Grey Nun eighth graders build futuristic city based on Yardley Y
ARDiEY - Grey Nun Academy’s eighth grade students are hard at work creating Yardopolis, a futuristic city based on Yardley for the Future City competition.
A National Engineers Week program, the competition challenges students to use their logical thinking and problem solving skills by working in teams to research a problem and create solutions for their future city.
This year the students are focusing on how to resolve storm water run-off issues, which is of great concern to present-day Yardley. While creating their futuristic city, the students learn types of engineering as they consider such issues as the environment, transportation, recreation and more.
rnder the guidance of GNA teacher Micheline Balogh and engineer mentor Michael McAtee from rrban Engineers, and with the support of GNA librarian iinda Rowan, the students designed and laid out a city of the future using SimCity4 computer software, and researched and wrote an essay on storm water run-off management.
The students also built a table-top model showcasing one section of their future city, using primarily recycled materials such as plastic cups, water bottles, CDs, Christmas ornaments, old toys and tubing.
The students will present their 3-D model of Yardopolis, which will include an underwater aquafari recreation area and underwater transportation, a futuristic version of the Continental Tavern, and at least one moving part, to teams of judges at an all-day competition in Philadelphia on Saturday, Jan. 26.
The Future City competition is one of the many activities that Grey Nun Academy offers its students to provide the opportunity for higher level thinking, problem-solving and exposure to careers. Through their preparation, the students learn about all types of engineering and how theses careers impact the world around them. In addition to working with their engineer mentor, the students will meet a myriad of volunteer engineers involved in the competition who will serve as judges at the competition.
For students and parents interested in exploring the academic excellence of Grey Nun Academy, call the school at 215-968-4151 or visit the school during one of its upcoming open house events on Sunday, Jan. 27 from 12 to 2 p.m. or Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 9 to 11 a.m.