Students use straws and tape to build air duct systems and test the strength of those systems.
Right from the beginning, WHSAD students have countless opportunities to involve themselves in fascinating extracurriculars that come from attending a Career and Technical High School. One of these programs is the ACE Mentorship, which has students working alongside professionals from the architectural field. By visiting environments such as the Gensler architectural firm, students engage in activities that advance student understanding regarding the design process, the need to carry themselves professionally, and the importance of networking. Every Wednesday WHSAD students, accompanied by freshman architecture teacher, Mr. Abraham Rodriguez, visit the Gensler firm in midtown Manhattan. During this time, students worked collaboratively to design motors. The following is an account from freshman Frank Ramos about his experience.
WHSAD students Frank Ramos and Chandler McLaurin design a homopolar motor.
WHSAD sophomores Daisy Sucuzhanay and Ariana Lowery document their motors that use batteries and magnets to illustrate the forces of electricity.
As part of an extra curricular activity, I’m part for the ACE’s team 6, where we learn multiple skill by doing hands-on teamwork. With members of my fellow WHSAD students led by 2-3 mentors from Gensler. I love going to ace because not only does it teach me things I never knew, but it is always pushing me to do new things and helps students get used to talking in front of a lot of people.
For the specific project we did yesterday we were building motors. Before the project, I didn’t have a clue of what it was, but I sure didn’t reject learning about it! It was so cool how a battery and a magnet make a cable move. I honestly didn’t believe it would work, and when it did, I was so surprised. Overall, this was a great experience.