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Wells pupils headed to Disney

By Staff reports 2 min read
GOING TO DISNEY — The Imagineers Club at Wells Academy is heading to Walt Disney World Sunday through May 10. Approximately 24 fourth-grade pupils will learn about the physics behind the attractions at the Disney Imagination Campus, having prepared through Disney-themed lessons. McKinley Brown, left, and Finley Trifonoff displayed their Little Mermaid-based creation. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE -- Physics equals fun. At least it does for 24 pupils at Wells Academy, who are going to Walt Disney World this weekend. Fourth-graders involved in the Disney Imagineers Club are heading to Orlando. The group will leave Sunday and return May 10. Participants will visit the Disney Imagination Campus and learn behind-the-scenes details regarding the park's mechanics. Teachers Katie Mills, Jen D'Ortenzio, Heather Koehnlein and Heather Davis are coordinators of the school's program. The 26-member club meets weekly to conduct Disney-themed STEM lessons. Mills said the trip will put a lot of that knowledge into perspective.

"The classes consist of combining physics and creativity," she explained. "We try to replicate what Disney is all about and make their magic. We've prepared through sessions and combine the curriculum with physics." She stated students will attend a class on the technology of physics and a class focusing on the animal kingdom.

The Wells club partners with Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind the design and construction of all of its theme parks, resorts and attractions. Fourth-graders have met in after-school sessions that incorporate the Disney theme. Mills said pupils complete many hands-on experiments as part of their education. Fundraisers have been held to cover the cost of the trip. "Our fundraisers are more memorable for the kids because they are working to raise the money," she said. One of those money makers is the summer Disney Camp, which will take place in June and be open to those in kindergarten through fourth grade.

Mills said a Junior Imagineers program was started at the school to inspire younger grades to become interested in eventually joining the fourth-grade group. Approximately 70 kindergarten through third-graders take part in the program, meeting once per month. "The Imagineers learn the standards and curriculum while the Junior Imagineers engage students for the future -- to open doors to what being an Imagineer looks like," Mills explained.

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