Learning about our Earth and Atmosphere

We have been in our Weather and Climate Unit the last couple of months. We have been able to journal weather conditions, study the composition and conditions of our atmosphere, and apply our knowledge to current events. One of our labs was analyzing the effects of radiant heating on different types of materials.  We were able to use temperature probes and graphing calculators to watch the heating and cooling cycles.  We also have made scaled models of our atmospheric layers of Earth.

Engineering Olmpics

Recently, on March 1^st, 2014, we took ten 7th graders to participate in UALR's Engineering Olympics.  The competition involved 6^th-8^th grade students from around the state.  The group of students prepared for the competition by meeting several times after school to design and build their entries.  High school engineering teacher, Josh Lieblong, and several engineering students volunteered their time by providing valuable knowledge and skills to help with the projects.

         

 Elizabeth Craigen, Katie Zabel, and JD Otts participated in the toothpick bridge competition. Their bridge, built only by the toothpicks and glue provided by UALR, was load tested until either a ¼” deflection occurred or breakage.

         

 Joseph Larocca, Myles Tipton, and Mauricio Barrera participated in the race car competition. They designed and built their car using materials provided by UALR. They had to calibrate the car to stop in a certain distance without going over.

         

 Drake Toll, Lydia Ashley, and Trevor Renfroe participated in a Critical Thinking Competition that involved the application of Math and Science concepts.  They also helped with the design and construction of the other entries.