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Exploring The Power Of Pulleys Through Science Lab

PCA eighth graders recently engaged in an exciting pulley system lab as part of their "Work and Machines" unit. This unit focuses on understanding simple machines and how they can enhance our ability to perform work. Middle School Science Teacher Kim Moser explains, “The specific objective for this lab was to calculate the absolute and ideal mechanical advantages of different pulley systems. I wanted them to discover that as the number of pulleys in a system increased, the mechanical advantage would also increase, leading to a decrease in the effort force required.”

To achieve this, students were tasked with building three distinct pulley systems. The first system consisted of a single pulley, the second had two pulleys, and the third boasted four pulleys. By using spring scales and 1 kg weights, they were able to test and calculate the effort forces and mechanical advantages of each system. Not only was this lab a fun and engaging experience for the students, but it also allowed them to make remarkable discoveries about the power and principles of simple machines. 

Student Internships Connect Classroom Learning With Careers

Internships provide a bridge between academic learning and practical application, preparing students for success in the professional workforce. At PCA, we offer high school students the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in a field of their choice, allowing them to explore different career paths. This year, we have students engaged in internships in a variety of industries including healthcare, politics, software development, marine biology, and education. Our three education interns are currently paired with three of our lower school school teachers.

"This is my first year having a student intern in the classroom and I am loving the extra set of hands twice a week," remarked Kindergarten Teacher Braden Cruz. "Greta will work with a small group of students, help children that need extra help during independent work, or even do a read aloud. The children love having a "big kid" in the classroom to look up to." 

Third grade teacher Tiffany Wulff expanded further on the program, "Each time Autumn comes into the classroom she is eager to learn and help in whatever way that she can. When she interacts with the students she does so with enthusiasm, which truly shows that has a heart for kids and education. I can't wait to see how the Lord shapes her future!"

It is an immersive learning experience for the students as well. Junior Seven Overcash explains, "Serving as a student teacher has been very helpful so far. I have learned simple things such as printing, grading, and filing. Along with putting grades in the gradebook, teaching in front of the class, and providing extra help to the students that need it. It has been so nice to work in a Christian environment and I am excited to see what the rest of the year will bring."

We will be highlighting more of our student interns and their jobs in future Eagle Edition articles. If your company is interested in hosting an intern, please contact Emily Faile, Academic Counselor at efaile@palmettochristianacademy.org.