STEM Quad Challenge Events
Bio-Inspired Design Challenge
The Biomimicry Institute (biomimicry.org) describes 3 types of Biomimicry (also known as Bio-Inspired Design):
(part 1) Brainstorm multiple applications that a given feature might be used for.
(part 2) Students will be presented with 1 or more real world problems and asked to design a kit or multi-feature device that would help people adapt to, prepare for, or eliminate that challenge.
The Biomimicry Institute (biomimicry.org) describes 3 types of Biomimicry (also known as Bio-Inspired Design):
- Copying form and shape (like the Kingfisher’s bill able to slice smoothly through water as it dives to hunt)
- Copying process (like photosynthesis in a leaf)
- Mimicking at an ecosystem level (like building a nature-inspired building)
(part 1) Brainstorm multiple applications that a given feature might be used for.
(part 2) Students will be presented with 1 or more real world problems and asked to design a kit or multi-feature device that would help people adapt to, prepare for, or eliminate that challenge.
Forensics Challenge
Forensic scientists analyze evidence in order to interpret or recreate unknown events. In this challenge, student teams will analyze a variety of evidence from a fictitious crime scene to draw conclusions. Test stations in the rotation might include chemical analysis of non-toxic powders, chromatography and fiber analysis, fingerprint, shoeprint, and/or tire tread examination, and decoding encrypted messages. Each team will write a detailed analysis of their results which will name the suspect who committed the crime OR state who needs to be questioned further if the evidence provided is not conclusive.
Lab materials and safety equipment will be provided for all.
Forensic scientists analyze evidence in order to interpret or recreate unknown events. In this challenge, student teams will analyze a variety of evidence from a fictitious crime scene to draw conclusions. Test stations in the rotation might include chemical analysis of non-toxic powders, chromatography and fiber analysis, fingerprint, shoeprint, and/or tire tread examination, and decoding encrypted messages. Each team will write a detailed analysis of their results which will name the suspect who committed the crime OR state who needs to be questioned further if the evidence provided is not conclusive.
Lab materials and safety equipment will be provided for all.
Roller Coaster Build Challenge
In this hands-on engineering challenge, participants will build a marble run style roller coaster to complete a particular task (such as coming closest to a target time to complete its course) with additional points for specific features (such as loops or gaps). Materials will be provided.
(Part 1) Teams will have approximately 1 hour to build, run trials, collect and record data, and modify their devices to maximize performance. The data log will be included in the team’s score.
(Part 2) Rollercoasters will be officially tested for a score.
In this hands-on engineering challenge, participants will build a marble run style roller coaster to complete a particular task (such as coming closest to a target time to complete its course) with additional points for specific features (such as loops or gaps). Materials will be provided.
(Part 1) Teams will have approximately 1 hour to build, run trials, collect and record data, and modify their devices to maximize performance. The data log will be included in the team’s score.
(Part 2) Rollercoasters will be officially tested for a score.
DaVinci Challenge
Leonardo DaVinci was known for his many inventions. This spring, the Gateway Science Museum will host an exhibit featuring these inventions. The DaVinci exhibit is the inspiration for this hands-on engineering challenge. Participants will use a pulley system and a variety of other simple machines to determine the best configuration in order to raise a heavy block off the ground. Materials will be provided.
(Part 1) Teams will have approximately 1 hour to build, run trials, collect and record data, and modify their devices
to maximize performance. The data log will be included in the team’s score.
(Part 2) Pulley systems will be officially tested for a score.
Leonardo DaVinci was known for his many inventions. This spring, the Gateway Science Museum will host an exhibit featuring these inventions. The DaVinci exhibit is the inspiration for this hands-on engineering challenge. Participants will use a pulley system and a variety of other simple machines to determine the best configuration in order to raise a heavy block off the ground. Materials will be provided.
(Part 1) Teams will have approximately 1 hour to build, run trials, collect and record data, and modify their devices
to maximize performance. The data log will be included in the team’s score.
(Part 2) Pulley systems will be officially tested for a score.
Stay tuned for the following information:
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