The Oaks Academy Visits Cripe

Earlier this month Cripe welcomed the 8^th grade math classes from The Oaks Academy for their annual field trip in which they look to answer the age old question “Why do we need to study math?” Since the Spring of 2008 our talented engineers, architects and surveyors have shown these students how the same math they are learning today in algebra and geometry applies directly in resolving a draining issue or conducting a survey.

While demonstrating the evolution of survey through technology, Paul Klodzen, PLS underscored the discipline’s reliance on graphing skills and comprehension.  

Using the Pythagorean Theorem, Jennifer Lasch, PE led the group in an exercise to find the length of a line which then was then used to determine the slope of that line knowing the elevations (y) of the line.  She then showed how that line represented the curb line in a parking lot with a high point at one end and a storm inlet at the other end.  We wanted to determine if we had positive drainage (ie positive slope) and if it met the minimum design criteria that would be used.

In addition, the group looked at a fictitious lot and determined the stormwater discharge using the rational method (Q=ciA.)  They examined how the discharge rate would change depending on the type of surface on the lot (grass vs pavement or a combination thereof.)

Another interactive part of the day as when Carl Sergio and Matt Amore used the 3D Scanner to scan the students as they were sitting in  Cripe University illustrating how such technology is used in architecture projects.  The 8^th graders were able to see themselves appear in 3D and understand how this technology can directly assist an architect and client in the design process. 

Cripe Architects +Engineers has long recognized the importance of both community outreach and education.  Our partnership with the Oak Academy is an important one, which benefits both the students and our staff.

In all it was a fun day for the students and the staff – the students left realizing there really is a reason to pay attention in math class and the staff left being glad  had all those years ago.