GRAVETTE — Two student teams from Gravette Middle School traveled to the University of Arkansas recently to compete in the finals of the IE (Industrial Engineering) Challenge sponsored by the UA Engineering Department.

The students qualified for the finals by writing papers describing how to achieve the highest level of “park rating” in the computer game “Roller Coaster Tycoon 2”.

Students had to determine how best to layout their “park” to achieve the optimal que structure, how many personnel would be needed and the costs for park visitors, while making visitors happy and making the most possible profit.

During the finals, students presented powerpoint presentations they had prepared earlier. They then were given a park scenario in which, during a short timed period, they were required to put their ideas into practice.

Dillan Sims and Spencer Heald from Gravette Middle School received the first place, highest score rating and were awarded trophies and cash prizes.

Jay Donham and Zac Carlton, Middle School students, placed fifth in the competition.

News, Pages 8 on 05/19/2010