McQuistion students use ‘hoop gliders’ for innovative learning
BUTLER TWP — Most elementary school students don’t spend class time learning about aerodynamics and the physics of flying. But on Tuesday, May 5, 10,000 kids across Pennsylvania spent time designing and making hoop gliders out of classroom materials to learn about flying.
Remake Learning Days, a national innovation learning initiative, held its flagship “discoverED” event in which thousands of students statewide compete in a fun, collaborative project combining science and art with teamwork and hands-on learning.
At McQuistion Elementary School, teachers helped students Tuesday afternoon use straws, paper and tape to create their own miniature flying devices with the goal of flying them across the classroom.
The lesson package included a teacher guide to help classes prepare for the challenge, a hoop glider engineering video, printable directions and a journal for students to chart their glider’s changes and record what surprised them about their findings.
“We had so much fun. We started at 12, and didn’t get done until now (1:45 p.m.),” Rene Ruffner, a first-grade teacher, said. “The students are so into it.”
At Butler Area School District, several elementary schools participated. McQuistion Elementary first-graders participated via zoom with Fox Chapel Area School District students; while third-graders worked with students at Deer Lakes School District to solve the challenge.
Connoquenessing Elementary and Summit elementary schools students also participated Tuesday afternoon.
