A MySaline reader recently told us recently about a project that partners Benton High School students with the City of Benton to create a statue. I inquired with the schools to get a better idea of what they are doing. The teacher heading up the project, Todd Bevill, wrote to me and included pictures of student designs for a proposed sundial to be placed in the roundabout at Riverside Park. The individual designs are pictured below.
Thank you for showing interest in the sundial project. Alderman Steven Lee approached Assistant Superintendent Lita Gattis about a math class determining the calculations behind placing a sundial in the roundabout by the River Center. I was asked if I would allow my classes the opportunity to participate.
When Mr. Lee presented the idea to the classes, they loved the idea and wanted the chance to do something outside of the norm. Students were divided into thirteen groups amongst two Algebra III classes. Each group came up with an idea for a possible sundial. They then determined the measurements need to create their concept. Once students were confident in their calculations they created a scale model and a presentation in order to convince Mr. Lee and the other Parks Committee members to select their design. Each group also wrote a research paper explaining their calculations as well as providing a brief summary of the history of sundials.
I am very thankful to Mr. Lee and Mrs. Gattis for providing these students with the opportunity to be a part of the process and giving them a chance to use what they have learned in a real world setting.
Todd Bevill, Apple Teacher, CAAS President
Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image.
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