District News

Eighth graders learn basic engineering during mechanical design project

 

Nov. 21, 2011

 

It took Canajoharie eighth grader Kory Mueller a little more than five weeks to put together his mechanical design project for Dr. Greg Pitonza's introduction to technology class. When Korey finally finished his design, he was proud of what he built: a catapult-looking device capable of launching a ping-pong ball about 15 feet.

"It was a fun project. I got the idea for my device from Lord of the Rings and it was very fun to build," he said. "I learned a lot about simple machines, forces and levers."

Dr. Pitonza charged his students with following the engineering design process to plan and construct a mechanical device using a lever to move a ball for distance, accuracy and height. The rules included: using a lever; using on the power of the mechanical device (no chemicals, flammables, or pressurized systems allowed); using only its own energy (e.g. pulling it back like a catapult); and it must be free-standing on a floor or stool.

The students could not use tape or glue but could use popsicle sticks, wire, straws, paperclips, plastic spoons, elastic bands, cups, small bolts and nuts.

Dr. Pitonza said the lesson reinforced basic design concepts and applied various scientific principles.

"This is our second year doing the project which is all about levers and forces," he said. "The students have fun too because they get two chances to launch the ping pong ball."

During the culmination of the project Monday morning, the students took to a back hallway of the school to test their designs. Under the watchful eyes of Dr. Pitonza, the students helped judge distance and height as each took their turns launching the ball.