Middle-School Students Participate In Mesa Aim Of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Competition Is To Get Kids Excited About Subjects

The room was lively with chatter, but Saryl Case’s eyes were as fixed as a lion’s on its prey.

The Shaw eighth-grader’s focus was on a textbook-sized board, decorated with a web of lines, and several small markers. Her opponent, legs twitching like a rabbit, made a move. But clever Case pounced on the opportunity and the game of Nine Man Morris was hers.

“I like it because I can win if I think about it,” said Case. “It feels good when you win.”

But Case had many battles yet to face. Last Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., was dedicated to several such math and science events as part of the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement middle-school competition.

About 140 eighth-graders from most of District 81’s middle schools filled two rooms at Steam Plant Square - donated for the day by Avista - with tension, excitement and high-fives. The top three finalists in every event will go on to state competition.

Spokane’s MESA program was started at Washington State University Spokane about 10 years ago. The aim is to get students typically under-represented in math and science more excited about those subjects.

“You look at the number of people in college getting science and math degrees - few grads are women or people of color,” said James Kappelman, one of the MESA teachers at Chase Middle School. “(MESA) targets them so that when it’s time to make a big decision at a higher level, they’ll think of choosing a career with a science background.”

Most students last week competed in one math and one science event. Math challenges included Nine Man Morris, Mancala, Tangrams and Pentominos - which had two students vying to be the speediest one to arrange plastic shapes into different configurations.

Science challenges were more involved.

Some students combined six tongue depressors, eight straws, five feet of tape and string and two sheets of notebook paper to form something that would help a raw egg survive an eight-foot drop.

Others tested their airplane accuracy by throwing paper planes of their own design through a bright pink Hula-Hoop.

One of the biggest spectator draws, though, was the bridge-building competition. Students used 20 feet of thin, wooden dowel and as much glue as they wanted to build the strongest and lightest bridge possible.

Keeping in mind the fact that triangles are strongest, the Glover team of Luke Kitzan and Pat Brewer built one of the sturdiest.

“It feels awesome!” said Brewer, after his bridge received loud cheers of adoration.

For him, that’s the best part of MESA.

“I like that you get to compete with other schools and do fun activities,” he said.

Others foresee more long-range benefits.

“I like MESA because you can get scholarships for college,” said Case, who wants to become a lawyer. “It will give me a future if I can stay in it.”

Asian Cultural Festival

The Spokane Community College Asian and Pacific Island Organization will host an Asian Cultural Festival today from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at SCC’s Lair-Student Center Sasquatch Room, Building 6.

Students will share examples of Korean, Vietnamese and Taiwanese celebrations, and present an Asian writing demonstration.

Vegetable stir-fry, rice, egg rolls, fortune cookies and tea will be served. The free event is open to the public.

`Cinderella, The Ballet’ at The Met

Dance Theatre Northwest will perform “Cinderella, The Ballet” March 11 at 2 and 7 p.m. at the Metropolitan Performing Arts Center.

Company members include North Siders Lisa Benson of Riverside High School, Alicia Loft of Mt. Spokane High School and Marcy Ray of Gonzaga Preparatory School.

Reserved tickets are available through G&B Select-a-Seat, at The Met and at the Academy of Dance, 14214 E. Sprague. The cost is $12 for adults and $6 for students and seniors.

Mt. Spokane grad in gifted program

Mt. Spokane High School graduate Stephen Simon has been accepted by College Gifted Programs to attend the Summer Institute for the Gifted at Amherst College in Amherst, Mass. Simon, the son of North Siders Charles and Cathy Simon, is currently a sophomore at Westtown School in Pennsylvania.