Fantastic Visit

Hello,

I was very pleased with our guest speakers this afternoon, led by Commander Metcalf of the U.S. Navy.  He brought two lieutenants with him who also work at Bath Iron Works with him.  They are working on a new destroyer there.  They gave a very informative presentation, had a hands on show and tell session, let the kids design and test their own aluminum foil boats, and answered loads of questions. 

I'll post a couple of pictures when I get a chance.  I got permission from many of you to do that, so thank you. 

I learned a lot myself from the naval officers.  I liked how they talked about their ship "not floating," but that it displaces water and it is the push back of all that water that keeps the ship atop the water.  The entire hull of the ship is a giant wedge. 

Kids tried to see how many pennies their aluminum creations would hold and still stay afloat.  I heard one student made it to two hundred pennies. 

Commander Metcalf brought in many samples that we could touch and feel.  I especially liked the heavy electrical cables and the very grippy material that they paint on the deck of ships. 

He also awarded us a medallion from the U.S. Navy that I will proudly display on my desk display case. 

It went very well.  The kids asked great questions.  I was a little disappointed to hear the class say they thought our president was commander of the judicial branch, but we'll review that all over again.  Ask your child what they thought of the visit.

A big thank you to the Commander and the Lieutenants.  It was a great learning experience for the kids. 

Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea