New Website ready to launch

The ICRA web page has been updated and will be using a new format. The domain name will remain the same but the content will be improved. You can preview the site now at https://sites.google.com/site/islandcityresearchacademy/. The switch should take place by Feb 28. I am working to include this blog on the site, but it may not happen immediately. Thank you for your patience.

Students learn about engineering

Students are learning about the process of engineering by studying robotics and the forces of flight. Students have found it takes a lot of patience and persistence to create a robot or airplane that functions the way they want. Students are progressing through a series of activities to learn the basics and then apply their skills to more complex and open-ended projects.

Check out our newly added photos in the gallery from the trip to Strawbale Farms and other recent activities.

Field Trip to Strawbale Farms on Friday

On Friday, January 8th we will be taking a field trip to Strawbale Farms in Trego. One of our students is doing an independent research project on unusual and sustainable home construction. Strawbale farms integrates many "green" technologies. Parents and community members are welcome to join us, they will just need to pay $5.00 for admission. We will be loading the bus at 8:45 and returning at approximately 2:30. You can find more information on Strawbale farms at http://strawbalefarms.com/

Dress to be outside for a portion of the day. It will be very cold Friday so please have boots, hat, gloves and a warm coat.

You may bring your own bag lunch or purchase lunch at Subway.


Space is somewhat limited on the bus, so if you would like to join us please email me at cschn@csdmail.com

Archery Training Date Set

Adults interested in becoming a trained National Archery in the Schools volunteer can participate in training on Thursday, Feb 26. Training will run from 8:00 - 3:00. You need to RSVP by Monday, Feb 23. You can contact Cheryl Schnell at cschn@csdmail.com or 822-5122 ext 238 to RSVP. (See previous blog for more info)

Students Present Projects

The student's independent research projects will be on display on Wednesday, February 11 from 1:30 to 3:00 in the middle school commons. Family, friends and community members are welcome to view their projects and give feedback to the students.

Archery Training for Volunteers

Attention parents and community volunteers...We will be offering official National Archery in the Schools (NASP) supervisor training here in Cumberland.(date to be determined) Volunteers will need to commit 1 day (8 hours) for the training. We will be offering archery as part of our curriculum. Volunteers would be essential to the best implementation of this new initiative. The charter school grant will pay for the training if you commit to volunteering for our school. Having trained supervisors would also make it possible for students to compete in official NASP competitions. This could lead to club type activities in addition to classroom curriculum. If you are interested in being a trained volunteer please contact me by Feb 6th. For more info on NASP click here.

Students Build Energy Bike

Students are currently in the process of attempting to build an "energy bike". The energy bike will be used to demonstrate how much energy is used by different items (light bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, radios, etc). Students will then be able to teach others about energy use and how to conserve energy. To accomplish this students are converting a mountain bike to attach to a generator that is connected to a display panel. We welcome help from our "electrically gifted" community members to help us with connecting the generator and creating the circuitry for the display panel.