This is one time when throwing something across a classroom is not only OK, it’s encouraged.
And it’s all in the name of learning.
Third graders at Kerr Elementary School in O’Hara put their homemade hoop gliders to the test as the Fox Chapel Area School District kicked off Remake Learning Days with the discoverED 2026 Hoop Glider Design Challenge.
Participating students created custom paper hoop gliders using a plastic straw for the body and construction paper for the hoops. The class project incorporates elements of a flying squirrel’s movements, nature and engineering.
Rainy conditions May 4 made for launch time indoors in Kristie Pentrack’s class, and high winds May 5 also had students participating inside.
Paisley McKee, 9, showed off thecat/dog-themed hoop glider she launched May 4. The glider set a record when it traveled 23 feet and struck the classroom smartboard.
Paisley was thrilled to have glider distance bragging rights.
“I was very excited because I usually never win anything,” she said, smiling. “My glider partner and I love cats and dogs so I got inspired by that. I learned that you really don’t need much push to actually make it fly far.”
Glider hang times in the air varied from a little over one second to more than three seconds.
The annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program is led by the Fox Chapel Area School District. Thousands of elementary students across the commonwealth participate via virtual classroom interactions with other elementary schools in the state.
The program includes lessons on aerodynamics and biomimicry, the practice of modeling inventions after biological processes. The students then apply what they’ve learned to design, build and make custom hoop gliders inspired by the flight patterns of the flying squirrel.
“DiscoverED is about creating meaningful, lasting connections,” said Megan Collett, executive director of instructional and innovative leadership for the school district. “We are showing students the same principles that power nature can power their own innovations.”
In Pennsylvania, the program runs May 1-23.
To learn more, visit remakelearningdays.org.