The project consisting of building a launcher was assigned to Mrs. Durmis’ physics classes. The students had until the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 9 to construct a pumpkin launcher that would launch a 5-pound pumpkin at least 5 meters.

The project was a total of 45 points. There were also some extra credit opportunities. You could have your pumpkin tastefully decorated for two extra credit points. And the best pumpkin in the class got an additional two points.  

The group who got the got the most creative pumpkin in 3rd Period was a group of six seniors: Morgan G., Jordan S., Cassidy D., Yulduz M., Madison P., and Bridget H. They made their pumpkin into Cookie Monster.

The rules were simple, no springs, and nothing that could danger a student. You could build the launcher out of anything among your group of six or less. Most groups used wood, but some got creative and used bench presses.

Mrs. Durmis said, “I’ve been doing this project in Bethel Park for four years. The pumpkin launchers were a success this year, though my best year was my first year.”

Morgan Gloeckl said, “I enjoyed this project because it was a hands-on project. We are not given the opportunity to do a project like this often.”

Madison Paskert said, “It was good experience, but I realized that it can be hard to work in such a big group. It was hard to find a time when we could all work on it because the whole project had to be done out of school.”

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