Fluid Power Challenge introduces students to engineering.
Press Release Summary:
Any middle school, university, or fluid power company, using online instructions, can run NFPA Fluid Power Challenge, which tasks eighth grade students with solving engineering problem using hydraulics and pneumatics. Student teams of 4 have to design and build fluid power mechanism and then compete against other teams. Online instructions include budget, timetable, and sample emails as well as detailed information for Challenge coordinators, facilitators, and judges.
Original Press Release:
Online Instructions for NFPA Fluid Power Challenge Provide Ideal Way to Introduce Fluid Power to Students
Milwaukee, WI - Complete instructions for holding an NFPA Fluid Power Challenge are now available online. The NFPA Fluid Power Challenge is a competition that challenges eighth grade students to solve an engineering problem using hydraulics and pneumatics. The students work in teams of four, two boys and two girls, to design and build a fluid power mechanism, and then compete against other teams in a timed competition.
Using the new instructions, any middle school, university or fluid power company can now run a Challenge event on their own. The instructions include a budget, timetable and sample e-mails, along with forms that local organizers can use and customize for their individual events. The online instructions contain detailed information for Challenge coordinators, facilitators and judges, including ordering information for Challenge kits, T-shirts and trophies, as well as judging criteria and step-by-step procedures for the Workshop day.
Teachers can also hold a Fluid Power Challenge in their classrooms by using three new classroom exercise kits-a Pneumatic Lifter, Rotational Arm and Clamp-which demonstrate linear and rotational movements. These kits give teachers the tools they need to teach fluid power in the classroom and experiment with hydraulics and pneumatics before entering teams in a Challenge event. Additional resources and supporting materials for the classroom exercise kits are also available.
The complete instructions can be found at the following link: http://www.nfpa.com/Education/Challenge_Instructions.asp.
The NFPA Fluid Power Challenge exposes middle school students to a learning environment where engineering and math are fun, and encourages them to develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills. They are introduced to careers in the fluid power industry, and teachers receive support and resources for science and technology curriculum. The availability and easy-access of these instructions will greatly expand the number of Challenges being held across the country.
NFPA provides a forum for the fluid power industry's channel partners-manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers and educators. Its 335+ U.S. and multinational members work cooperatively in advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology through the association's many programs and initiatives. The NFPA Education and Technology Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization that supports educational programs and research in fluid power.
