50p
Physics 11 Piano Project
As I sat in my Advisor's class, Ross 101, I couldn't help but notice the massive piano set on a table in the middle of the room. An exciting project, the Giant Piano fashioned by the Physics 11 classes was a sight to behold. The product of about a month of strenuous and exciting work, the piano project is a testament to the ability and ingenuity of physics students and teachers alike.
This is the first year the Physics department put on this project. Ms Lawrence stated: “Given the long and tiring pandemic year, we thought we could end by creating positive memories in COVID times by providing students with the opportunity to work in a multi-step hands-on memorable project.” The teachers involved described the endeavor as a "S.T.E.A.M." project, a combination of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, resulting in a well-rounded assignment with many opportunities for students to focus on an individual or specialized aspect of the piano. Each component and student had the task of completing one element of the piano in addition to circuits and wiring. These include woodworking, coding, music - and built off one another to create an intricate product.
The teachers involved - Ms Olszewski, Ms Hampton, and Ms Lawrence - put in an incredible amount of effort for this project to be successful, so I would like to give them the recognition they deserve. Ms Lawrence told me in an interview "Every student had a role, and every role was vital" and this fact is evident if you witness the final piano in person; with so many wires and intricate parts, it's an impressive feat to have working.
No doubt, the students are highly appreciative of the opportunity to put some hands-on teamwork to the test. In a usual year, the Physics 11 course is taught by one teacher, but a change of pace arrived this year when it was split between the aforementioned physics experts, resulting in a unique and stimulating experience.
The project was a monumental success and, according to the staff, a project of similar magnitude will be back next year. I can't wait to see the following project, and I hope the students and teachers enjoy it as much as they did this year.
Damien B, Privett ‘21
This is the first year the Physics department put on this project. Ms Lawrence stated: “Given the long and tiring pandemic year, we thought we could end by creating positive memories in COVID times by providing students with the opportunity to work in a multi-step hands-on memorable project.” The teachers involved described the endeavor as a "S.T.E.A.M." project, a combination of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, resulting in a well-rounded assignment with many opportunities for students to focus on an individual or specialized aspect of the piano. Each component and student had the task of completing one element of the piano in addition to circuits and wiring. These include woodworking, coding, music - and built off one another to create an intricate product.
The teachers involved - Ms Olszewski, Ms Hampton, and Ms Lawrence - put in an incredible amount of effort for this project to be successful, so I would like to give them the recognition they deserve. Ms Lawrence told me in an interview "Every student had a role, and every role was vital" and this fact is evident if you witness the final piano in person; with so many wires and intricate parts, it's an impressive feat to have working.
No doubt, the students are highly appreciative of the opportunity to put some hands-on teamwork to the test. In a usual year, the Physics 11 course is taught by one teacher, but a change of pace arrived this year when it was split between the aforementioned physics experts, resulting in a unique and stimulating experience.
The project was a monumental success and, according to the staff, a project of similar magnitude will be back next year. I can't wait to see the following project, and I hope the students and teachers enjoy it as much as they did this year.
Damien B, Privett ‘21