Nicole Stirbens
Hawkins Middle School
7th Grade Science

Dr. Eric J. Barth - Center for Intelligent Mechatronics 

In the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics, which is funded by the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, I had the opportunity to research a hydraulic energy storage system for storing the kinetic energy of a standard size car during breaking.  We researched mechanical spring accumulators, gas spring accumulators, gas bladder accumulators as well as the use of elastomeric materials.  We researched the strain energy in metal springs, pressure energy of compressed gases, strain energy in composite materials and strain energy in elastomers.  We also considered fatigue of material, cost, and efficiency.   

Through this experience, I am writing a Legacy Module on the states of matter.   This curriculum is designed for middle school students where physical science standards are taught.  Students are given the challenge to design a way to personally bring ice cream home from Maine to Tennessee on a road trip.  By working through the module, students learn about the properties of the states as well as the changes that matter goes through.  In the university lab, we briefly researched and discussed gas bladders which led me to the states of matter module.