Chagrin Falls Intermediate School students are expanding their STEM knowledge while having fun using the program “Energy Collisions...
Students Learn STEM with Egg Car Collisions
Chagrin Falls Intermediate School students are expanding their STEM knowledge while having fun using the program “Energy Collisions.” The program allows students to learn how mechanisms change energy through transferring direction, speed, types of movement, force and how potential energy is stored and released as kinetic energy.
The students have begun learning about the transfer of energy when two objects collide. They were introduced to the concept by watching amusement park bumper cars and are now working on designing a vehicle restraint system to protect an egg while the vehicle runs down a ramp into a wall. Students will first create a car using padding materials and then design the final vehicle using only plastic parts.
Students Use STEM Concepts to Design Snowflakes
Gurney Elementary School second-grade students have been using geometry, art and design to solve a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) challenge by creating snowflakes.
The students have just finished learning about the water cycle and how precipitation is formed in the clouds. They focused on snowflake crystals and learned how each snowflake is unique, yet symmetrical with six sides and points. Using this knowledge, students worked in pairs to share ideas and combine aspects of both geometry and science to build a snowflake that could hold its shape while hanging from the ceiling. Students used craft sticks, Q-tips, toothpicks, cotton balls, pipe cleaners and sequins to build their snowflakes.
“The students are really enjoying themselves,” said second-grade teacher Ann Kehrier. “The best quote I heard from a student during this project was ‘This was really fun! I love it when challenging work is also fun!’”
COSI on Wheels
Students at the intermediate school had an opportunity to explore the solar system on Feb. 16 without ever leaving school when COSI (Center of Science and Industry) brought its traveling science program, Astounding Astronomy. The innovative, interactive program stimulated the imaginations of the next generation of astronauts and aerospace engineers. Astounding Astronomy is just one of six traveling demonstrations from COSI.
The day began with a 45-minute interactive assembly introducing the students to the solar system. Students explored the size and distance between the planets, the electromagnetic spectrum, the extreme cold of the outer planets and deep space as well as learn how the Earth is currently the only planet known to contain life. The fun and educational assembly was followed by hands-on activities during which the students maneuvered a remotely-operated vehicle in the gymnasium, identified constellations and watched the effect of air pressure on a marshmallow.
This COSI On Wheels program aligns with the Ohio Academic Content Standards and compliments the National Science Education Standards allowing students to discover the impact that chemistry and space technology have on their daily lives.
COSI is a hands-on science center located in Columbus, Ohio. Each year more than 300,000 students take part in COSI On Wheels programs.
Kindergarten Registration Day
Chagrin Falls Schools will be holding kindergarten registration on March 18 at Gurney Elementary School, 1155 Bell Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Children 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 are eligible for kindergarten for the 2017-18 school year.
Half day and full day kindergarten are offered at Gurney Elementary School. Information regarding the tuition and instructional programming for a full day of kindergarten will be available at registration. A $200 non-refundable deposit will be required at registration to hold a spot for the child. Parents have until May 5 to make the choice.
Registration should take approximately 20 minutes to complete and it is recommended that the registration packet be filled out prior to the registration date. The packet can be found at www.chagrinschools.org. It is not necessary to bring the student on the day of registration.
A kindergarten kick off meeting for parents will be held on April 6 at 6 p.m. and kindergarten screening will take place May 4 and 5 at Gurney. Further information will be available at registration. Any questions, please call 440-247-5500 ext. 4102.
Boys Soccer Coach Hired
On Feb. 21, the Chagrin Falls Board of Education approved the hiring of Brian McKenna as the new Chagrin Falls boys soccer coach. McKenna has been the junior varsity girls soccer coach at Chagrin Falls for 17 years. Previously, he was the head wrestling coach at Chagrin Falls and was the head boys soccer coach at Brooklyn High School. In 2006, he was named the Greater Cleveland Soccer Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year. McKenna is currently the Chagrin Falls High School alumni director and resident in the Chagrin Falls School District. McKenna also is a social studies teacher at Chagrin Falls High School.
“Brian is passionate about Chagrin Falls soccer and he is dedicated to continuing the long-time success the team has had,” said Chagrin Falls Superintendent Robert Hunt. “Brian has done a great job with our girls soccer program and he is familiar with the youth programs. I am confident he will do a terrific job and take our program to a whole new level.”
Rotary Club Student of the Month
Patrick Emery was chosen for his service and leadership qualities as the February Rotary Club Student of the Month. He has been on the high honor roll at Chagrin Falls High School all semesters and was selected as the Tiger of the Semester by his pre-calculus teacher for his outstanding academic achievement. His AP and honors classes include: AP Physics 1, AP US Government and Politics, AP Calculus AB, AP Statistics and AP Physics 2.
When Patrick is not working hard in his classes, he is active in many extracurricular activities. He is a Link Crew Leader, a member of the Mixed Ensemble as well as a student council class representative. He is also on the soccer, swimming and tennis teams. He won the Chagrin Valley All Conference Honorable Mention for swimming both his sophomore and junior years. He is a co-founder and co-captain of the club sailing team. Besides sports, Patrick also won the Chagrin Falls Schools Art Show Gold Star for Outstanding Achievement in Art for Film.
Patrick spends a lot of time volunteering as well. In 2014, he was a part of a Peace Mission in El Salvador where he worked with orphans, teaching English, playing soccer and planning activities. Two years later, in 2016, he volunteered at a children’s camp in Mexico where he helped plan and implement the first ever day camp for underprivileged children.
Patrick will be attending Northwestern University double majoring in industrial engineering and economics.
Patrick was recognized at a recent Chagrin Valley Rotary Club meeting.
Foundation Holds Annual Pancake Breakfast
The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation will hold its annual pancake breakfast on March 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Chagrin Falls Middle School cafeteria. It is $8 at the door, but teachers and children under 4 eat for free. Besides pancakes, there are raffle prizes, gym activities for children and a magician. All the money raised is donated to the Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation and will go back to the school.
The Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation is dedicated to the continued excellence of the Chagrin Falls School District. The foundation supports educational programs and experiences that enrich opportunities for the students and faculty of the district.
“We are excited about hosting our one and only annual fundraiser because it is an event that people look forward to year after year,” said Annie Amata, Chagrin Falls Educational Foundation trustee. “It is an event that brings our community together and allows the foundation to continue offering support to students and staff.”
