Spark JOY: STEAM Skills

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Participants begin by examining the yo-yo as a mechanical system:

• Rim width
• Axle size
• String length 

Learners discuss:

• How design affects stability
• Why different yo-yos behave differently
• How small changes influence performance  

Engineering principle: form follows function  

Participants perform a controlled yo-yo throw using the Yeet Device, designed to capture motion data.

Measured variables include:

• X–Y Straightness → horizontal alignment & control
• Z-Factor (G-Force) → vertical force and acceleration  

Learners immediately see how:

• Overpowering ≠ better results
• Smooth, aligned motion increases efficiency  

Using the YES (Yeet Efficiency Score) Calculator GPT, participants input their measurements:

• Yo-yo dimensions
• String length
• X–Y deviation
• Z-axis force data  

The calculator synthesizes the data into a single metric: YES = Yeet Efficiency Score 

This models:

• Variable weighting
• Ratios and proportional reasoning
• Data-driven conclusions  

Results are:

• Logged on a shared leaderboard
• Recorded on a personal Yeet Card participants keep  

Reflection prompts include:

• What adjustment improved your score?
• Was force or alignment more important?
• What would you change next time?

This reinforces metacognition and iteration.

• Encourages friendly comparison, not competition
• Highlights improvement over time
• Normalizes experimentation and failure  

• Participant name
• Yo-yo specs
• YES score
• One reflection insight

Turns learning into a tangible memory object.

• Forces & motion
• Acceleration and gravity
• Cause and effect
• Experimental testing  

• Systems thinking
• Design constraints
• Optimization through iteration
• Precision over power  

• Measurement
• Ratios & proportional reasoning
• Data interpretation
• Applied calculation