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 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