Horizon Science Academy – Cleveland High School Awarded prestigious $10,000 MIT grant for class invention

Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School was recently awarded a Lemelson-MIT Inven-Team grant in the amount of $10,000 to create a device that lifts a kayak onto a standard car carrier.

Inven-Teams consist of high school students, teachers and mentors that receive grants up to $10,000 to invent technological solutions to real world problems.

Horizon Science Academy is one of 15 high schools nationwide, and the only Ohio school, to receive this coveted MIT grant.

Scott Girard, Science teacher at Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High School began the Inven-Team application process and attended training at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to help prepare the final grant proposal.

The idea for the lift occurred when students were studying Lake Erie water quality and they helped a disabled veteran having trouble putting his kayak onto his car. He injured his arm in Desert Storm, which made getting his equipment onto his vehicle more difficult. Horizon students wanted to enable people with physical disabilities to continue enjoying the outdoors.

Girard said. “We’re hoping this helps a lot of people with physical challenges to continue their favorite activities and make their lives a bit easier.”

Horizon Science Academy principal Mr. Gurbuz said, “This is a perfect example of how science and mathematics are put into real life. Our students are already helping their community with what they learned in the classroom. I cannot wait to see what they will accomplish in the future.”

Students on the team are also part of the Concept Youth Scholars Program (CYSP), as well as the Scientific Research and Design class. CYSP is a program designed to focus on academics, a healthy lifestyle, building confidence, volunteerism, exploration and activities designed to help students make the most of their educational experience.
Noble Columbus is at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon

On Sunday, October 16th, sixteen CYSP scholars arose well before the sun. Despite the dark of the dawn hours, the students’ enthusiasm shone brightly as they set out to volunteer at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon. Armed with brooms, rakes, flashlights, and a positive attitude, the CYSP crew journeyed to Water Station #11, just past the 15 mile marker of the marathon. While there, our scholars passed out water to thirsty runners, and cleaned up discarded water cups to keep the race route clear from debris and safe for the athletes. Our student volunteers cheered on the runners, and were happy to receive the thanks of many runners along the route, who declared that volunteers like our CYSP scholars were what made the race possible!

INDIANA MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY WEST CYSP FALL CAMP

The CYSP (Concept Young Scholars Program) took 42 students and 10 adults to Kiser Lake, OH for a weekend camp on October 7-9. Students and Staff reported have a fabulous time (even though the nights were a bit cold and the showers or beds weren’t quite like at home!) A highlight of the trip was the time each group was able to spend on the lake in rowboats. Most students took a turn at rowing and everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery on such a wonderful fall day. Besides the outdoor activities such as fishing and sports, students participated in a STEM activity from the science teachers as they built boats out of aluminum foil and popsicle sticks and then we took them to the pond to test them for buoyancy. Some students participated in a leaf ID hike and made a book of their findings. Everyone was great at helping with cooking and cleanup. Overall, everyone had a great time and enjoyed each other’s company as well as the beautiful outdoors! We are looking forward to the next trip already!

WEEKEND SCHOOL

Weekend School

The program requires weekend school for the 5th to 11th grades. Silver candidates must attend eight days and Gold candidates must attend twelve days. Weekend school is optional for bronze level students, but those students are more than welcome to attend. Weekend school can be organized by the school coordinator for the CYSP program or it can be organized by individual advisers. Weekend school should be 2 hours long in the middle school level and 3 hours long in the high school level. If scholars attend weekend schools at an outside organization/program, scholars must show proper verification.

Examples:

  • Saturday school organized by the school coordinator.
  • Advance study course organized by an outside institution during weekends.
  • Advance study course provided by individual advisers during weekends.
  • Weekend Robotics, Science Fair or Language Contest prep in a group with teacher.

Logbook Entry:

  • The designated staff member for the school organized weekend school will enter weekend school information in students’ logbook as “Weekend School”.
  • If weekend school is provided by individual advisers/teachers, then advisers/teachers will be responsible to enter weekend school information in students’ logbook.
  • Advisers and scholars must make sure to contact the designated staff member to make sure logbook is constantly updated.