Thank you to MassCEC for funding & supporting this incredibly loved program!
The program is led by Patrick Ford, Lead Technology Instructor for the Club for the past two years. With a background in software engineering, design and carpentry, Patrick specializes in developing STEM-based projects that combine technical skills with creativity. Patrick is accompanied by Amanda Sampson, a Mechanical Engineering student at Bristol Community College (transferring to University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth), with experience leading STEM projects at another Boys & Girls Club. Amanda has empowered youth to design and build their own functional DIY wind turbines, bringing engineering to life in a tangible, inspiring way.
The class began with an overview of the lab books, which students used to document their experiments and observations. The class then used the Projectile Motion Simulator from Phet.colorado.edu to explore fundamental physics concepts including drag, mass, aerodynamics, force and wind turbine mechanics. Students applied these concepts as they designed and tested paper airplanes, observing how the shape and structure of the wings impacted the flight performance. The lesson concluded with a discussion on how similar principles of aerodynamics are applied in the design and operation of wind turbines, giving students an insight into renewable energy and its real-world applications. Whereas the current focus is refining the curriculum for middle school students, project partners have yet to be fully invited to participate. Vineyard Wind and Bristol Community College have been engaged and the objective is to involve program partners in the Spring 2026 Cohort and beyond.