NS High School Third Annual Pumpkin Drop
Written by HS Senior Stephanie Jenks. Photos by Shelly Newman

On October 30th, North Shore High School's physics classes took part in the third annual “Pumpkin Drop” to test the principle that all objects in freefall accelerate at the same rate. Students watched head custodian Jerry Boertzel drop two pumpkins, one large and one small, off of a cherry picker. The “Pumpkin Drop” is orchestrated by high school teachers Mr. Cherney, Mr. Galati, Mr. Peroni, and Ms. Sabbatino.

Although some audience members predicted that the larger pumpkin would hit the ground first, the students witnessed that both pumpkins hit the ground at the same time. "The pumpkin drop helped with my understanding of physics" said Senior Greta Lincoln, "it was a fun and interactive way to test what we've been learning." Senior Maggie Hibner also added, "It was interesting to see how physics could be applied outside of the classroom."

Ms. Sabbatino said, “The Pumpkin Drop began three years ago when I first started teaching at North Shore. When I was in high school, our physics classes took part in the event and I wanted to begin the same tradition here at North Shore High School to coincide with the Halloween festivities.”