Year 8 STEM – Hydraulic Jack Challenge

Our Year 8 students, before the end of the school year completed their final STEM project: designing and building a working hydraulic jack based on Pascal’s Law. This hands-on challenge brought together science, engineering, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

The project began with a research phase, where students explored how hydraulic systems work and investigated the scientific principles behind pressure, force, and fluid transmission. They learned that pressure is calculated using the formula:

Pressure = Force ÷ Area

They also discovered how hydraulic systems are used in everyday life, from car brakes and vehicle lifts to heavy construction machinery.

Once they understood the science, students moved on to the design stage. Each group created plans for their hydraulic lifter, carefully selecting materials and explaining how their model would demonstrate Pascal’s Law.

The construction phase was where the excitement truly began! Using syringes, tubing, water, and simple building materials, students brought their ideas to life. They quickly learned that successful engineering often requires testing, troubleshooting, and redesigning. Air bubbles, leaks, and alignment issues challenged them, but they responded with perseverance and scientific thinking.

The final presentations were outstanding. Students confidently demonstrated their working hydraulic systems and explained the science behind them using accurate scientific vocabulary. They discussed how pressure is transmitted equally through a liquid, why larger output syringes create greater lifting forces, and how engineers use similar principles to solve real-world problems.

As we close another school year, I am incredibly proud of our Year 8 students. They have shown remarkable growth as young scientists, engineers and learners ovreall.

Congratulations, Year 8!