There is a great STEM event held at West York high school for the past number of years. This is the Pumpkin Chunkin' championships. Led by physics teacher, Kevin Wolf, local schools are invited to build catapult type devices to launch pumpkins ranging in size from 8 - 15 pounds. The pumpkins have to hit a target that is set between 30 and 60 yards. I know I saw different schools constructing their devices in my travels throughout October. Some schools have students building on their own outside of school while others incorporate it into the curriculum or extra curricular activity. Regardless, it is a great chance for the authentic work we have discussed previously. There is a lot of excitement as students take turns launching. I even had a chance to visit and reminisce with the Red Lion team. I have brought teams to the competition for the past several years. Check out some of the pictures:
At the end, all teams lined up for a group launch. See the video:
While it could be argued that all districts were winners the top five included:
Dover - 1st, Hanover - 2nd, York County School of Technology - 3rd and 4th, and Red Lion 5th. Other participants included Central York, West York, Susquehannock and Dallastown.
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