Mill A students take first place in wind turbine competition

Mill A students put their science and math skills to the test as they designed and constructed a wind turbine as part of The Wind Challenge, held at The Dalles Civic Auditorium last spring. Students spent 2 1/2 hours building their turbine under the watchful eye of a mentor provided by the college and then put the turbine through a series of functionality tests in four categories: electricity generation, lifting a two ounce weight 75 centimeters, pulling a toy truck 50 centimeters, and delivering an oral presentation about
the project.

Mill A’s team, the “Bobcat Breeze,” consisting of four sixth graders and two seventh graders, finished in first place in the middle school division! Parent John Ratchye volunteered to coach the Mill A team with the help of teacher Kelly Kidd.

The team was awarded a field trip to OMSI for 33 students and 5 chaperones and $400 to cover transportation.  “We have only 23 students enrolled in our school,” said teacher Kelly Kidd,  “this was a fun trip for everyone!”