They huffed and they puffed...
by Jim Crawford

CCUSD – Our education starts the minute we’re born and continues throughout our lives, but many of the things that stay with us are learned when we’re young.

In an effort to spark kids’ interest in math and science, the DuPont corporation and the City of Phoenix have created a Science in the School Day program to establish citywide recognition regarding the importance of math and science, specifically as it relates to the city’s present and future growth, according to Nedda Shafir, public information officer for Cave Creek Unified School District.

DuPont field engineer Dawn Parker paid a visit to the fourth‑grade classes at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School on Nov. 30 to engage the students in a cool experiment.

Each of the 100 students was given a piece of paper, three plastic straws, four Life Savers mints, scissors, two paper clips and tape. Their challenge was to assemble a “puff mobile” of their own design.

A puff mobile is a vehicle made from the above materials that is powered by wind or, more precisely, blowing on it with one of the straws.

Needless to say, the excitement escalated as the kids were left to their own devices.

“We’re doing this to encourage the kids to be a little more interested in math and science,” Parker said. “We at DuPont realize all subjects are important, but a lot of times students don’t take an interest in math and science. We’re trying to change that.

“DuPont is a science company and our goal is to inspire young scientists. We’re doing this all across the country. The mayors of each city pick the schools that participate.”

Horseshoe Trails principal Janiene Marlow was excited for her kids to be able to obtain practical experience under the tutelage of an industry professional.

“This is just  amazing,” Marlow said. “They’re experiencing science with a real engineer. DuPont sent her from Washington, D.C. Learning happens by doing, and that’s what they’re doing today.”

Angus McLoone, an aide to Phoenix Councilwoman Peggy Neely, was on hand to represent the city.

“Mrs. Neely couldn’t be here,” McLoone explained. “This is basically an exciting way to stir kids’ interest in science. I don’t think they get enough exposure nowadays. This is a citywide program based on the TV show ‘Zoom.’”

Parker asked the kids to think about the things that can go right and wrong with a project.

“We’ve really enjoyed working with the City of Phoenix because they’ve been very receptive to out‑of‑the‑box thinking projects.”

Fourth‑grader Ian Glanville was the picture of concentration as he worked diligently on his custom puff mobile.

“I’m going to use energy here,” the 10‑year‑old said. “That’s the key to this project–energy. It takes a lot of energy. And the key to this one is wind.”

Cathy Keturatana was the lead teacher for the project.

“I feel like we were pretty lucky to have been given this opportunity,” she said. “All of the subjects at Horseshoe Trails carry the same weight. We focus as much on science as we do reading and writing.”

Miranda Cyr, 9, had plans for her puff mobile.

“I’m building a car with a sail. I’m going to name it when I’m done and see what it looks like.”

The kids came up with some amazing creations. There were vehicles with two wheels, two sails, no sails, four wheels, all testament to the creativity of young scientists with a goal.