High school students from across the North Country were invited to put their engineering skills to the test at the 18th annual Integrated Math and Physics for Entry to Undergraduate STEM (IMPETUS) Roller Coaster Competition.
The Roller Coaster Building Competition, hosted by Clarkson University’s Institute for STEM Education on April 2, offers students the unique opportunity to design and build their own miniature roller coasters while competing for prizes and recognition. This year’s competition included teams from Gouvernor, Harrisville, Ogdensburg Free Academy, Clifton-Fine, Brasher Falls, Heuvelton, and Norwood-Norfolk.
The competition is part of a New York State Education Department (NYSED) Science Technology Entry Program (STEP) aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers, architects, and problem-solvers by engaging them in a hands-on, creative STEM challenge.
Teams of students are tasked with designing a roller coaster using everyday materials so that a marble can complete the track. Coasters were judged on a range of technical aspects as well as rider enjoyment, theme, and inclusion of a “mystery element” not revealed until that day. This year it was manicotti! Bonus points were awarded for the inclusion of vertical loops and track openness which required students to think about the physics and mathematical calculations of roller coasters – the overarching premise of Clarkson’s STEP program.
Skills required for success in STEM such as teamwork, innovation, and critical thinking are combined as they worked for almost five hours to construct their coasters.
Throughout the day, students interacted with college students and faculty, including members of the newly formed Roller Coaster club. These students acted as near-peer mentors to the participants, offering engineering and design suggestions or helping as sounding boards for the students as they built their coasters.
The competition itself was judged by twelve Clarkson Faculty and Staff from engineering, mathematics, chemistry, psychology, and other units on campus. In addition to bragging rights, winning teams received trophies and gift cards to be used at local Stewart’s Shops.
The event represents a perfect blend of education and entertainment, showcasing the real-world applications of STEM learning in a fun and engaging way.
This year’s first place winning team, “The Gingers” from St. Lawrence Central, included team members Abbigal Eggleston, Garrett Donils, Drayton Roberts, and Jaymi Spence.
Second place “Wonka City” from Clifton-Fine Central, included team members Ryanna Todd, Linsey O-Dett, Lillian Haen, and Mitchell Arquette.
“Spring Fling” from Ogdensburg Free Academy, which included team members Taylor Starts and Bryan Lust, was awarded honorable mention.
The Clarkson STEP program is dedicated to fostering interest in STEM in hopes that participants will enter undergraduate STEM programs.
Through a variety of hands-on learning experiences, the program provides students in grades 7 through 12 from rural school districts with the tools they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world.