On February 4th all students in (certain IB science classes) participated in the collaborative sciences project, a full-day workshop focused on gaining experience and challenging themselves with real-world problems and discussions in science.  According to the IB curriculum, “this project allows students to work together in an interdisciplinary team. They work towards a common goal related to a real-world issue, pursued through the lens of the scientific method.  Throughout the project, the emphasis is on the experience of collaborative problem-solving, the focus being the process rather than the product.”

This year the project focused on material engineering and how to make sturdy products work together. For example, they attempted to use sand and paper to be able to hold a person. I spoke with Mendham’s science teacher, Mrs. Beatty, who told me about this full-day workshop’s leader, Mr. Ian Tapel. Tapel is a materials science engineer who works at Picatinny Arsenal. He was previously in the military and worked at the Detroit arsenal. His experience in mechanical engineering helped educate students on what he knows for those interested in different types of engineering. Mrs. Beatty stated, “You could look at material engineering as an application for all of the sciences that were there.” Mr. Tapel provided those in attendance with resources and educated students on how materials can be useful. 

Drew Kervick, one of the senior students who attended the workshop, offered his opinion about the day. He felt that it was a nice break in his schedule and his overall school day. One of the things the students were challenged with was to make a strong structure out of paper and sand so that it could hold a teacher. This was able to teach the students how to work with composite materials for the future. Another activity they did was they were given tiles and the students were supposed to glue, resin, or tape so that if a hammer dropped on the tile it wouldn’t break. Drew stated, “If you want to get something out of it, you have to try and engage with it.”  He also mentioned, “I think it went well, but organization was a question. There was a lot of downtime and it was only material engineering focused.”

We look forward to seeing what the collaborative science project is next year and if it is materials engineering focused again or if there will be a new topic for exploration.