F-M middle schools are inspiring the next generation of engineers with the help of Syracuse’s Feldmeier Equipment. In November, engineers from Feldmeier joined students at Wellwood Middle School for a hands-on engineering challenge.
Students were tasked with using cups, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and a handful of other materials to build vessels that could withstand a seismic event. Shake tables were used to simulate an earthquake, and students were tested based on their structure’s height and how much weight they could hold.
“They got to see how many different ways there are to solve one simple problem,” explained visiting Feldmeier Engineer, Jeanette Sova. “There’s no right or wrong answer, there’s multiple solutions, and they had the chance to go back and modify their designs so they aren’t afraid to fail, helping with their confidence and perseverance.“
The partnership between F-M and Feldmeier began last spring when Mrs. Concannon was invited to meet with engineers and tour the facility. Along with giving students advice on how to perfect their creations, visiting engineers gave students some background about what they do at Feldmeier, and answered questions.
Eagle Hill students will participate in a similar challenge this spring. Find a video of Wellwood students participating in the challenge below, or on our district YouTube page.