Mechanical Energetics STEM Camp 2024

We were proud to host our first Mechanical Energetics camp for middle school students during this past February break. But what is ‘mechanical energetics’ and why is it crucial for middle school students to learn? Mechanical energy is the energy that makes an object move and is the basis for mechanical engineering-one of the fastest growing and highest paying career fields.*
The free, three-day camp was filled with hands-on science experiments, presentations by different industrial professionals, and time spent on two different college campuses. Students learned about the chemistry of materials by doing small experiments mixing chemicals. They saw a hydraulic lift demonstration and learned about pneumatic devices. Additionally, they were introduced to the circulatory and pulmonary systems and how hydraulics can help remove blood clots. They built snap circuits, worked with Apple Pens and LEGOs, and even built foil switches to be used with toys for disabled children. Tours of the OCC Applied Technology Labs and Le Moyne College Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity gave students an opportunity to try plastic injection moulding, learn about CNC milling machines, and make a simple circuit flashlight keychain. They also got to use a 3-D scanning app and build foam flying gliders (everyone’s favorite).
Special thanks to C-Speed who generously provided funding for the student science kits and Bluefors for sponsoring lunch on the final day.
The camp would not have been possible without these incredible partners:
Dr. Michael Costanza and Inari Medical Devices
Le Moyne College Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity
Connor McGough, Adaptive Design Coordinator for ARISE
Alicia Michalski, CNYETA
Onondaga Community College Applied Technology Labs
Relate2Learn
Terry Smith, Mitten Fluidpower Corporation
Mike Winje, Hydraulic Engineer, Parker Hannifin Corp
*Source: www.onlineengi....