Use popsicle sticks to build a cricket-like jumping mechanism!
How it works
In this case, making the popsicle sticks 'work' takes energy.
There are two different kinds of energy at play: potential energy (AKA stored energy) and kinetic energy (AKA energy in motion). An example of the difference between kinetic and potential energy can be seen in mouse traps. When the trap is set, a spring is compressed and secured in place, giving it potential energy. But when the trap is released, the potential energy quickly converts to kinetic energy as the hammer swings down.
Just like a spring, crickets can store lots of potential energy in their hind legs and transform it into kinetic energy to jump up to 60 times their body length!
Try this at home
- How can you use the energies in the rubber band from the cricket to make other objects move?
Definitions/glossary
- Kinetic energy: Energy an object has as a result of its motion
- Potential energy: Stored energy or energy that comes from an object's position
- Mechanical engineers: Mechanical engineers design and build motors and machines that move — like racecars, escalators, and trains!
What's going on at the University
The Waterloo Forming and Crash Lab is an innovative area exploring the behaviour of different materials under strain. Through this innovative and analytical approach, researchers can make mechanical systems more efficient while improving on safety at the same time!
How to become a mechanical engineer
The first step to becoming a mechanical engineering student is to graduate from high school with the required math, chemistry, physics, and english courses. After high school, you will attend an accredited engineering program. Mechanical engineering students at Waterloo are trained to lead large, multi-disciplinary team projects and come up with innovative solutions, like: designing a crashworthy, ultra-light vehicle; harnessing green energy from wind, wave or sun; or developing new surgical implants.
The co-operative study program will provide you with up to 24 months of practical experience complements and reinforces in-class learning. This will prepare you for a career as a mechanical engineer.
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