To begin the class, Shilpa showed the students what the wax beams now looked like after the wax had cooled. The students each took their beams and began to get their beams out of the containers. To do this, the students had to use a knife to cut around the edges, and gently shake the beam out of the container. After this was completed, the students had to cut the playdough off of the ends of their beams, and pry the grates off. This proved to be extremely challenging, as some of the wax had covered the grate. This completed, the students were told to shave the extra wax off of their beams so that they could pry the wood out. They used a variety of tools, including knives, screwdrivers, and metal hinges. After the wood was exposed, the wood was pryed out and students began to shape their beams, making sure that all sides were flat.
The students then went outside to test the strength of their beams. Much to their surprise, the weights were missing, and Shilpa announced that they would have to wait until tomorrow (Friday). For the rest of the class, Garrett explained to the class the activity for tomorrow, which was planned to be launching cars off of a ramp.
What is an I-beam?
This was the question asked of the students as they were ending the class. An I-beam is a steel joist or girder with short flanges and a cross section formed like the letter I.
How is an I-beam connected to engineering?
An I-beam is connected engineering because it is used to build things such as bridges and other support mechanisms.
The students then completed the day filling out reports.