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The goal is to enhance students' understanding of fundamental physics principles, such as force, motion, and energy, by integrating hands-on, technology-driven experiments that enable real-time data collection and analysis. This will empower students to apply engineering problem-solving methods, fostering critical thinking and practical skills relevant to real-world engineering challenges.

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Engineering the Future: Enhancing Hands-On Learning

School:
Gulf Coast High 
Subject:
Engineering 
Teacher:
Shawn Kelly 
Students Impacted:
65 
Grade:
9-12 
Date:
September 6, 2024

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

 

Kevin & Robin Benoit - $681.00

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Goal

The goal is to enhance students' understanding of fundamental physics principles, such as force, motion, and energy, by integrating hands-on, technology-driven experiments that enable real-time data collection and analysis. This will empower students to apply engineering problem-solving methods, fostering critical thinking and practical skills relevant to real-world engineering challenges. 

 

Category

Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

1. Force and Motion Experiments
Students can use force sensors to measure the force required to move objects of different masses and use acceleration sensors to observe how the objects accelerate. This can help them understand the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration which can be applied to the design of simple machines or mechanisms.
2. Bridge or Structure Testing
Explore structural engineering principles like load distribution and have actual data associated with design failure.
3. Acceleration and Deceleration in Vehicles
Students would attach the acceleration sensor to student built vehicles to measure acceleration and deceleration rates on different surfaces and inclines.
4. Projectile Motion
These devices would aid with the investigate of the physics of motion in two dimensions.
5. Measuring Friction
Help students explore the role of friction in mechanical systems.by using force sensors to measure the frictional force required to move objects on different surfaces helping them relate to practical engineering problems.
6. Designing and Testing Pulleys or Levers
It can be difficult to understand simple machines and mechanical advantage. Using force sensors, students can measure the force required to lift weights using different pulley systems or levers. They can calculate actual mechanical advantage and analyze the efficiency of their designs.
 

 

Benefits to my students

Students would gain practical, experiential knowledge by directly interacting with the physical concepts they are studying. Any hands-on approach helps reinforce theoretical knowledge by allowing students to see abstract physics and engineering principles in action. Additionally, having students use the data they created will help prepare them to handle real world challenges by building critical thinking and analytical skills.
 

 

Budget Narrative

The following items will significantly enhance the hands-on learning experience in our engineering classroom by allowing students to collect and analyze real-time data related to key engineering concepts.

1. Vernier LabQuest 3 (LABQ3)
The Vernier LabQuest 3 is a versatile data acquisition interface that will serve as the hub for connecting various sensors. It allows students to collect, visualize, and analyze data effectively, providing real-world experience with modern technology used in engineering fields. These devices will support group-based experiments, promoting collaborative learning.

2. Vernier Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor (GDX-FOR)
This sensor measures both force and acceleration, enabling students to conduct experiments on mechanics, including Newton’s laws, momentum, and collisions. These sensors are ideal for reinforcing core engineering concepts through hands-on experimentation, allowing multiple student groups to work simultaneously.

3. Vernier Go Direct Acceleration Sensor (GDX-ACC)
The Go Direct Acceleration Sensor measures acceleration in multiple dimensions, providing students with the tools needed to study velocity, angular motion, and other dynamic properties. This sensor is essential for projects in mechanical and automotive engineering, ensuring students gain practical insights into motion analysis.

4. Vernier Current Probe (DCP-BTA)
The Vernier Current Probe enables students to measure electric current in circuits, essential for understanding electrical engineering principles such as Ohm’s Law and circuit design. These probes will be particularly useful in projects that combine electrical and mechanical engineering.

These items would be integral to providing an interactive learning experience in engineering, giving students the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Their use will deepen student understanding of both physics and engineering fundamentals while preparing them for future STEM careers.
 

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 Vernier LabQuest 3 (LABQ3) $399.00
2 Vernier Go Direct Force and Acceleration Sensor (GDX-FOR) $119.00
3 Vernier Go Direct Acceleration Sensor (GDX-ACC) $114.00
4 Vernier Current Probe (DCP-BTA) $49.00
  Total: $681.00

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