At Thunder Mountain Middle School and Enumclaw Middle School, two remarkable teachers ignite passion and curiosity in their students; offering early-teen students the opportunity to dip their toes into the world of engineering.
In the busy classrooms of Rob Mullins and Vicky Timko, the magic of mechanical engineering comes to life. Mullins and Timko, with their dedication and enthusiasm, are paving the way for the next generation of engineers and innovators.
Currently transitioning from structural engineering to electrical engineering, students in Mullins’s class were recently tasked with building weight-bearing bridges and tall towers, and now electromagnetic cranes. The excitement is palpable as students immerse themselves in hands-on projects, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world applications.
For 8th-grade student Caleb Swanson, Mullins’ class is a haven of creativity and exploration. Looking back on his favorite project, Caleb recalls the excitement of building a tower so tall it had to be moved out of the classroom—an embodiment of the possibilities that engineering offers.
Meanwhile, in Timko’s classroom, a culture of collaboration and support thrives. Encouraging her students to share ideas freely, she fosters an environment where every voice is valued. “This is an engineering room, we share ideas!” Timko reminds her students.
It’s not just about learning the technical aspects of engineering; it’s about nurturing creativity and confidence in her students. For 8th-grader Jaiden Carrillo, Timko’s unwavering support has been a source of confidence. “I really loved making electromagnetic cranes. It was our first project this year and Ms. Timko shared mine and my partner's as an example. It felt really good to see our work out there.” Seeing their work showcased was a moment of validation and pride—an affirmation of their capabilities and potential.
Through their passion, dedication, and innovative teaching methods, educators like Mullins and Timko are helping students realize that anything is possible with the right tools, a little determination, and imagination.
Thinking about her students, Timko says “Hopefully, after kids take one of my STEM classes, they ultimately become better problem solvers and use the skills they learn and refine into their future lives inside as well as outside school.”
