Cool Runnings: Aspen Middle School students build bobsleds, race each other
Georgina Levey/Courtesy photo
Using rigs they personally custom built using materials typically found in your grandpa’s toolshed, Aspen Middle School students on Wednesday gleefully took to the hill behind the recreation center for a good ol’ fashion bobsled race.
According to the Aspen School District, the students spent weeks planning and working together to build their sled to participate what’s called the 19th annual Aspen Middle School Bobsled Race. The event was created by fifth-grade teacher Amy Gray in 2006 and the students designed and built their sleds using only cardboard and duct tape.
“This event brings the whole school together and also embraces the International Baccalaureate traits of inquirers (as students research designs), communicators (as they work with each other in groups), and caring (as they encourage and support each other through the building and racing process),” the district said.
Winners of the ‘Battle of the Stem’ teachers
- 1st place: Teacher George Helfenstine’s students
- 2nd place: Teacher Mike Wessler’s students
- 3rd place: Ivette Mejia’s students
Wednesday’s rules
- There were two lines at the top of the hill: Bobsleds were pushed at the first line. Entire teams pushed their bobsleds to get started, but only to the second line. No pushers were allowed past the second line.
- There was no “paddling” with hands down the hill. The line judges at the bottom of the hill were allowed to disqualify teams who did this.
- All riders were required to wear helmets.
- There was no riding down headfirst.
- The first bobsled across the finish won and advanced to the next heat.
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Since the 1970s, Sherry Flack and her retail businesses have been a recognizable part of Aspen and Snowmass. Now, after half a century, Flack has made the decision to retire.
