8th Grade Students Design Alternative Energy Sources

If you have strolled across the Academic Courtyard lately, you were likely to have come upon student engineered alternative energy experiments, a part of the 8th grade science curriculum. Students were asked to determine the most efficient alternative energy source for GA's campus. They researched, designed, and tested which source of energy they think makes the most sense (most choose wind/solar). Then they have the parameter of 5 hours maximum charging time using their alternative resource for drained rechargeable batteries. Those batteries are then transferred to a remote controlled car/tank whereby speed and acceleration is measured as (one) outcome for efficiency. Tim Duke, long term substitute science teacher reports, "Students have taken this project head on.  Many students have been especially interested because of the real world application this project has.  Americans are always looking for more effective ways to fulfill our ever growing energy needs without depleting the earth’s natural resources.  Students have acknowledged this ideal and have been extremely excited to investigate the efficiency of alternative energy sources.  Similarly, they have enjoyed investigating how electricity works, as well as the complex science which goes into generating and transporting enough electricity to power homes.  

He continued saying that students "had the opportunity to develop a unique collection device which used a renewable natural resource to generate electricity.  The project gives students an authentic and applicable way to go through the scientific process.  It enforces the need for a solid plan backed by extensive research before doing any sort of construction.  True scientists and engineers don’t just try anything. They recall other scientist’s work and back their own adjustments with science.  Students were expected do just this.  They conducted their own research and made the most effective design based on their research.   Not only did they have to design a structure which could capture their respective energy source, but they also had to design a plan which factored in GA’s location and access to renewable natural resources, like the sun and wind."

5th Grade Students Use the Da Vinci Robot at Temple Medical School

The morning visit of GA 5th grade students to Temple University Medical School incorporated a lecture with Dr. Sloane Guy, followed by students working and “playing” in a robotics lab using the Da Vinci Robot to move objects around, and in laparoscopic lab where students moved plastic objects around a peg board.  Students were highly engaged, cheering one another on as they achieved success using the robotic equipment. 

 

Dr. Guy and his team shared much information that included the following:

·         The differences between traditional heart surgery and robotic surgery (invasiveness, recovery).

·         Different ways robotics have changed our lives and will continue to change our lives.

·         A Da Vinci Robot costs over $2 million

·         Physiology of what the heart does for the body, and what conditions may require heart surgery.

·         Some of us saw video clips of a robotic heart surgery; those not comfortable were encouraged to turn seats around and listen as Dr. Guy explained.

·         The FDA approved robotic surgery in 2002; it was initially used in the military and NASA to be able to treat patients remotely.

·         The academic and practical preparations required to become a doctor, surgeon, or nurse.

·         The single worst thing you can do for your body: smoking.

 

Lower School Head, Sue Szczepkowski reports  "It was such an exciting adventure for the students and teachers, and I am so grateful to Dr. Guy and to Temple University for literally stopping their surgery schedules, having additional robotic equipment transported to the site, and having their robotic and training professionals available to us for an entire morning.   In addition, I am deeply appreciative to Mrs. Guy for helping us to shape this opportunity. "

 

GA Participates in Science on the Parkway

Middle School teacher and science department coordinator Rollie Wakeman along with the support of middle school students Olivia Negro and Talia Petras, and upper school students Robert Greenawalt, Emily Irwin, and Joe Peters, represented GA in Philadlephia's celebration of the science event Science on the Parkway.  Nearly 150 tents were set up along the central artery leading from the Art Museum to Center City manned by area schools and universities.  A festival for all ages, this Franklin Institute sponsored event showcased our regions rich work in the sciences.  Oliva Negro described the science activities that she and others hosted in GA's tent,  " We had 4 different activities- balancing 12 nails on 1 nail, how many drops of water can you get on one penny, how to get a paper clip to float on water, and we made a tin foil boat to see how many pennies it could carry before sinking." She was quick to add that she had a great time experiencing  the festival with her sister, GA alum, Natalie Negro '09 who was also on hand for the festivities.