Hands-on learning has always been a great way for me to understand concepts. Seeing how it’s applied in the real world is great because everyone asks that question ‘Why does it matter?’ Well, because it's all around you.
Most people view cucumbers as an ingredient on their salad. Paul Fredette sees cukes as a tool for teaching physics.
Determined to bring real-world examples into the classroom, Fredette grew a special variety called the “squirting cucumber” in partnership with BSU’s Greenhouse. The plant, which is inedible, launches its seeds more than 30 feet at a velocity of around 45 miles per hour.
“I just happened to see an article, and it turned into a direct connection to a lesson plan on projectile motion [for an introductory physics class],” said Fredette, who brought his students to the Greenhouse to see the plant. “I try to relate the material, not just teach it.”
Fredette became a part-time instructor after retiring from a long career in telecommunications. He served as an engineer in the Navy before leading startup companies that made modems and developed video conferencing technology.
Now, he is thrilled to be teaching physics, electronics, computer networking, and math classes at Bridgewater State University. His students appreciate his unique instructional approach and infectious positivity.
“He’s got a contagious laugh, and he’s a very optimistic guy, and that makes me feel really good,” said aviation science (flight and management concentration) major Charlie Gruetzner, ’27, who took the introductory physics class with Fredette. “He gives me the confidence because he teaches; he doesn't really critique.”
Growing the cucumber was a first for Greenhouse manager Emma Welch, who encourages professors from across the university to incorporate the facility into their classes.
“Any class can utilize the Greenhouse, either to inspire students or directly support what the students are learning,” she said.
That willingness to collaborate is emblematic of what Fredette sees across BSU.
“There is a remarkable vibe around Bridgewater State,” he said. “It’s a credit to the whole organization that we do, in fact, connect with each other.”
Before the Greenhouse visit, students gathered in a nearby outdoor classroom as Fredette explained how the cucumber releases its seeds at the ideal 45-degree angle to maximize distance. On another day, he used a miniature trebuchet – a medieval siege weapon that used a counterweight and swinging arm to hurl heavy projectiles at long range – to launch objects across a classroom.
These demonstrations left a lasting impression on Victoria Hunt, ’28, an aviation science major (flight concentration).
“Hands-on learning has always been a great way for me to understand concepts,” Victoria said. “Seeing how it’s applied in the real world is great because everyone asks that question ‘Why does it matter?’ Well, because it's all around you.”
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