On April 21 and 22, after a nearly eight-week learning process, 8th graders in Mr. Kelchner’s science classes presented their sustainable building design projects to a panel of engineers. The winning group was selected by a guest engineer who played the role of the building owner, and it included Joanna Chen, Braylon Feese, Jackson Shaeffer, and Michaela Williams. These students presented their design with knowledge and professionalism. Their building had a unique cantilevered design that required careful calculations of overall square footage. They included a vast array of thoughtfully chosen energy-saving features and state-of-the-art amenities, while still managing to come in just under their allotted budget of $20 million. Their “design firm” was able to win the contract by efficiently and enthusiastically demonstrating how their systems reduced the operating cost through lowered electricity and water bills, using their calculated reductions to justify their design choices. In addition to planning a striking and environmentally friendly building, the group even specified the use of sustainable materials for the interior finishes, helping them to clinch the victory. Among other prizes, they will have their names engraved on the classroom trophy that features all past winners of the competition.
A big thank you to the guest judges who generously gave of their time to be with us for two days. These included Eric Fedder, 2005 SCA valedictorian, architectural engineer, and senior project manager for Project Management Advisors Inc. of San Diego, California; John Kelchner, electrical engineer and President & CEO of Citizen’s Electric Power Company in Lewisburg, PA; and Noah Blusius, SCA alumnus, architectural engineer, and current engineering graduate student at Penn State University.
Congratulations to all 8th grade students for your outstanding effort and successful collaboration on a very challenging real-world project!