Hootworthy Students Ellie and Arwen Soar at GCA’s 2024 Science and Social Studies Fair Artwork

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Where Georgia Cyber Academy (GCA) shares hootworthy stories of their Champions rising up, aiming high, and soaring. GCA is an online, tuition-free, public charter school serving students in grades K-12 throughout the state of Georgia. We provide a learning environment where students are empowered to reach their full academic potential through active participation in live interactive classes and an engaging curriculum that supports individualized and differentiated student learning paths.

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Hootworthy Students Ellie and Arwen Soar at GCA’s 2024 Science and Social Studies Fair

January 31, 2025 • Georgia Cyber Academy • Season 4 • Episode 5

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Hootworthy Students Ellie and Arwen Soar at GCA’s 2024 Science and Social Studies Fair

Georgia Cyber Academy students Ellie and Arwen took home top honors for secondary grades at the 2024 Social Studies and Science Fair held at the Tellus Museum. Ellie’s science project explored how train weight impacts speed, while Arwen’s social studies project highlighted the innovations and impacts of World War I.

Inspiration Behind the Projects

Ellie was inspired by a video in class on electromagnetic trains and tested whether heavier or lighter trains would be faster. Surprisingly, the heavier train won. Arwen chose World War I because it’s less discussed than World War II and focused on its lasting impacts, including trench warfare, technological advances like tanks and submarines, and banned weapons like mustard gas.

Highlights of the Day

At the Tellus Museum, students set up their projects and had a chance to chat with classmates and parents. For virtual learners like Ellie and Arwen, meeting peers in person was a highlight. Ellie reconnected with a classmate who placed second, while Arwen met many classmates for the first time.

When the winners were announced, both were shocked. “I couldn’t believe it!” Ellie said, while Arwen admitted she was “shaking like crazy” when her name was called.

Advice for Future Participants

Arwen suggests, “Don’t overthink it—just have fun.” Ellie encourages students to be creative and unique with their ideas.

What They Love About GCA

Ellie appreciates GCA’s helpful teachers and variety of classes, while Arwen enjoys learning from home. Both agreed the fair was rewarding, especially meeting peers and seeing the Tellus Museum.

Congrats to Ellie and Arwen for their amazing achievements–stay Hootworthy!