Rick Aidi puts the "pro" in project-based learning. For 12 years, Mr. Aidi has tasked his geometry students to take what they've learned about area, surface tension, and water displacement, and build a boat using cardboard, plastic bags, and duct tape. But there's a catch: it has to be big enough and strong enough for one student in each team to sit in the boat and paddle it across a pool.
A couple of weeks ago, this year's geometry students put their skills to the test. More than a few took a dunk, but a handful made it across the pool and back. Regardless, the boat races were a hit for both participants and onlookers. Hopefully, some of the students destined to face the challenge next year were taking notes.
Mr. Aidi has been teaching math for 20 years. This marks his third year at GHS.