YEAR 7 STEM SESSIONS

This term, twenty-two of our top Maths and Science students have been working on a STEM project. The Mouse-trap cars project has seen students designing and constructing a car that runs on the transference of the spring-loaded mouse-trap’s potential energy to kinetic energy.

This class has been running since the start of term 4 where students were able to test two prototype vehicles and recorded data on distance travelled. They then used their design skills to make one modification to the car (change of wheel size or number, change of lever arm length etc)and they have collaborated and worked in pairs to build their car.

Once completed the cars were placed on a smooth floor and the mouse trap released. As the lever arm snapped back, the potential energy from the tightened spring is transferred to kinetic energy, pulling the string, which in turn rotated the rear axle and the cars were propelled forward. Students were trying to design a car that allowed for the longest distance to be travelled and that part of the project was won by

All students had a great time working together and increased their understanding of Maths and Science concepts such as Energy Transference, Data Collection and Measurement.

This activity has also provided all students involved with an opportunity to demonstrate a range of skills such as team work, problem solving skills, designing, construction and time management, and was a lot of fun.

Dannyelle Gaiter |  KLA Coordinator - Science

Jacinta Murphy | Numeracy Coordinator