Latin and Science students work together on Aqueduct Stem Project

Who knew the study of Ancient Rome and the study of Physics would work together so well for a recent eighth grade project?
Mrs. Ansama’s Latin students and Mrs. Schwizer’s Science students recently participated in hands-on learning for their Aqueduct Stem project. After learning about the role of aqueducts in Ancient Rome, Latin students attempted to make a successful “aqueduct” combining their historical knowledge and their newly learned physics topics including slope, acceleration and velocity. Latin students went on to present their gained knowledge to their 8th grade peers in Mrs. Schwizer’s Science class. Latin students prepared a brief presentation on aqueducts for their individual science classes and then acted as aids during the construction process. Using masking tape and poster board, each group built a ramp that would allow a ping pong ball to travel from the desk (the reservoir) down to Rome (the dessert plate). The goal was to create a ramp with a slope, which would gently lay the ball onto the dessert plate without it bouncing out. If the ball bounced out of the dessert plate (Rome) the water was flowing too quickly. Since the traditional Roman slope was not possible in such small quarters, students then improvised using trial and error as well as techniques learned in their current study of Physics. The lesson culminated with the measurement of both slope and acceleration of their finished aqueducts. Prizes went to those groups who had the slowest acceleration.
Back