NSU University School Viewpoint Fall/Winter 2017

10 n NSU UNIVERSITY SCHOOL Our eighth grade science classes are exploring engineer- ing concepts as they design their own cars with 3-D printers. The cars are able to move with the students’ selected modes of energy. Energy, a foundational concept to all aspects of science, is defined as the capability to produce change. “Students learn that energy can be transferred or stored and can be seen in different ‘modes’ or ‘accounts’ that are deter- mined by using system schemas, energy pie charts, and bar graphs, all of which demonstrate the transfer of energy. The first law of thermodynamics is used to ensure the conservation of energy,” said Lynn Carnaggie, M.S., eighth grade science teacher and team leader.” Before beginning their creations, the students watched a video clip of a parent who purchased a 3-D printer and filament and made a prosthetic hand for his son. The father talked about its cost effectiveness and convenience, opening the students’ minds to the endless possibilities of 3-D printing, its advantages, and its practical applications. Students were then familiarized with the machine and practiced using the 3-D design tool Tinkercad by design- ing their own buttons. After a lot of practice and individualized conferences and instruction, the young engineers were ready for the next stage. The online planning page that include neatly labeled isometric and orthographic diagrams that included measurements of the car they planned to design and plans for the wheels, axles, and body. Using the scientific method, the students manipulated variables and were responsible for meticulous measurements and calcula- tions. They also noted, in full detail, the energy source they intended to use and how to attach the energy source properly to make the car travel 30 centimeters. Making the car move involved a lot of planning, including how to attach gears to axles to make them turn. Students had to apply scientific ideas to design, test, and refine the car; tell how it converts energy from one mode to another; and explain how their design choices enhance the energy conversion from potential energy to kinetic energy, moving the car. The eighth-graders used problem-solving skills to design and troubleshoot their inventions. MIDDLE SCHOOL 3-D PRINTING DRIVES STUDENTS TO SUCCEED