School News, February 6, Sag Harbor & East Hampton Town

Pierson Students Build Adirondack Chairs

Students in 10th through 12th grade at Pierson High School put their skills to the test in Michael Piro’s production and manufacturing class to build their second Adirondack chair of the year. The hands-on project required teamwork, precision and the careful use of tools as they worked in groups to craft their chair.

Using a template as a guide, high schoolers started the project by measuring, cutting and sanding each piece of wood. Tools such as table saws, hand sanders and power drills were used.

A key lesson was the importance of planning ahead for balance and accuracy. For example, one group worked together to configure the correct order of attaching the chair backing to the supporting legs. Students determined how to make sure the chair would sit level and provided the right measurements for the next piece that would connect the two legs in front of the chair.

The project also included a creative element, as they used a laser engraving machine to personalize their chair with a unique design burned into the wood, adding a custom touch to the finished product.

Students had to choose the right tools for the job. With several options available for sanding, including electric hand sanders, machine-powered flat sanders and cylindrical sanders, or simple sanding paper, they had to decide which method would produce the best finished product for each piece depending on the size.

With each chair, students not only gained technical skills, such as geometry, material science and environmental impacts, but they also learned the importance of precision, collaboration and the satisfaction of completing a well-crafted project.

Students Build CO2-Powered Race Cars

In a blend of creativity, engineering and competition, eighth-graders at Pierson Middle School completed a hands-on project during their PLANT (Preparing Learners for a New Tomorrow) class, where they designed and raced small CO2-powered cars. The class is instructed by Pierson High School and Middle School teacher Michael Piro.

The project began with students diving into the world of aerodynamics, discussing how different shapes can affect speed and performance. Armed with this knowledge, they set to work designing their cars. Using tools in the school’s wood shop, they meticulously cut and sanded their vehicles to shape, ensuring the structure was smooth and ready for racing.

Once the bodies of the cars were crafted, students attached plastic wheels, carved space for a CO2 cartridge and rigged a space suitable for a fishing line to guide the cars down a racetrack in the school’s hallway. After the cars were painted and finished, it was time to race.

Following a tournament bracket, the students lined up to puncture the CO2 cartridges, sending their cars zooming down the hallway in head-to-head races. The guided fishing line ensured each car stayed on course, but speed and precision were key to winning the race.

The PLANT program fosters a learning environment where students are encouraged to be open-minded, caring and reflective. The race car project not only allowed students to apply their problem-solving skills and work with tools, but also emphasized collaboration, risk-taking and effective communication — all integral components of the program.

College News

Mark Daniels, of East Hampton, was named to the University of Alabama dean’s list for fall 2024 semester.

The University of Rhode Island has released its dean’s list. Local students on it are Alexa Foerder and Jake Krahe, both of East Hampton; and Sadie Lattanzio and Alexa Pariz, both of Sag Harbor.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s dean’s list for the fall semester includes Tyler Mitchell of Sag Harbor. Mitchel is majoring in mathematical sciences and physics.

East Hampton resident Luke Tarbet has been named to the dean’s list at James Madison University for the fall 2024 semester. Tarbet is majoring in business management.

East Hampton resident Emma Hren has been named to the president’s list at James Madison University for the fall 2024 semester. Hren is majoring in psychology.

Endicott College’s fall 2024 dean’s list includes Wilson Bennett of Sag Harbor. He is a business management major and the son of Emilie and Todd Bennett;

The Quinnipiac University dean’s list for the fall semester includes Julianna Lester and Sarah Morgan, both of East Hampton.