The Discovery students have enjoyed exploring engineering and technological concepts with our LEGO and LASY building sets.  Check out some of the students applying their construction skills. 

Chris worked several weeks to design this complex LEGO machine.

"Let's see how these machines   can move!"

Robert, Chris, and Clark test their engineering skills.

The new LASY materials we purchased with our grant money.

During this past spring, many mechanically adept students from IHMS had the opportunities to work with new building kits thanks to a grant that was awarded to us from The Hamilton County Educational Services Center.  Over 20 students met every week in Mrs. Herrmann's room after school.  Several former robotics students from the high school  donated their time and expertise to help us out.   Thanks to Stuart, Chris, Mark, Eric,and Adam for all of their assistance.

Builders at work.  Time always flew by far too quickly.  True hands-on learning!  Ryan and Shawn (left) hone their skills for the National Robotics Competition.

The "Best of Show" team from the 1996-97 National Robotics Competition prepares to compete at this year's annual International SME competition in Michigan.	Our own Indian Hill team was declared the "Best of Show," beating out all of the high school and university teams to win a $6000 software package for our middle school.	Chris and Stuart begin the tedious process for this year's manufacturing simulation.
The teams competed in the robot problem solving  contest using a wonderful kit made by Robix.	"I can't believe they expect us to solve this in 3 hours!"	"Well, let's give it a try!"

The IHMS team competes to solve the same 3 hour manufacturing problem.	It was a challenge, but they still succeeded, receiving a bronze award for their fine endeavor.

Robix has an excellent commercial site which explains the Robix robot kit and the twelve different robots that students can construct and interface with the computer.  These materials provide wonderful opportunities for hands-on learners!  Evan Rosen calls the Robix  "the erector set of the 90's".

   Amusement Park Physics Explore the physics fun behind those crazy "scream machines".   You can even design your own coaster.

  A Scientific Odyssey: Technology at Home!  Imagine a day without the microwave or television or telephone...not to mention CDs or computers.  All of these make use of 20th century technology.

How Stuff Works From atoms to budgets to zippers, you'll really learn how all that  stuff actually works!

Kid's Invention Links for Kids

 Visual Effects Headquarters   Learn how they invent that movie magic!

  Invention Dimension  

  The Ask Science Theater Archives        Ever wonder why boomerangs return?   why onions make us cry?  why there's a practical reason for allowing flies to inhabit our planet?  You actually converse with scientists via e-mail and ask any scientific question that's been on your mind!

	Joanne Herrmann Gifted Education Teacher
06/07/00	jherrman@ih.k12.oh.us