system. Using a combination of traditional sculpting methods and 3D printing, students will create a distinctive body and custom rims and wheels. With a focus on engineering and problem-solving, students will design and build a hydraulic system using tubing and syringes, experimenting with different pressures and configurations to optimize performance. Finally, students will add a stunning paint job that reflects the West Coast lowrider style, creating a one-of-a-kind model that showcases their creativity and technical skills.

In this team project, students will use their knowledge of pneumatics to design and build a rocket capable of launching using a pneumatic power launcher. They will have the opportunity to use a variety of materials to create their rocket and must consider important factors such as weight and aerodynamics. Once constructed, they will launch their rockets and measure the distance and height achieved. This project provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn about pneumatics and apply their knowledge to a real-world application.

In this project, students will learn about electricity and magnetism as they construct a simple electric motor using common materials. Through hands-on experimentation and testing, students will learn how to wind an armature, construct a frame, and attach a battery to create a working motor. By altering their design and experimenting with different materials, students will explore the principles of magnetism and electricity and develop valuable skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. This project offers an exciting and engaging way for students to learn about the fundamentals of electrical engineering and explore the possibilities of motor design.

In this engaging project, high school students will employ AutoCAD and Denford Milling Machines to design and build a customized circuit board, honing their skills in precision measurement and design. After constructing their board, students will bring it to life by adding a variety of electronic components and programming it to perform a desired function, such as producing cricket noises or a firework display with LEDS. Through hands-on experimentation and problem-solving, students will gain valuable experience in the field of electronics and develop critical thinking skills.

In this exciting project, high school students will construct a jitterbug robot that comes alive in the dark, using a light sensor and tiny vibrating motor. Using soldering techniques, students can customize the robot's antennas and legs, creating a unique and personalized design. A flashing LED helps students locate the robot if it becomes lost. With a focus on hands-on learning and experimentation, this project provides an engaging way for students to explore the principles of robotics and electronic design.

In this exciting design challenge, high school students will explore the world of mechanical power by designing and 3D printing a set of gears. Using AutoCAD software, they will create a gear system with precise ratios and mechanical advantage to smoothly lift an object weighing over 8 lbs with minimal friction or noise. Students will learn about the importance of gear ratios, the function of power transmission, and how to optimize mechanical systems for maximum efficiency. Through this project, they will develop valuable skills in engineering design, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

This project is a hands-on way for students to learn about mechanical power and the principles of engineering design. By constructing either a trebuchet or a catapult, students will have the opportunity to learn about winch design, torque, and force. As they test and optimize their designs to launch a pumpkin, they will gain a better understanding of how mechanical power works and how it can be used to solve real-world problems. Overall, this project provides a fun and engaging way for students to explore the world of mechanical power and engineering design.

In this design challenge, students will use common household items to construct a Rube Goldberg machine that demonstrates mechanical power principles. The machine will be based on their favorite song and must perform a simple task of their choice. Students will learn about force, motion, energy transfer, and mechanical advantage as they design and build their machines. This project will challenge students to think creatively and apply engineering principles to solve real-world problems with limited resources.

In this exciting project, students will construct a functional crane model using a variety of materials, including foamboard, dowels, and string. The goal is to create a crane capable of lifting their favorite objects. Through this hands-on activity, students will learn about basic engineering concepts, including structural stability and weight distribution. By the end of the project, students will have a better understanding of how cranes work and how they can be used in real-world applications.