STEM Launch students work with industry partners on PBL

"Shockwave: Engineering the Ultimate Cell Holder for Space and Earth"
8th Grade Students Tackle Real-World Design Challenge with Industry Partners

What if your 8th-grade math class wasn’t just about equations and formulas but about designing technology that could withstand the extreme conditions of military tests and outer space? That’s exactly what students at STEM Launch did this year in their cutting-edge Problem-Based Learning (PBL) experience titled Shockwave: Engineering the Ultimate Cell Holder for Space and Earth.

Partnering with Joe Troutman, Director of Government Affairs for Forge Nano and Owner of System Design Concepts, LLC, students took on the challenge of creating an innovative, modular battery cell holder. The design needed to be versatile, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of cells while meeting strict structural requirements—and it had to survive ballistic impact testing by the Army and Navy.

To tackle this complex problem, students worked in teams, applying concepts from geometry, physics, and engineering. With guidance from industry experts and their teacher, they brainstormed, prototyped, and tested their designs using 3D modeling software and hands-on materials. Each iteration brought new insights and improvements, pushing students to think like engineers and innovate under real-world constraints.

"Giving students a problem this complex makes them stretch their thinking," said Joe Troutman. "It’s impressive to see how they step up to the challenge and create solutions that many professionals would be proud of."

The results were nothing short of impressive. From designs focused on shock absorption to creative modular configurations, students presented their solutions to a panel of experts, receiving feedback and refining their work further. Their innovative thinking and hard work didn’t go unnoticed.

Last year, Forge Nano showed its support with a $500 donation to the school. This year, System Design Concepts, LLC contributed $1,000 to help fund materials for high-quality prototypes in future PBLs.

“The support from Joe Troutman and his companies has been incredible,” said STEM Launch K-8 STEM Coordinator Felicia Evans. “These donations ensure our students have access to the tools they need to turn their ideas into reality and learn what it means to solve real-world problems.”

Shockwave: Engineering the Ultimate Cell Holder for Space and Earth is a perfect example of how STEM Launch connects students to authentic, hands-on learning. With experiences like these, students don’t just learn—they innovate, create, and prepare for futures in STEM fields.

Special thanks to the STEM Launch community for submitting this Five Star Story.

This story exemplifies our ELEVATE Focus Area: 21st Century Learners. Sharing stories of students who collaborate, think critically, problem-solve and are digitally literate to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.