STEMtopics

Mouse trap physics shows student the tips and tricks of building a mouse trap car.  This lesson teaches students the physics of a mouse trap and how to use the information to build a winning mouse trap car. The lesson concentrates on explaining how the laws of physics and mechanics affect performance of a mouse trap car.  Actual mouse trap cars in various stages of completion are shown to explain each step. The lessons introduce the following terms and concepts: Friction Lever

CAD & DRAFTINGIntroduction to CAD & Drafting provides students with the information needed before using the drafting board or CAD system. This program explains the importance of Orthographic Projection.  The lesson ensures that student can visualize each view of a three dimensional object. The lessons review the following areas: Orthographic Projection          Alphabet of Lines          SketchingThe lessons also cover the use and care of the following drafting tools: T-Square, Parallel Rule,

STRUCTURES + BRIDGESThis lesson is designed to enhance bridge building activities.  It reviews the six most common types of bridges.  Through this program the students will learn about different foundations, the types of forces that effect  bridges and how they withstand these forces. The lesson reviews the following terms about bridges and structures: Forces: Static + Dynamic, Tension + Compression, Shear + Torque, Equilibrium, Strength in shapeBridge Types: Beam, Cantilever, Truss, Arch, Sus

Introduction to RoboticsIntroduces students to robots from the fictional characters in movies, to industrial robots used in manufacturing and flexible automation systems. Topics include: History & Evolution of Robots        Basic Parts, Terms & Types      Industrial Applications   Robotic Sensors              Programming & Control          Advantages & Disadvantages Lessons describe the features, parts and terms used in the most common educational robotic systems.

AEROSPACE & FLIGHTThis lesson introduces to the principles of flight.  Students learn about the history of flight from Leonardo Da Vinci & the Wright Brothers up to the creation of the stealth bomber. The principles of modern flight are presented including lift, drag, thrust and Bernoulli’s principle. Through these lessons students will understand: Lift    Thrust    Aileron    Laminar   Drag    Rudder    TurbulenceFlaps    Pitching    Spoilers    Rolling    Yawing    Elevat

READING A RULERThis lesson introduces students to taking measurements with a standard ruler. Lessons include: History of Measurement               Reading a Ruler                       Basic MeasurementsStudents learn the basics of measurement in inches, feet, years, halves, quarters, eighths and sixteenths.  Students also practice with fractional equivalents. Note: this is a PDF presentation, not a printable PDF. Designed to be shown in full screen with adobe acrobat reader. Worksheets suppor

INTRO TO LASER SYSTEMS This program introduces students to lasers.  Students learn about the lasers used in movies, light shows, and their uses in military, medical and telecommunications applications. This program includes lessons on: SafetyLaser ApplicationsConstruction + OperationCharacteristics of LightLaser OpticsNote: this is a PDF presentation, not a printable PDF. Worksheets supporting this lesson can be purchased separately from our Teacher Pay Teacher store.

Reading a MicrometerThis program teaches students how to read a standard and Vernier micrometer.  The program includes the following lessons: IntroductionHistory of the MicrometerTypes of Micrometers - Inside, Outside, DepthReading the MicrometerNote: this is a PDF presentation, not a printable PDF. Designed to be shown full screen with adobe acrobat reader. Worksheets supporting this lesson can be purchased separately from our Teacher Pay Teacher store.

Introduction to Fiber Optics These lessons introduce students to fiber optics and its uses in our modern world.  Lessons include:Light Communications   Benefits of Fiber Optics  Fiber Optic Cables             Applications of Fiber Optics        Fascinating Fiber Optic FactsLessons describe what light is and how it has been used for communication.  After a brief history of light communication, students learn how fiber optic cables and their component parts are manufactured.  Students also learn a

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONICSThis lesson provides students with an introduction to electronics and the most common electronic components.  Lessons introduce students to the basic properties of electricity and electronics including current, voltage, resistance, conductors, insulators, and semiconductors.    Students will learn about the applications of the following components: Switches        LED’s      Speakers       Sensors       Resistors       Transistors     Capacitors      SCR’s      Di