<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2E2fUx_0wAvEuhS00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2E2fUx_0wAvEuhS00" width="1433" height="716" ></figure>CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There was a lot of splatting going on at GoMart Ballpark in Charleston Thursday with the 25th annual BridgeValley Community and Technical College Pumpkin Drop.Students from 25 different schools made up 40 different teams to try and get their pumpkin from a Appalachian Power bucket truck down to the ground intact.The students, who came from elementary, middle and high schools, designed protective contraptions back at their schools and then crossed their fingers Thursday hoping they would work.For many students, the collaborative aspect was the best part.“My favorite part about this event was getting to work together and creating things with my classmates,” student Bianca Stallings said. “While her class’s pumpkin did not survive the drop, Bianca says she would love come back and even thought about ways to improve her design for next time. “We had two boxes so I think we would have added more support around the second box.”The event offers students the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, teacher Christina Davis said.“There is an excitement and engagement with the learning, and it really connects to what they’re doing. So they get to see real world application,” she said.In addition to providing hands on learning, the event fosters creativity and critical thinking skills while giving students the opportunity to collaborate and socialize with their friends.“They have to come up with their own ideas,” according to Riverside High teacher Tara Veazey. “They have to make sure they know what materials are considered recyclable. They need to make sure to hit the target. It’s allowing them to have that thought process all on their own.”Despite a few smashed pumpkins, the excitement of the day made it a memorable learning opportunity for all. Students and teachers alike are already looking forward to next year.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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40 teams participate in BridgeValley Pumpkin Drop

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There was a lot of splatting going on at GoMart Ballpark in Charleston Thursday with the 25th annual BridgeValley Community and Technical College Pumpkin Drop. Students from 25 different schools made up 40 different teams to try and get their pumpkin from a Appalachian Power bucket...