April 4, 2023
This week we are bringing you stories from Redlands (RAA) and Orangewood (OAA) Adventist academies. RAA is learning through CO2 cars and bringing history to life. OAA junior and senior students experience Bible camp!
Redlands Adventist Academy
Racing Toward Learning
CO2 cars are miniature racing cars that are propelled by a carbon dioxide cartridge, pierced to start the release of the gas. They typically race on a 60-foot track. They are frequently used to demonstrate mechanical principles such as mass, force, acceleration, and aerodynamics. Every year, RAA’s seventh-grade class designs and builds CO2 cars from the ground up. They work for weeks, drawing and building the car and making important design decisions to enhance aerodynamics.
Finally, after each car was completed, the students marched into the gym with their line of cars waiting to run. The air was thick with anticipation and excitement. Charlie Wilber, their teacher, prepped the first cars to run. In went the CO2 cartridge. Onto the track went the two cars, and the countdown began: 3…2…1! With a hiss of air and a puff of smoke, off went the cars, racing down to the finish line.
Run after run, one car against another, with a few rounds of three to determine which car was fastest. A cheer rang out as a slow-motion playback confirmed the winner.
The CO2 cars are a project that students look forward to for years before they actually get to work on them, and the demonstrations are always exhilarating to watch. From cheese blocks with wheels to inventive new designs, each design is unique, and it is a thrill to see students learn about design, engineering, and scientific principles in such a hands-on, exciting way.
History Comes to Life
At Redlands Adventist Academy, teachers are always looking for fun ways to help students connect with the information they are learning. For history lessons, when learning about historical figures or events, many classes dress up to present what they learned. This year, multiple classes took part in this type of engaging presentation.
After studying ancient Egypt, sixth-graders put together their annual wax museum, in which they dress as important figures to present what they learned. Nefertiti, Pharaoh Ramses II, and many other historical figures made an appearance as students confidently told their classmates, parents, and even some upper-grade students about what they had learned.
Mr. Raymond Brown, one of RAA’s junior high teachers, worked with his students to put together a history fair in the gym. Students worked in groups and carefully prepared their presentation boards and outfits. Walking around the gym, one could learn about a variety of topics, including women pilots in World War II, space exploration, the Magellan expedition, and even the Black Death. Students went all out in their costumes and presentations, and those in attendance had a great time! They did such a fantastic job that several groups were chosen to present at the Education Board meeting.
Orangewood Adventist Academy
Jr.-Sr. Bible Camp
Recently, 13 juniors and seniors traveled to Pine Springs Ranch to experience Bible Camp. They enjoyed a couple days of fellowship, Christian music, games, team building, leadership training, family group bonding opportunities, prayer strategies, life experience speakers, and a genuine time to get to know Jesus. The experience was a blessing!
“If I had to describe my Bible camp experience on a scale from 1 to 10, I would say it was an 11,” said Matheus, an OAA student.
The group left early on Wednesday morning with extremely high expectations, and by the end of the weekend, expectations had been surpassed by far. The group was very excited to meet new people, make new friends, improve leadership skills, and above all get closer to Jesus. They were able to fellowship with different people from diverse histories and backgrounds but with the same goals and needs. They also met amazing pastors and leaders who taught many lessons that the students will take with them for the rest of their life.
