Hovercraft
takes 'road trip'
30 Jan. 2002
By Sunny Dunbar
Special to the Tribune-Star
More than nine months of planning
and work by Terre Haute North Vigo High School students
recently culminated in a "road trip" to
the south side of town.
A demonstration of their working model hovercraft
was given by the Patriots in front of Terre Haute South
Vigo High School students, who are preparing to build
their own version of the vehicle.
"It was a lot of work and time, almost 400 man-hours,
but it was all worth it," said North junior Marcus
Songer.
Technology teacher Mike Dason began the hovercraft
project last March in his transportation class, obtaining
blueprints and starting the search for materials.
Fort Harrison Auto Parts supplied the engine, North's
auto body classes helped paint and work with the fiberglass,
and the school DJ Club helped raise money for the project.
Dason's goals were for the students to learn to work
as a group, to understand there is always room for
improvement, to know they should always do their best
and be willing to try something new.
"Working on the hovercraft has created many opportunities
for future endeavors. It's a great project," said
sophomore Ryan Ralston.
North students took the initial version of the hovercraft
to a race in June and found that it was too heavy and
needed an air duct top.
They returned to school in August, corrected the early
mistakes and improved the original craft.
Dason is reworking the blueprints and creating a book
that will aid in the building of additional hovercraft.
He also will work with the Hovercraft Club of America
to organize and promote a national race.
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