MSA FUTURE CITY CLUB AT THE NATIONAL FINALS IN WASHINGTON D.C. (March 2009)
After taking first place in the Southern California Region, MSA’s Future City Club participated in the national finals of the Future City Competition in Washington D.C. in February. Inspired by navy aircraft carriers, MSA’s city, “Megalos” was one of the most exciting designs at the competition. Among 35,651 Future City competitors nationwide, MSA’s students were selected in the top 100.
It was a great experience for everyone. The club, including their MSA staff advisor, consulting engineer and two parents were treated to a 5-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Capitol Hill. While visiting the nation’s capitol, students had the opportunity to visit numerous historical sights, museums, federal government offices, and The White House. They walked the paths that our American forefathers did as they plotted the course of history.
Club members visited the office of Senator Feinstein and Congressman Brad Sherman. They also were special guests in the office of the National Alliance of Charter Schools (NACS) because MSA was the only charter school that qualified for the national competition. NACS was so impressed with the students’ work, they invited the club to present their city at the National Charter School Conference this summer.
WHAT IS FUTURE CITY?
The Future City Competition, now in its 16th year challenges middle school students to create a city 150 years in the future. Students must first design their city using the SimCity 4 software, then build a large, table-top model of it. Each school works in teams with a teacher and volunteer engineer mentor. They also write an essay that describes the city and how specific engineering principles solve an important social needs.
MSA Team Members:
- Angel Quinteros
- Billy Divris
- Joshue Gonzales
- Nelson Nolasco
- Tim Saka (Team Coach)
- Peter Divris (Engineer Mentor)
- And Garcia (Volunteer)