Students Build ‘Chain Reaction’ Machines

Two teams from Penn-Trafford High School entered the ‘Chain Reaction’ competition which was sponsored by Westinghouse.  The goal of the competition was to build a Rube Goldberg machine that would execute the theme "Playing a Game" in 20 steps.

 

The teams began planning and building their machines in September and they presented to judges from Westinghouse on Friday, January 27.  Students representing twelve schools from around the Pittsburgh area competed. Penn-Trafford had two teams enter in the contest.

 

Team One (Eli Emahizer, Ethan Goldsworthy, Jacob Lang, Logan Matrisch, and Drew Sherwin) built its machine to resemble a classic arcade game.  The machine was recognized as "Most Green" for incorporating the most recycled parts.  This team also placed in the top 8 overall. 

 

Team 2 (Marissa Fong, Rachael Gill, Michael Harris, and Amelia Haslam) chose to execute a ‘who done it’ game.  

 

Teachers Mrs. Wukich and Mr. Romeo served as coaches throughout the building and presenting process.

 

Team One:  Logan Matrisch and Jacob Lang (missing from photo: Eli Emahizer, Ethan Goldsworthy, and Drew Sherwin)

Team One:  Logan Matrisch and Jacob Lang (missing from photo: Eli Emahizer, Ethan Goldsworthy, and Drew Sherwin)

 

Team Two:  Amelia Haslam, Rachael Gill, Michael Harris, and Marissa Fong

Team Two:  Amelia Haslam, Rachael Gill, Michael Harris, and Marissa Fong