8th Graders Competing in Glider Challenge

8th grade students from across the Upstate are set to compete in the 2013 Glider Challenge Competition this Thursday, April 25. The competition will be hosted by Lockheed Martin at the South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (SCTAC) in Greenville County from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event is the capstone of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education program for 8th graders in Pickens County. In the Glider Challenge, students explore the relationship between force and motion and the effects of weight and lift on the glider. Most importantly, they learn how to work in small teams to solve a problem and accomplish a goal.

“We believe it is essential for students to learn how to work with others to solve engineering and scientific challenges,” said Barbara Nesbitt, Coordinator of Instructional Technology for the school district. “While this is clearly an academic challenge, and students are learning important scientific principles, they also are learning how to listen to other people’s ideas and work together. We believe that is just as important.”

Teams will compete in several categories, including Distance, Target (Accuracy), and Artistic Design. Students also will be allowed to bring a different glider for a “Stunt Showcase” event that will not be part of the main scoring challenge.