Who’s afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf? Certainly not the third graders from Kenton Elementary.
In a creative twist on physics, the students partnered with engineering and construction management undergraduates from Ohio Northern University to build vehicle ramps designed to knock down a plastic wolf figurine. This hands-on STEM activity taught the young learners the fundamentals of energy transfer—specifically, how potential energy converts into kinetic energy.
Approximately 130 third graders participated in the event, which was sponsored by the Baja SAE team in ONU’s T.J. Smull College of Engineering. Using provided kits, the students engineered their own ramps and erected obstacles to test their designs against the target.
“It’s a science lesson that’s a fun, hands-on activity, and the students love it,” said Dr. David Mikesell, professor of mechanical engineering and advisor for the Baja SAE team.
The activity is part of a broader outreach project called LearnTwice, sponsored by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The initiative encourages collegiate Baja SAE teams to foster interest in STEM subjects among younger students. In return for engaging the community, SAE provides free science kits and rewards the collegiate teams with $2,500 in funding.
ONU’s Baja SAE team, which designs, builds, and races rugged, single-seat, all-terrain vehicles, has participated in LearnTwice for approximately 12 years.
For Amy Mikesell, a third-grader teacher at Kenton Elementary and wife of Dr. Mikesell, the annual visit from the engineering students is a highlight in the academic year.
“It’s important for third graders to see that science can be fun,” she said. “They have time to experiment, play, and just enjoy it.”
Beyond the science curriculum, the activity exposes the students to positive college role models. “For certain segments of our population that aren’t familiar with college, it’s planting that tiny seed,” she said.
Aiden Shilliday, mechanical engineer major volunteering with the team, hopes the activity sparks an interest in physics, science, and engineering.
“I hope these subjects seem less daunting and the third graders are inspired to dream big for the future,” he said.