03/04/2026
STEM Sunday:
Loading weights for practice – this is a big part of Problem 4.
1. Cut a piece of 3" PVC pipe or a couple of 2x4 blocks - 8” tall and use these to practice loading weights rather than on a balsa structure. You can do this anytime and when ready try the team structure.
2. Look at the different size weight plates 5, 10, 25, 35 & 45 – What do you see and how can this be to your advantage?
3. What kind of communication is needed with your weight loading team mate(s)?
4. Listen closely when the weight is set down - do you hear only one sound when the weights touch– not a clink-clink where one side went down first? If one side of the weight touches before the other what does this cause? – Back to #3 – what kind of communication is needed?
5. No pinched fingers, but keep band-aids just in case!!!
6. Where do you stand if there is one or two person loading weights? Try different locations to understand balance and reach.
7. What are you wearing - a costume? street clothes? and how will it interfere or not with weight loading?
8. Check out this team loading weights and what do you notice they are doing or not doing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_LcLDWTetY
