The English Program recently organized an exciting Physics STEM Activity for students enrolled in the SMART elective course at the Secondary 3 (Grade 9) level. The activity was led by Associate Professor Dr. Wannapong Triampote from the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, who guided students through a series of interactive challenges designed to strengthen their understanding of physics concepts and engineering principles through hands-on learning.
The workshop aimed to enhance students’ scientific knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and practical problem-solving skills through two engaging STEM activities.
Activity 1: Paper Cup Challenge – Investigating Mass, Weight, and Support Forces
Students participated in an engineering challenge in which they designed and constructed towers using paper cups. The objective was to build the tallest structure capable of supporting a student’s weight without collapsing.
Through this activity, students explored important physics concepts, including mass, weight, gravity, and support force. They observed how structures distribute forces and learned that a stable structure must provide sufficient upward support force to balance the downward force of weight. By testing and refining their designs, students developed a deeper understanding of structural stability, force equilibrium, and the engineering design process.
Activity 2: Creative Vibrobot Sumo Challenge
Students designed and built simple vibrating robots using basic electrical components, including a battery, switch, vibration motor, clips, and cardboard. After assembling the electrical circuit, students observed how the vibration motor generated motion, allowing their robots to move across a surface.
To encourage creativity, students transformed their robots into original cartoon characters through artistic decoration and design. The robots then competed in a thrilling sumo-style challenge, attempting to push their opponents out of the designated arena. The last robot remaining inside the competition area was declared the winner.
Through this activity, students gained hands-on experience with electrical circuits, vibration-driven motion, and the engineering design process while developing teamwork, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and innovation skills.
Throughout the workshop, students actively engaged in scientific inquiry, collaborated with their peers, and applied physics and engineering concepts to solve real-world challenges. The activities encouraged students to think critically, test their ideas, and learn from both success and failure through experimentation.
The English Program would like to express its sincere appreciation to Associate Professor Dr. Wannapong Triampote from the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, for sharing his expertise and providing this valuable learning experience. His inspiring instruction helped students develop a deeper appreciation for physics, engineering, and STEM education while fostering curiosity and innovation in the next generation of learners.