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.