Author: Timothy Stombaugh
Planning Unit: Biosystems & Agr Engineering
Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming
Outcome: Initial Outcome
It always challenging to find ways to engage youth in STEM related activities. Curriculum is being developed for a youth project involving Remote Control Tractor Pulling. Students engage in the excitement of a pulling competition while learning math and basic engineering concepts including power, torque and speed; energy storage and power to weight ratio; vehicle balance; friction and traction; tractor stability and safety. The basic vehicle chassis and components have been refined to provide a reliable yet inexpensive learning platform. A workshop was offered at 4-H Teen Conference and a Women in Engineering workshop to test the new curriculum. The teens were very engaged over 6 hours of activity and articulated an appreciation for the math involved in vehicle design and operation.
Kentucky is known for many products and industries, including the bourbon industry. One important fa... Read More