Rick Bobrick

The first in an on-going series of problem based challenges that integrate science, technology, and engineering with math Students are challenged to design and construct a box that holds 24 Starburst candies and a plastic tube that holds 6 golf balls. Both package design problems require metric measurements (using calipers), calculations, design and construction using readily available and inexpensive supplies. Calipers can be ordered from any STEM catalog. Mechanical "outside" calipers are sati

An image rich, one of a kind Power Point that teaches students the meaning of a, "light year" using simple inter-active math activities. This conceptual and quantitative presentation starts off slow with the "snail year" (268.2 mi.; 431.6 km) and progresses through the "walk year", the "car year", the "jet year", the "sound year" (6,307,200 mi., 10,150,454 km) , the "bullet year", and finally . . . the "LIGHT YEAR" (not Buzz!). Includes astronomical applications of this enormous distance unit. S

An original approach to structural engineering for kids. These three challenges make use of paper straws as the primary building material with a focus on complying with simple quantitative specifications. Challenge #1 is a simple rectangular weight bearing structure; Challenge #2 involves bridge building; and Challenge #3 requires a structural system that suspends weights away from a vertical surface. These labs provide interesting challenges using a unique approach to more precise construction

The second in a series of 11 note packs that cover a complete middle level, physical science course (chemistry and physics). Unit 2, "The Properties of Matter" includes the following content: Properties of Matter; Mass; Volume; Metric Measurement (units and Tools); Density of Matter and more (9 pages). The cover sheet includes a bullet list of student learning objectives. Information on each (one sided) note page is concise and accurate; topics are distilled for beginners but never "dumbed down

This package includes three image rich, interactive Power Points, five companion worksheet activities/note pages. "Rates of Motion" includes a conceptual and quantitative exploration of speed and acceleration. Quantitative activities involve using distance and time to calculate average speed; using speed and time to calculate the unknown distance; using speed and distance to calculate unknown time; and two different acceleration formulas for calculating the rate of speed changes. Correct respon

Students are provided a procedure, pre-scaled graph, and the monthly daylight data that matches five "scrambled" mystery locations in the northern and southern hemispheres. After completing the graph they use the patterns in the data (along with a key hint) to label each line with the correct location. They then use patterns in the data to label the dates of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices on the x-axis. One of the mystery locations is Hudson, NY which is w

Pi Day is a presentation Power Point intended to teach students the concept behind the well known number (3.1416). Includes some levity.