Student-Led STEM Project Brings Physics and Engineering to Life for Middle Schoolers
Saint Viator junior Wesley Marshall turned a childhood experience into an opportunity to inspire the next generation of STEM learners through a student-led outreach initiative focused on physics, engineering, and experiential learning.
In partnership with the Big Shoulders Fund STEM Scholars Program, Wes created “STEM in Action,” a project designed to introduce middle school students to the science behind roller coasters through hands-on lessons and a field trip to Six Flags Great America.
For Wes, the inspiration behind the project was personal.
A field trip to Six Flags while he was a student at St. Anne Catholic School in Barrington sparked his fascination with roller coasters and the engineering behind them.
“That experience sparked a deep interest in roller coasters—how they are designed, how they function, and the engineering behind every twist and turn,” Wes shared. “From that moment, I knew I wanted to design thrill rides of my own one day.”
A member of the Querbes Scholars Program, the Big Shoulders Fund Teen Board, and Saint Viator’s Principal’s Honor Roll, Wes hoped to use the project to create the same spark of curiosity and excitement for STEM that first inspired him years ago.
As part of the project, Wes developed and taught a “Physics of Roller Coasters” lesson for students in the Big Shoulders Fund STEM Scholars Program. The lesson introduced students to concepts related to energy, motion, and engineering design through presentations, group collaboration, and hands-on activities.
Students worked together to design and build miniature roller coasters using pool noodles and marbles, applying the same STEM concepts engineers use when designing real amusement park attractions. The challenge encouraged creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while making complex scientific concepts engaging and accessible.
Big Shoulders Fund staff praised Wes and the Saint Viator students involved for creating an engaging and memorable learning experience for the younger scholars.
“I know they all had fun, and I’m certain you sparked an interest in the physics of roller coasters for our scholars,” said Heidi Rouleau, Managing Director of Academics and School Programs for Big Shoulders Fund.
In addition to leading classroom sessions, Wes also organized fundraising efforts to help provide transportation and tickets for a final educational field trip to Six Flags Great America this past weekend. The experience allowed students to see physics and engineering principles come to life outside the classroom.
