RUMFORD — Noodle Hawks, Wild Noodles, appendages, colors and habitat are not characters and obstacles in the latest video game. They are variables in a biology experiment for Mountain Valley High School students.

Freshman Kelli Trenoweth explained, “We went outside in the grass and woods and set up a square. We partnered up and Mr. Baker gave us a spoon, a tweezer or a fork. One partner held the ‘nest’ while the other caught as many noodles as they could in 45 seconds.”

“We conducted an experiment to see what color noodle would be hardest to get in a grassy area and a woods area,” said sophomore Nathan Billings. “Then we wanted to see which appendage would be the hardest to use.”

For the last nine years, biology students have conducted the lab each fall. The students become “Noodle Hawks” with a spoon, fork or tweezers appendage to gather “Wild Noodles.” Wild Noodles are green, yellow or orange rotini scattered in a hunting area delineated by string.

One partner uses their appendage to collect noodles one at a time and deliver them to the “nest” held by the other partner. The hunter has 45 seconds to gather seven noodles or they will “die.” Successful hunters live to hunt again.

While the hunter accumulates noodles, the other partner protects the nest from competitors.

The rounds continue until only one hawk survives.

Freshman Alex Ridley enjoyed the outdoor activity. “I liked having a competition with the other ‘Noodle Hawks’ to survive the longest.”

Shelby McDiffet, a sophomore, also liked the competition. “It got pretty fun down to the last few people because everyone was fighting to get the last little bit of food.”

After the outdoor data collection, biology students analyze the data to figure out which appendage is the most effective and which color noodle is likely to survive in each habitat. They also use the data to understand population dynamics.

“I learned what it’s like to be an animal,” said Karen Flaherty. “When food supplies get low, the animals become more aggressive. Competition is more challenging.”

Josh Maillett added, “I learned about competition between species, abiotic and biotic factors, and how strategies can make the difference of life and death.”

According to science teacher Ken Baker, lessons learned from the lab have some lasting power. He said, “This is a fun, hands-on lab that the students really get into. I have students who return after they have graduated who still ask about the Macaroni Lab.”