UCSI students plan a great escape

There is no escaping the importance of working together, as demonstrated
by a recent student trade show held by the Utica Center for Science and
Industry.

UCSI teachers challenged their students from its three pathways –
mechatronics, multi-media and engineering – to collaborate by designing
an “escape room” based on British literature.

“The biggest thing we wanted is for them to work together,” said
teacher Scott Spry. “The kids will come to us and say don’t really
understand what students in other areas were doing. We say to them, you
are going to be working with people like that outside of here so you
better get used to it.”

The 17 projects were created by students over a two-week period and drew
on their lessons in English, Math, multimedia and engineering, said
teacher Andrea Luba. Using British literature as a basis, the students
worked together to escape a series of tests that use technology and
programming to get through an escape room.

“We want them to collaborate and create a product that functions,” she said.

It was a theme that recurred throughout the trade show.

UCSI Graduate Josh Rzeppa – who attended the trade show - acknowledged
that experience in working collaboratively will set UCSI students apart
when they move onto to college.

“Most of the stuff we do at college is easy because of the work we did
here over the four years,” he said. “It’s about how to work as a team
and how you can put everyone in the best position to succeed.”

One group of UCSI students used A Christmas Carol to create three
separate “rooms” that customers would use clues to escape. The rooms
represent the spirits of Christmas past, Christmas present and Christmas
Future.

A group of parents, business leaders and graduates visited each of the
projects at the trade show to serve possible “investors.”

“The people would come in an want to learn about your work to see if
they want to invest in your project,” said junior Anjelica McLean. “This
way we are getting real business experience.”

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Christine Johns

Http://www.uticak12.org

Source: Utica Community Schools