Exploring Forces and Energy Transfer Through Hands-On STEM Activities

Another exciting Tuesday at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre saw the Girls in STEM Club exploring the captivating world of forces and energy transfer.  The session began with the girls revisiting their previous learning on magnetic forces and how magnets attract and repel objects.

Through a series of hands-on demonstrations, the girls investigated how force and energy are transferred between objects.  By observing a set of metal balls transferring motion from one end to the other, they explored how momentum and energy move through a system.  They also observed how the effectiveness of energy transfer can vary depending on the size of the balls used.  In addition, they examined how energy gradually dissipates through friction and air resistance in pendulum-based motion devices.

The girls then designed projectile launchers using cups, rubber balloons, and masking tape. Their challenge was to launch cotton balls into a target circle from a set distance.  Through experimentation and teamwork, they refined their designs by using two cups and adding rubber bands to improve the launch distance and accuracy.

Another activity demonstrated how concentrated pulses of air could create smoke rings capable of travelling long distances.  The girls built their own devices and worked together to extinguish a candle flame from a distance, gaining a practical understanding of air pressure and airflow.

Finally, the girls constructed small catapults using plastic spoons, wooden paddle sticks, and rubber bands to launch balls over considerable distances.  The activity encouraged innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving as the girls tested and improved their designs.

The many creative adaptations developed throughout the session highlighted the girls’ growing understanding of forces, energy transfer, and projectile motion, while also building curiosity, confidence, communication, and collaboration skills.  Through engaging hands-on experiences, the Girls in STEM Club continues to inspire young women to explore science and technology in practical and imaginative ways.