RALEIGH —The 16th annual Model Bridge Building Competition regionals for middle and high school competitors is taking place on Friday, March 27. It was postponed from March 20 to give each team more time to complete their project following several days of school closing due to implement weather.
The competition features teams of students providing a presentation, and designing and building a model bridge. The bridges are tested by N.C. Department of Transportation engineers, with the engineers and representatives of engineering companies serving as the judges.
“The goal of the competition is to hone student’s math and science skills”, said Gail Herring, program coordinator with NCDOT, “Hopefully it will encourage them to choose the transportation industry as a career.”
Working in teams, students look at the methods of brainstorming ideas, designing a diagram, constructing the model and presenting the results of their ideas to a panel of judges. This competition is a collaborative effort between NCDOT, students and teachers who will work together to exchange ideas and build cooperation.
The regionals will be held in four locations, Kinston, Raleigh, Thomasville and Morganton from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• The Raleigh regional event will be held in the auditorium of the Transportation Building at 1 S. Wilmington Street;
• The Kinston regional event will be held at N.C. Global TransPark/Spirit Composite of Excellence, 3800 State Hwy 58;
• The Thomasville regional event will be held at Davidson Co. Community College, 297 DCC Road Reich 100 (Auditorium); and
• The Morganton regional event will be held at Morganton Collett Street Recreation Center – Social Hall, 300 Collett Street
The middle and high school winners of the regionals will then compete in the finals, which will take place in Raleigh on Friday, April 17.
This competition is intended to get students excited about STEM courses (Science, Technology, English and Math).
The objectives of the competition are to encourage students to pursue engineering careers and ultimately lead them to positions with NCDOT. It also encourages them to:
• Stimulate effective questioning techniques that promote interaction;
• Provide a tool for visualizing structural behavior;
• Expand problem solving skills;
• Learn how to work as a team;
• Apply research and presentation skills;
• Demonstrate practical application of math and science skills; and
• Enhance oral and written communication skills
For more information on this event contact event organizer Gail Herring at gherring@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-4442.