North Star students do well at U of W High School Design competition

Students from North Star High School in Amherstburg took home first and second place at the University of Windsor High School Design competition held March 23. The first place team was (back row, from left): June Buchner, Sophie Rivait, Violet McArthur and Chloe Pukay. The second place team was (front row, from left): Elijah Horton, Aarush Malbari, Joshua Heber and Caleb McLennan.

Two teams of physics students from North Star High School represented their school well at the University of Windsor High School Design competition.

The teams of four students each took the top two spots in the competition, which was held March 23. 

The first place team consisted of June Buchner, Sophie Rivait, Violet McArthur and Chloe Pukay while the second place team featured Elijah Horton, Aarush Malbari, Joshua Heber and Caleb McLennan.

All of the students are currently in Grade 11.

Students had to build a catapult that shot five metres. McLennan said it had to fire a ping pong ball. The students also had to present their design and reasoning to a panel of judges.

The first place team demonstrates the catapult each team had to build. Submitted photo.

“We were the only public school there. Everyone else was private,” said McLennan. “We finished first and second, that’s pretty good.”

Buchner pointed out they had to beat schools with STEM and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

The participants had little time to prepare, not knowing what they had to construct until they arrived at the University of Windsor.

Rivait pointed out they had two hours to construct their catapult.

Physics teacher Sharon Donoso said the North Star students went to gain some experience and enjoy the atmosphere at the University of Windsor.

“It’s a nice way to come back from March Break,” she said.

Supplies used by the second place team included popsicle sticks, elastics, and straws while the first place team popsicle sticks, elastics and a Tim Hortons box.There was also the knowledge they picked up in physics class.

Buchner commented their catapult broke with about 25 minutes left but they knew what to do, made the repairs and won.

Donoso said students from General Amherst High School and North Star High School have entered – and won – in the past.

“We’re just getting back into it,” she said.

Each year, there is a different design that has to be built, she added.

While most of the students are undecided about their post-secondary plans, Buchner added she is leaning towards pursuing an engineering degree.

“It was an awesome experience for them,” Donoso pointed out.

North Star students do well at U of W High School Design competition

By Ron Giofu