submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, Berlin Central School District
On Saturday, March 1, a team of eight Berlin Middle School students competed in the U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl regional competition at General Electric Global Research in Niskayuna.
Team Berlin placed fifth in the car competition and advanced through quarter finals in the academic Q&A portion. With the support of more than 35 cheering friends and family members, this first time team was one of 11 middle school teams from nine school districts to compete in the regional competition.
For months leading up to the event, students stayed after school using knowledge from their math, science and technology classes to build a small electric car from a lithium battery and miscellaneous parts. The vehicle then had to carry a 1½ pound salt container down a 50 foot track. Team Berlin won its initial heats and qualified for the single elimination heats, making it to the second round.
Students also participated in the academic competition portion of the event to test their math and science knowledge. As the only rookie team at the event, Team Berlin defeated Bethlehem and had close scores with other Big 10 schools in the Capital District.
According to Berlin Science Teacher Audrey Vanderhoef, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects like these help students learn 21st century skills such as team work, communication and problem solving. It also encourages students to begin thinking about college and careers.
“These students are already figuring out career pathways and the importance of work ethic,” said Vanderhoef. “Events like these allow them to discover the many opportunities in the Capital Region even if you come from a small town in the valley.”
Vanderhoef said the event helps students build confidence while having fun. “They’ve lost that frustration level,” she said. “It makes them excited to try and to not be afraid of making mistakes.”
Students also had the opportunity to see 3-D printers in action and speak to architects and engineers who developed the RPI tech park.
Team Berlin includes Ilan Mikit (captain), Seiji Akera, Breanna Brundige, Amada Despart, Mike Diaz, Kiam Kaiser, Anthony Marshall and Ben Stewart.
