Morris Avenue Intermediate students recently welcomed the McWane on the Move program from the McWane Science Center for a day of hands-on science exploration. This interactive outreach experience brought STEM learning directly to campus, transforming classrooms into mini engineering labs filled with creativity, collaboration, and excitement. The program lasts for a semester and visits monthly.

During the Inventive Engineering session, students explored the relationship between kinetic and potential energy by designing and building bouncy-ball obstacle courses. Working in small teams, they applied the engineering design process—planning, constructing, testing, and refining their designs—to create a course that would move a ball down an incline as slowly and smoothly as possible.

The challenge required students to think critically and use problem-solving skills as they adjusted ramps, barriers, and materials to control motion. Each group timed and tested their creations, learning how small changes could improve their scores.

By combining science, engineering, and teamwork, students experienced firsthand how energy can be transferred and transformed. Programs like McWane on the Move inspire curiosity, reinforce classroom learning. Thanks to the McWane Science Center for bringing this engaging and educational experience to our students!