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Students show show
coaster skills at Clarkson physics competition (follow
up)
April 18, 2013 @ Clarkson University
FINAL ADJUSTMENTS - Kelsie D. Plourde, 13, a student
at Colton-Pierrepont Central School, makes adjustments to
her team’s Electric City marble roller coaster Wednesday
during an annual roller coaster competition at Clarkson University.
(Hunter Photo)
POTSDAM - Students in grades 7-12 showed off their inner
theme park designer in a roller coaster competition Wednesday
at Clarkson University.
Over 50 students participated in 13 teams. Each submitted
a small roller coaster track designed for a marble to run,
created out of household items.
“I enjoyed working with everyone after school,”
said ninth-grader Rhiannon O. Dunn of Colton-Pierrepont Central
School.
Her four-person team submitted a military-themed coaster,
using a vacuum hose from a swimming pool as part of the track.
MONUMENTAL - With Big Ben and the Eiffel
Tower prominently displayed on their Around the World
marble roller coaster, Harrisville students Alivia M.
Hall, 15, left, and Tori L. LaParr, 15, carry the roller
coaster back to the bus Wednesday following the annual
roller coaster competition at Clarkson University. (Hunter
Photo). |
The competition was the finale of Clarkson’s IMPETUS
program, created to get students engaged in science and mathematics
before they head to college.
IMPETUS stands for Integrated Math and Physics for Entry
To Undergraduate STEM. STEM stands for Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics.
“This is one way that we can get students in middle
school and high school to get more interested in science,”
said Clarkson physics professor Michael W. Ramsdell.
Students from nine school districts took monthly trips to
Clarkson for programs to promote their interest in these fields,
and Clarkson students took trips to the other schools to continue
the lessons there.
“It’s their opportunity to see what it’s
like on a college campus,” Mr. Ramsdell said.
At Wednesday’s competition, students were quizzed on
their knowledge of the science behind building their roller
coasters. The entries were judged based on their length, adherence
to the restrictions set and the complexity of the ride. Each
loop counted as five points.
COASTER CREATION - Logan J. Goolden, 15,
a student at St. Lawrence Central School, makes some
adjustments to the Brasher Nightmare marble roller coaster
Wednesday following the annual roller coaster competition
at Clarkson University in Potsdam. (Hunter Photo). |
“I’ve always thought for a roller coaster, there’s
got to be at least one loop,” said eighth-grader Brandon
M. Bogart of Ogdensburg Free Academy.
His team built a towering coaster out of insulation foam
and red plastic cups that had not just one loop, but three,
enough to impress the judges and win Ogdensburg the trophy
for best coaster.
“It was cool, because we could learn a lot more than
we do in school,” seventh-grader Joseph T. Lalonde said.
Harrisville Central School took home both second and third
place. The third-place coaster was painted pink to honor breast
cancer awareness, while the second was decorated with models
of the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and Big Ben.
Source: Daily Courier-Observer Website:
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