The math-oriented unit involves the use of different cross-section sizes and different types of wood to test them for strength. This was inspired by the use of shear-strength testing of the solder joints from the project. The students’ objective is to test different woods for strength by placing samples of wood on a loading block and hanging a bucket in the middle of the wood by a force sensor. Part of the materials money supplied by the RET grant was used to buy digital interfaces that included force sensors, so that the experiment would integrate computers. The students pour sand into the bucket until they break the wood. The computers log the data automatically and allow for faster data gathering, enabling the students to complete this activity in one class period. The inquiry part involves the groups’ interpretation of the results on the next day. Eighth graders performed this module during fall term with the side result of a sand laden computer lab.