The M&M boat, designed by Morgan Pels, Meagan Delaney, and Sarah Goodrich
Jaws by Jennie Williams, Leila von Kessler, and Margaret Lim
Stuart the Dragon, by Mary Grace Coffman, Lily Hopping, and Emily Peoples
Lil Boat by Emily Ballentine, Alexis West, and Kallie Harris
The sixth semi-annual Engineering class Boat Race had many of the markers of races in past years, but this one was notable because three of the four boats successfully navigated the waters of the GPS pool, down and back, an accomplishment that perhaps wasn’t witnessed in the first few years.
With students and faculty cheering from the visitors’ gallery, the boats proved their sea-worthiness, and the M&M’s (designed by Morgan Pels, Meagan Delaney, and Sarah Goodrich) was the first place finisher.
Other boats were Jaws by Jennie Williams, Leila von Kessler, and Margaret Lim; Stuart the Dragon, by Mary Grace Coffman, Lily Hopping, and Emily Peoples; and “Lil Boat” by Emily Ballentine, Alexis West, and Kallie Harris.
Collaborating on the boats’ prototypes, the students used cardboard, several types of tape, and latex house paint to secure their designs. Not all of the boats resembled watercraft, but a kayak paddle or two oars plied the waters and brought the vessels home.
“This year,” said teacher Jill Pieritz, “every team took the challenge very seriously and worked hard to construct study designs. Some even had an extra creative flair, like ‘Stuart,’ a purple dragon boat.”
The Design & Engineering class provides tools and materials for student exploration and problem solving in interdisciplinary, hands-on projects. The boat race was an example of the students’ initiative and problem-solving skills. Post-race class time is spent on examining the construction and identifying the aspects of the boats that led to their success or failure.