Get ready for some Pumpkin Chunkin’

Published 6:57 am Sunday, October 30, 2022

This contest is a result of the partnership between the city of Lake Charles and Region 5 STEM Center in an effort to provide unique STEM activities for Lake Charles middle and high school students.

Nine teams from various area schools are set to participate in this contest. The schools include Grand Lake High School, Sulphur High School, Leesville High School, LeBlanc Middle School, Ray D. Molo Middle School and F. K. White Middle School.

Teams were tasked with creating a launcher that is capable of propelling a pumpkin.  Michael Castille, City of Lake Charles Director of Community Services, stated that participating teams were required to replicate an specific archaic catapult. “We are using an old medieval launcher known as a trebuchet, which uses a counter sling weight,” he said.

He continued by explaining that building a trebuchet will challenge students to utilize their tactile capabilities as well as STEM knowledge. “This type of launcher is built by hand and mind, using a lot of physics knowledge.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter believes that this contest will be a “unique and high-flying fun experience.” He believes that STEM events are essential for Southwest Louisiana students to thrive academically. “STEM activities are critical in helping our youth reach their full potential,” he said.

The team’s launchers will chunk pumpkins in both accuracy and distance competitions.

Exposing students to practical applications of STEM, as well as potential career opportunities, is a priority. “We want our youth to find their own way, and make their own choices about their career paths, but why not expose them to career opportunities that focus on some element of a STEM curriculum?” he said. “Many of these jobs are attainable in our backyard. It is vital that we get our youth interested in these types of activities at a young age.”

He stated that the best way to encourage students to participate in STEM activities is to make them entertaining and different. “The way we are able to teach STEM activities today is more fun and engaging than ever,” he said. “The best ways to teach the skills necessary to be successful in these fields are not limited to just a textbook. We are thrilled to be a part of offering innovative, hands-on educational experiences.”

This is a new event for Lake Charles. Hunter stated new youth initiatives are a fresh change of pace amidst recovery efforts. “After two years of events and programming being largely shut down, we are so excited to be launching, quite literally, new and innovative programs, while bringing back some old favorites,” he said. “This event is the first of its kind for Lake Charles and we are really looking forward to seeing the teams in action.”

The event is open to the public, and locals are encouraged to attend, said Hunter. “We hope the public at large will come out and see the work these students have put into their inventions,” he stated. “We want these teams to be rewarded for their efforts with a lot of cheering from the spectator stands.”

At the contest tactical dodgeball will be available to play, courtesy of Game 2 Life. There will also be a food truck on site.

Castille confirmed that the unlucky pumpkins will be provided by the City of Lake Charles, and emphasized that the pumpkins will not harm the environment due to their biodegradable nature.

For more information call 337-217-4390 ext. 5335 or email reg5stem.center@cpsb.org.