News

Building Complex Machines To Understand Force & Motion

Pulleys, levers, and inclines, this was the world that Mrs. Liz Jarvis’ 5th graders entered when Mrs. Liberty Cosseti from HighTouch HighTech visited PCA with the goal of creating an intensive scientific experience. Mrs. Cosseti brought all the components needed for students to learn about, and create, a complex machine. “A machine is something that makes work easier,” explains the HighTouch, HighTech website. “The cool thing about machines is that the simplest machine and the most complicated machine work off the same principles.”

Getting into groups of four, Cosseti walked the students through a lesson on the 6 types of simple machines – Inclined Plane, Wedge, Pulley, Wheel and Axle, Screw, and Lever. Students worked together to try and figure out how various components could be put together to create a complex machine, and by the end, and through excited squeals, each group of budding engineers had put together a system where a pulley helped to raise a lever. 

This in-house field trip was a “rising” success!

Strolling Through The Pages Of History In PCA's Wax Museum

PCA is known for its annual traditions, and there is none more highly anticipated by staff and students alike as the 4th Grade Wax Museum, which has been an annual staple for over 20 years. This past Friday, the Welcome Center was filled with fourth grade students dressed as royalty, baseball players, heroes of war, famous actresses, and everyone in between. 

Each year students choose a person in history who made an impact on society, to bring back to life for the day. They read a biography on the person, create a detailed tri-fold board showing facts about their person's life, and then present their findings to their class. After that, the fun really begins as students bring their research to life dressing up as their historical figure and presenting their work to PCA students, staff, and parents by way of the Living Wax Museum. Students had to hold very still, like a person made of wax, as visitors walked by to take in their displays and learn more about each person. 

“Creating a living wax museum is the perfect way to demonstrate that history is alive,” said fourth grade teacher Jeanette Snook. “Literally, the fourth graders have the added bonus of incorporating history, reading, writing, and art and even the Biblical Worldview into one project that tells the life story of a famous person. It is the highlight of all PCA 4th graders and such a cute way to learn about historical figures and their contributions to society."  

Kelsey Bentson, who portrayed Helen Keller, really enjoyed the experience. “My favorite part of the wax museum was saying all the facts.”

“My favorite part of the day was dressing up,” said Graham Rushing, who was Neil Armstrong. “I got to express who I wanted to be.” 

The Living Wax Museum is a valuable research project that we all can enjoy!