by Ryan Culhane, Math & Computer Studies Teacher - West Ferris I.S.S.
-----
Opening day of the International Plowing Match saw the inaugural pumpkin chucking competition. It's a friendly challenge put out by West Ferris Intermediate and Secondary School’s principal, Andy Gagne to all secondary schools across the province.
Three area schools stepped up in a short amount of time.
The competing schools, West Ferris from North Bay, Lo-Ellen Park from Sudbury and Franco-Cite from Sturgeon Falls each created a catapult with the goal of being able to chuck a pumpkin 80 feet to a target in the field.
The event, sponsored by Leisure Farms in Sturgeon Falls, packed the grounds of the IPM. The competition was opened by the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, who congratulated all of the students and staff for participating.
In the end, the championship trophy was awarded to Franco-Cite as their three pumpkins landed within inches of the target.
According to Gagne, STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities like this really help to promote experiential learning outside of the classroom and give the students an opportunity to get involved with projects that relate to their own interests.
Gagne expressed his sincere thanks to the IPM organizing committee, and to Leisure Farms for their support and donation of the pumpkins. He was impressed with the caliber of the catapults created, the professionalism around safety from the students and staff, and he expects the event to grow into something bigger and better in future years.
