WALNUT, CA--About 30 students at C.J. Morris Elementary are competing this week for a spot on the school’s Science Olympiad Team.
Daily building challenges include a tin can race, pasta mobile, and barge building, along with 25-question knowledge tests on anatomy and astronomy.
At the end of the week, all scores will be combined with the top 15 contestants securing a coveted place on the team, according to Principal Shehzad Bhojani.
Find out what's happening in Diamond Bar-Walnutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“We encouraged students to enter more than one event during the trials to prepare for the regional competition held next spring,” he said.
“I want to be on the team because I love science – especially space!” shared fifth grader Eric Yuan.
Find out what's happening in Diamond Bar-Walnutfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
On Wednesday, students brought in 15 x 15 cm pieces of aluminum foil for the barge building challenge held at lunchtime.
The 3rdthrough 5thgraders were given five minutes to mold their little boats and then took turns launching them in a tub of water.
The children counted out loud as they gingerly added cargo of metal washers one piece at a time.
Most youngsters reached 20, 30, and a few topped 40 pieces of the quarter-sized rounds before the vessels sank.
Parent volunteers were on hand to verify tallies and dry off cargo pieces between each competitor.
Students rehearsed making barges at home and shared their strategies while waiting to compete.
“I practiced with quarters and pennies,” said 4thgrader Elonzo Motus.
“Build edges hard so water can’t get through,” 4thgrader Lawrence Ju said.
“If the cargo is heavy, make the sides higher,” commented 5thgrader Fiona Li.
‘It was fun being on the team last year - the barge building was my favorite competition!” she added.
The children also utilized different techniques as they added gaskets to the floating pieces of foil.
Some placed them evenly starting in the corners and others stacked them in neat rows.
“I like to leave spaces between them,” Yuan said.
Most of the barges were square or round, while two students crafted unique shapes.
“Mine looks like a tiny row boat!” exclaimed 3rdgrader Amelia Gonzalez.
Third grader Analise Silva Jameson created a heart-shaped entry for the competition.
“When I was practicing it was the best one I had!” she said.
Story and photos by Kelli Gile, WVUSD Office of Community Resources
Shown:
C.J. Morris Elementary students compete in a barge building challenge during the Science Olympiad trials on September 26.