Helicopter Challenge

Hidden Oaks 6th grader Elizabeth Nelson was among the top five Sikorsky Helicopter 2050 Challenge, a Synergy project facilitated in the advanced 6th grade physical science classes at Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks. Students were challenged to create a helicopter of 2050 that helps overcome global issues.

Elizabeth's Idea: BlueCopter

More than 1 million gallons of oil ends up in oceans every year. The goal of the BlueCopter is to make the sea blue again by cleaning up oil spills and helping animals affected by the oil. It can spray a special polymer-like material that absorbs the oil in water and turns it into gel that can be collected, transported, and turned back into liquid. This copter is made mostly out of recycled glass, Kevlar, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and is fueled by hydrogen. Since the helicopter will mostly be working around water, its rotors, landing gear, and tail boom retract so it can transform into a speedboat.

Congratulations, Elizabeth!

The district gifted/talented program, called SYNERGY, helps students thrive by offering challenging and supportive educational experiences and services. Together, these programs and services nurture the academic, creative, artistic, leadership abilities, and social/emotional needs of gifted, talented and creative children.