Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, Volume 9, Issue 1, Article 12 (Jun., 2008)
 Nelson Cheng-Chih CHEN, Ching-Hao CHEN and Ming-chun LIN
 An analysis of applied mechanics contest for senior high school students in Taiwan

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An analysis of applied mechanics contest for senior high school students in Taiwan

 

1Nelson Cheng-Chih CHEN, 2Ching-Hao CHEN and 3Ming-chun LIN

1Technology Education Division
 National Science and Technology Museum, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

2,3Department of Risk Management and Insurance
 National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

　E-mail: 1nelson@mail.nstm.gov.tw, 2chinghao@ccms.nkfust.edu.tw, 3mclin@ccms.nkfust.edu.tw

Received 29 Apr., 2008
Revised 20 Jun., 2008

Contents

Abstract

The applied mechanics education contest hosted by STAM (Society of Theoretical Applied Mechanics) has been held in Taiwan for several years.  The contest pattern has been changed from a simple written test to an experiment-oriented test after the NSTM (National Science and Technology Museum) proceeded to hold the competition in 2005. The major change of the contest is to merge theory with a practical experiment.  The NSTM set up well-designed video shows and materials packs for hands-on experiments at the contests.  Visiting related mechanics exhibits at NSTM was highly recommended by the contestants and teachers. Statistical analyses of the contest scores over the past four years shows no significant correlation between the medals and the areas where the contestants are from, and there was no significant difference among the contestants’ final scores for different areas. Since 2004, the outstanding students at the competition were selected to  attend the annual cross-strait mechanics field academic exchanges, and this academic exchange will continue to help extend the influence of mechanics education in Taiwan and China.

Keywords: applied mechanics education, mechanical contest

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