I appreciate all of the students who responded to my challenge and prodding
with so many wonderful memories!
PRESS RELEASE
April 23, 2005Auburn University Montgomery
Montgomery, Alabama
Multiple Winners at
Statewide 2005 Computational EXPO!
The Alabama Computational EXPO 2005 was hosted by the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Auburn University Montgomery on April 22, 2005. UMS-Wright students won top recognition for performance on a research project, in written problem solving exams and in an essay contest. This was the 8th consecutive year that UMS-Wright placed winners in a high school division. Students in the "Computational Physics" class and/or "Computational Chemistry" class are required to write a program in computer code (BASIC. FORTRAN, C++, JAVA) to predict the results of some physical event and then compare this result with data from the actual event. The class is provided and extra 2 days of class each well.
A research project titled “Physics by Hand: The Physics of Breaking Boards” by Evan Wilson, Andrew MacRae and Ken McElhaney won 2nd Place in the high school division for precalculus programming students. This research project investigated the forces and impulses applied to wooden boards shattered by martial arts experts. Special computer interfaced technology in the UMS-Wright Physics Research Lab were used in this research to measure and analyze forces applied over small fractions of a second.
Evan Wilson won the “Deltacom Essay” award. Evan’s essay addressed a question concerning “the impact of using research on my learning in the classroom.” Evan discussed how his interest in a martial arts research project inspired him to learn more Physics. His written expression was identified as the best of the seventy papers submitted at the competition.
All of the UMS-Wright competitors were identified among the top 15 scores among all students at this statewide competition in the written “Problem Solving Test.” The "Problem Solving Test” required competitors endure a grueling and difficult 90 minute test with a variety of presented word problems. The problems required students to make assumptions, extract relevant information on and apply quantitative reasoning to unfamiliar contexts.Bradley Johns, Evan Wilson, Andrew MacRae, Ken McElhaney and Matthew Peterson were recognized and provided with certificates documenting their outstanding performance.
Matthew Peterson of UMS-Wright was recognized for obtaining the highest score on the written “Problem Solving Test” at the competition. Matthew was provided with an award, plaque and a $1,000 scholarship (to the University of Alabama at Huntsville).
Every UMS-Wright participant at the statewide Computational EXPO 2005 earned recognition in at least one competitive event.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mr. Ed Lathan, Principal
Ms. Jane Williams, Academic Dean
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
334-479-6551 Ext 152 Fax: 334-470-9050
Evan Wilson won the “Deltacom Essay” award. Evan’s essay addressed a question concerning “the impact of using research on my learning in the classroom.” Evan discussed how his interest in a martial arts research project inspired him to learn more Physics. His written expression was identified as the best of the seventy papers submitted at the competition.
All of the UMS-Wright competitors were identified among the top 15 scores among all students at this statewide competition in the written “Problem Solving Test.” The "Problem Solving Test” required competitors endure a grueling and difficult 90 minute test with a variety of presented word problems. The problems required students to make assumptions, extract relevant information on and apply quantitative reasoning to unfamiliar contexts.Bradley Johns, Evan Wilson, Andrew MacRae, Ken McElhaney and Matthew Peterson were recognized and provided with certificates documenting their outstanding performance.
Matthew Peterson of UMS-Wright was recognized for obtaining the highest score on the written “Problem Solving Test” at the competition. Matthew was provided with an award, plaque and a $1,000 scholarship (to the University of Alabama at Huntsville).
Every UMS-Wright participant at the statewide Computational EXPO 2005 earned recognition in at least one competitive event.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mr. Ed Lathan, Principal
Ms. Jane Williams, Academic Dean
UMS-Wright Preparatory School
334-479-6551 Ext 152 Fax: 334-470-9050
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Combining my love for competition and interest in science was something I did from early on in my career.
I also liked to do “action research” to evaluate initiatives in my class and department.
“Physics First” was a department wide change in science sequence that I wanted to implement if able to.
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