Spaghetti, marshmallows, and paper airplanes—what a week! On Tuesday, students built skyscrapers out of spaghetti and marshmallows. We pondered the question of how much weight can a beam support before it bends, and the students learned about beam deflection.
On Tuesday, the students learned about the World Trade Center and the engineering behind the buildings. As aforementioned, they were introduced to the concept of beam deflection, which refers to the bending of a beam under load. The students then had the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice by building a skyscraper out of spaghetti and marshmallows. The activity required them to design and construct a structure that could withstand the weight of a marshmallow without collapsing. This exercise allowed them to develop their problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities.
In the second session on Thursday, the students delved into the world of aerospace engineering. They learned about gliders and the principles of lift and aerodynamics. The students made paper airplanes and tested them to see how far they could fly. They also experimented with the design of their planes, such as changing the shape of the wings, to see how it affected the flight.
Overall, the first week of the WEngineer's academy: Storm Riders has been a great success. The students have had the chance to engage with engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. They have shown enthusiasm and creativity, and we are excited to see what they will achieve in the upcoming weeks. We look forward to teaching the next Storm Riders session!
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