Bigelow MS’s year-end competition to design and build a remote-controlled Bionic Arm shows one facet of how STEM is being taught in Newton’s middle schools. Students were challenged to design and build a prosthetic arm that would lift and place an object. Each arm is entirely remote-controlled by 4 hydraulic pistons – one to control each axis to make the arm lift, reach, grab, and rotate. In the year-end challenge, 4 teams of 4 students in each class competed in a tournament to “shoot hoops” with the robotic arms they created.

Students used computers to design their solutions and then used the school’s fabrication laboratory to build and test them. Michael Whitman, Bigelow Middle School’s Engineering Technology teacher said, “At Bigelow, we feel Technology and Engineering is the motivational, hands-on engine part of STEM. Without the hands-on part, students struggle with learning the fundamentals. Here students apply the knowledge they gain in math and science to solve real world problems.” Parent volunteer Charles Geis, who assists in the program, said, “Throughout the year the program presents students with real-world issues, challenging them to use the Engineering Process to find solutions. As students see how practical math and science helps them solve these problems, they want to learn more.”

Observers of this year’s competition included representatives of NewtonSTEM and Needham-based PTC. PTC sponsors many STEM programs in Massachusetts, including the Newton Ligerbots high-school robotics team, as well as the Real World Design Challenge. PTC was represented by Ayora Berry (Curriculum & Teaching Coordinator K-12 Program), Dr. Chris Hartmann (Mathcad Education Program Manager), and Brittany Strachota (Engineering Intern). Mike Whitman and PTC are now exploring the use of software donated by PTC to enhance how students design and evaluate their solutions. For more information on the the Engineering Technology program at Bigelow MS, contact Michael Whitman at mike_whitman@newton.k12.ma.us.