MacLachlan's Grade 8 Science and Grade 12 Physics classes traveled to the Ontario Science Centre recently to see the IMAX film Dream Big: Engineering Our World. The Grade 8s enhanced their trip with a Serious Science workshop where they explored topics related to their first two units, Forces and Fluids. After touring the exhibits, the Grade 12s participated in the Physics Principles in Action workshop where they used principles of dynamics and energy to critically analyze the physics behind awe inspiring demonstrations.
Students left the IMAX inspired by the engineering feats showcased in the video. Once back at school the classes joined forces where groups of Grade 8 students and their Grade 12 mentors studied the ancient Egyptian system of moving large stones across the sandy terrain of the dessert and applied their findings in a competition to design and build a model that required the least force to pull a large stone (also known as a 1 kg mass) across the dessert (also known as the courtyard sandbox).
After a few minutes to gather information and brainstorm design ideas, each team was given 20 popsicle sticks, 1 glue stick, 1 piece of string, 1 hot glue gun and 30 minutes to create their models. Some models dropped their load, and some required more applied force than others. Regardless of the result, it was an engaging afternoon spent sharing knowledge and ideas to create innovative solutions to a fun problem!
