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17
M
ercury Marine and other local industries
recently
partnered
with
Michigan
Technological University to provide students an
opportunity to uncover the mysteries of science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM). Michigan Technological
University, known locally as Michigan Tech, has an outreach
program called Mind Trekkers that takes a traveling road
show to area communities to spark students’ interest in the
STEM concept. The event offered Mercury – which designs
and builds world-class marine engines in Fond du Lac,
Wisconsin – a chance to demonstrate how these skills are used
in the marine industry. Students were exposed to more than
100 hands-on activities, such as walking on water, making ice
cream in 60 seconds, and making a magnet float in mid-air –
no strings attached!
In the Mercury booth, students could learn about natural
frequency response and surface tension via hands-on
experiments. Students also were exposed to boating safety and
the importance of wearing a lifejacket while on the water.
By Pete Chisholm, Product Safety Manager with Mercury Marine,
ABYC Member and Tech Board
Mercury Marine
&
Michigan Tech
Reach out to Young Students
Students observing a standing wave
on a string excited by an oscillator.
(Demonstrated by Jeff Etapa)
Andrew Waisanen demonstrates vibration modes
using a small vibration table with salt on it.
Brian Poirier explains surface tension using two
balloons connected together on a common manifold.
Pete Chisholm teaches students about the importance of
lifejackets and how inflatable devices work, including
proper fit and age requirements.
