It was just a coincidence that the event took place during the Winter Olympics. There were no elegant ice skaters, dramatic downhill skiers, or helmeted bobsled drivers. Instead, Sunderland students from different grades formed teams that designed and made their own sled, before matching up their creations in a race through the snow.
“This was an all school celebration to bring our learning community together before the winter break,” said Sunderland Elementary School (SES) Principal Jenn Turner. “The race was designed to encourage creativity, problem solving, and collaboration. And those goals were absolutely met while having a great deal of fun on a beautiful day outside.”
The rules of the contest were simple. The K-6 SES student body was divided into eight teams of five or six members that were each given cardboard boxes, duct tape, and rope. The challenge was to design and construct a racing sled built for two that would be pulled in a match race against fellow students.
The competition required collaborative planning and strategic thinking. “We put tape on the bottom of our sled so it would glide better,” said one designer. “We need our smallest teammates to ride, making it easier for the rest of us to pull them to victory,” said a planner from another squad.
As in the Olympics, trophies and medals were handed out to the top three teams, but Sunderland offered an added attraction. Piping hot chocolate and cookies were made available for everyone.
(Photo above: This Sunderland sled team team celebrates outside on a beautiful winter day.)
Sunderland students from different grades formed teams that designed and made their own sled, before matching up their creations in a race through the snow.
Sunderland students plan and collaborate as they design and build their sled for the race.
Students were given cardboard boxes, duct tape, and rope to design and construct a racing sled that would be pulled in a match race against fellow students.
“We are the champions!” - "Gold" medals for the first place finishers of the Sunderland Sled Race.
Second place finishers in the Sunderland Sled Race proudly wear their "silver" medals.
Smiles abound as the third place team displays their medals at the Sunderland Sled Race.