KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather SportsHallsville Intermediate students take part in diabetes fundraiser

Hallsville Intermediate students take part in diabetes fundraiser

(KYTX) - What do a Segway, a snowmobile, diabetes and math all have in common? CBS 19's Wilton Johnson explains.

The answer is Pete Patullo. He rode a Segway to Hallsville Intermediate to invite the students there to travel with him from Michigan to Alaska on a snowmobile to raise money for diabetes awareness and a math lesson.  

"All right, boys and girls. Put your pencils down, we have a special guest."

Pete Patullo gets a kick out of taking different rides. His next one will be from Michigan to Alaska and a little faster than this Segway.

"Very cold. We're going to do this on snowmobiles, so it's an extremely difficult adventure."

He wants the math students at Hallsville Intermediate to go along via webcam and GPS tracking.

"You'll help me answer math questions that I see along the trip so these will be real world things you see in real world, things we need to solve with math."

Sally Van Sandt says students pick up theories and problem solving better when posed in real life situations.

"Realizing isn't about reading from a text book or problem on the board. It applies to real life, and that goes for geography and science too."

"Remember, we're doing this for diabetes research institute so we're trying to raise awareness for it."

Patullo's group is also using the trek to raise money for diabetes research, another reason to get the kids involved.

"We're also going to give you the opportunity to ask questions, too, so think about things you like to know!"

Except this experiment is in a 4,000 mile wide classroom.

Patullo leaves for Michigan Friday, and begins his cross country trek on Monday.

To follow the progress of Patullo's trip, visit http://www.michcanskagroup1.wordpress.com.

To make a donation to the diabetes fund, please visit www.michcanska.com.