Submitted article
Students in Wynford Integrated Science teacher Lee Rowlinson’s classes really got off the ground recently – or at least they tried to.
Integrated Science class students celebrated the 110th year anniversary of the Wright Brothers first successful powered flight. The date of the Wright’s First Flight was Dec. 16, 1903.
Students were challenged to design and build a glider after reading information, watching videos, and having class discussions of the processes the brothers used while building their infamous Wright Flyer. The students learned of the Brothers use of scientific inquiry and problem solving techinques based on the technologies of the day while building their infamous Wright Flyer.
The challenge given to the students was to build a glider of their own materials that would sustain flight (distance and duration) while gliding in a straight line for an accuracy component.
To commerative the historical event, the students took their creations to the gym for testing and a class period long competition. The students worked in groups and students recorded each groups flight in terms of time aloft, distance glided, and accuracy to a fixed line.
A panel of judges composed of high school and junior high teachers later in the day chose a best design winner as well. Jordan Kincade, Samantha Peck and Alexia Beekman won best design. Distance and time aloft winners were Gretchen Harris, Grace Piatt, Elexis Woetko and Summer Cassell.