Energy wizards

Abstract

Treball desenvolupat dins el marc del programa 'European Project Semester'.

The purpose of this project is to create a STEM inspired workshop that can be used in science classes. Science can be an arduous subject for students, so in modern times schools are trying to make it more appealing by conducting experiments, albeit with mixed degrees of success. Investigation has been conducted to find the main factors that keep teachers and students from having an engaging experience. One of the main problem is that teachers do not have enough accessible resources to provide students with qualified experiments that perfectly combine fun and knowledge. Surveys and four in-person interviews with experienced physics teachers, have been conducted in order to find the root of the problem and propose a solution. With the results concluded, a coordinated group of product designers and electromechanical engineers have developed a workshop that provides an easy and accessible tool for teachers. The purpose of this tool is to let students conduct and experience science using alternative sources of energy, specifically wind energy. Letting students experience science in an applied and memorable way has many benefits. STEM education can greatly improve motivation of students to pursue a career in science. Thus ensuring the continuity of science that drives innovation and progress in our society. Providing our tool to teachers will help them to reach students in such a way and give them a taste of alternative science teaching-methods.