Launching learning: Ridge Park second graders take the Catapult Challenge
Launching learning: Ridge Park second graders take the Catapult Challenge
Second grade engineers in Mrs. Jennings and Mrs. Mattiola’s classes at Ridge Park Elementary School embarked on an exciting challenge after receiving a bag of supplies and a simple instruction: "build a catapult."
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The students split into pairs and drew plans based on the contents of the bag: a roll of masking tape, popsicle sticks, straws, rubber bands, a plastic spoon, and a ping pong ball.
“It's exciting that we get to create and explore things,” said RP second grader Sloane Berton.
With their plans in hand, the pairs set to work, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to construct a successful catapult.
“It was hard to build,” said RP second grader Gianna Clark. “We had to do a lot of taping.”
Once construction was complete, the real fun began as they tested their catapults in designated areas around the room. For second grader Noah Bauer, the testing phase was the highlight of the project.
“[My favorite part was] bouncing it, making it launch,” said Noah.
In addition to figuring out how to build a catapult, they also had to figure out how to work as a team.
“It was hard to choose how we wanted to build it,” said RP second grader Ryan Fogg.
“But then we used rock, paper, scissors, shoot,” said his partner RP second grader Killian Adams. “And he won.”
The Ridge Park second graders were among 10,000 Pennsylvania elementary students taking part in the activity, known as discoverED 2024, and partnered with a class in the Pittsburgh area to share their progress and ideas. The design challenge, led by the Fox Chapel Area and Avonworth school districts, marked the official kickoff of "Remake Learning Days" in Pennsylvania.