Photos: The Physics of Flying Pumpkins at Shepard

Whether by spring tension, compressed air, or some other energy source, the catapults rocked and the pumpkins flew last week at as they do every fall.

The annual start of the physics year – the project’s a rite for college-bound science students – drew smiles from students and teachers alike, but for different reasons.

Students relished the opportunity to show off their investment of time, ingenuity, and plain hard work. They also wanted to see whether their machines, designed with much love and attention, would hit the target: A pressboard castle wall with medieval action figures posed in the back.

Teacher Jeff Partynski, meanwhile, always anticipates how his classes will attempt to top their predecessors. Each year brings a new group of students with their eyes set on upstaging what graduates designed the year before.

“I’m never surprised. They always come up with something new,” Partynski said.

While he enjoys launch day, Partynski also meticulously documents each projectile. He strolls the field on the north side of school, clipboard in hand, prompting design teams with a menu of questions.

“The students got a lot out of the project, but they're not done yet,” said physics teacher Jeff Partynski. “They must now analyze the flight of their pumpkins and create a detailed report that includes calculations, design criteria, and results.”

Partynski requires students to build catapults that can shoot pumpkins at least 20 meters.

The project requires the application of principles like projectile motion, energy, and forces. They also learn to work in teams like engineers or scientists tasked with at corporations.

Submitted by District 218