Eighth grade student Natalee Matta participated in the Walk on Water science project recently at Mt. Vernon Middle School.
Submitted photo
FORTVILLE – Mt. Vernon Middle School students got a chance to walk on water.
The eighth grade science project tested students’ problem solving, planning and teamwork skills by building a piloted device that travels the length of the pool, with one team member navigating on the float.
In teams of three or four, students could use any materials for one team member to cross the pool. If they sank, they were out of the competition; they didn’t have an opportunity prior to the competition to test their floats.
Some of the scientific concepts the students have to consider are propulsion, density, energy, energy transfer, Newton’s Laws, and stability. They studied the scientific method and wrote a formal lab report on the project. Many made the event extra fun by dressing in a theme, from superheroes to video game characters to Hawaiian tourists.
“I am so very thankful that our students were able to participate in this project this year,” Stacy Griner, creator of the event and eighth grade teacher, said in a press release. “It gives an exciting way for the students to engage in their learning. They have to work as a team, use critical thinking skills and scientific knowledge to choose their float and physically build the float. The kids love it and really get into the project and the secrecy of their construction.”
