IN Carlynton-Montour Summer 2017 | Page 50

MAKING HEADLINES continued presented for the best portfolio of documented work, teamwork, design and functionality. First place Fluid Power Challenge winners Audrey Robb, Martial Delrosario, Pierce Greiner and Azjia Gardner. water, to force fluid through tubing and cause the device to move. The fluid power caused an arm or extension of the mechanism to pick up and move a block of wood from one location to another. The STEM competition is designed to provoke creative thinking combined with hands on activity. Prizes are awarded by engineers who serve as judges. Accolades are Elementary and middle school students enrolled in gifted education programs have enjoyed a successful year. At the annual Battery Car Challenge hosted by Duquesne University, Carlynton had teams place at both the elementary and middle school levels. Fifth graders Wilson Choate, Sean Hart and Chikamso Orji brought home a first place trophy by dwarfing opponents at the racing event. A few days later, seventh graders Michael Kozy, Lukas Prepelka and Owen Schriver duplicated the victory with a first place win. The battery car race is a STEM activity that encourages participants to engineer a battery- powered vehicle. Students begin with a kit comprised of plastic wheels, a piece of foam board, metal axle, drinking straw, battery pack, motor and two AA batteries. A design with an aerodynamic framework does not always guarantee a victory; wheels flying off or a bad motor can cause grief. Careful strategies and trial and error often correspond to the speed and distance the car will travel a 48 Carlynton-Montour A K-12 district-wide Music and Arts Extravaganza was held in a lower level studio inside the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall on March 24-25. 90 pieces of student artwork was exhibited, covering the four walls and a number of tables and free-standing displays. The event also showcased student musicians who performed Crafton Elementary first eloquently in grader Cale Heinrichs sets during stands before a cheerful self-portrait. the two-day Musical ensembles performed at intervals during the two-day extravaganza, showcasing some of the finest musicians in grades four to 12. gala. A concert was held in the grand music hall at the conclusion of the two day event, featuring a combined ensemble of musicians in grades four through 12. The Music and Arts Extravaganza is an outgrowth of Tied to the Arts. The showcase in the historic building provided the perfect backdrop and was warmly supported by ACFL&MH Executive Director Maggie Forbes. Artwork displays remained open to the public through April 2. Well-deserved praise was conveyed to music teachers First place battery car winners at the elementary level included fifth graders Sean Hart, Chikamso Orji and Wilson Choate. Michael Kozy, Owen Schriver and Lukas Prepelka brought home a first place trophy at the middle school level. distance of 20 meters. Races are held in heats with the fastest cars pitted against one another in a final round. The gifted program is facilitated by Cynthia Eddy who organizes and guides students through a litany of monthly activities and job shadowing opportunities. Math, science and history competitions, literature festivals, creative conventions, career fairs and educational boot camps are just a few of the many activities available to interested learners.