Hanford High physics students master tentacles for school’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid’

Hanford High physics students Samuel McKinnon, Calvin Carr and Chase Freeman, from left, take turns manipulating the controls of a 12-foot long tentacle for the character Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid on Thursday in the auditorium of the Richland school.

About 80 physics students used their scheduled class times to learn about the design process of the stage prop for the school’s upcoming drama presentation from retired Hanford engineer Bob Popielarczyk.

Popielarczyk and Christopher Smith of Intellegration in Richland have spent about 200 hours designing and building the two tentacles from metal, wood and plastic.

The prop will be covered by the costuming department in time for the upcoming play presentations.

Check out www.hanforddrama.org for details and how to purchase tickets for the six shows which start Jan. 29.

Watch a video at: www.tricityherald.com

This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 4:51 PM with the headline "Hanford High physics students master tentacles for school’s production of ‘The Little Mermaid’."