MASD Participates in First Annual Tri-District Challenge Day
May 15, 2012 in News by John Brougher
On Tuesday, April 24th, 32 gifted fifth-graders from the Derry Township, Lower Dauphin, and Middletown School Districts participated in the first annual Tri-District Challenge Day. The day-long event was held at Londonderry Elementary School. Students were not told what their challenge would be until they arrived that morning. After hearing the welcome address by Lower Dauphin Superintendent, Sherri Smith, and an informative presentation by Mr. Kent Bachmann, Director of Design and Engineering at Hershey Park, the students learned they would be creating a working amusement park ride for a family of “riders” (ping-pong balls and marbles) out of recycled materials. Within each of the eight groups they were tasked with brainstorming ideas for designs which included the following : a ride for riders of various sizes that lasts at least 5 seconds; space for riders to wait in line (queuing); safety signs with warnings for the riders; and attractive themed scenery. Upon completion of the ride construction, each group chose a spokesperson to present their ride to the group and demonstrate its use with a rider. At this time a group of ride evaluators from Hershey Park judged each ride and prepared an official rating for each member based on criteria such as: uniqueness of the design; functionality; safety; rider needs; and visual appeal. Eight successful rides were created that day and many new friendships formed.
