OSMS 8th-grade students in Mr. Quenneville's class have been engaged in a hands-on project focused on building cranes. Through this project, they are not only learning about gear ratios but also gaining insights into the concepts of mechanical advantage and speed. By cranking the cranes by hand, the students are able to explore the principles of physics in action, and they will soon enhance their understanding by incorporating electric motors into their designs, which will further illustrate the practical applications of these mechanical concepts. This project provides a valuable opportunity for students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world engineering challenges.