Build a bridge, win some money

By PAULA BARR
Daily Journal Staff Writer

Take 20 pieces of balsa wood, a spool of thread, and a bottle of glue and put them together into a bridge that can handle a great deal of weight.

That is the challenge before high school juniors and seniors in St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Madison and 11 other counties in Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) Southeast District.

The district is sponsoring its fifth annual bridge competition to encourage students to design the most efficient model bridge. The winner will build the lightest bridge to carry the greatest load. The competition is part of TRAC, a national program for middle school and high school students to encourage interest in the field of civil engineering.

Each competitor will receive a bridge kit. Each student must design and construct his or her own bridge. The entries will be tested Nov. 20 at Cape West 14 Cine in Cape Girardeau.

The top four winners will receive donated cash prizes. First prize is $200, second is $150, third is $100 and fourth is $50. The bridge deemed most aesthetic will receive $25, as will the best electronic bridge.

Additional prizes of $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third place will go to the top three overall schools. That part of the contest is open to any school with three or more entries.

In addition, area universities have partnered with MoDOT to offer seniors who are interested in civil engineering up to $10,000 worth of civil engineering scholarships. Participating universities are Arkansas State, Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, Missouri University of Science and Technology and University of Missouri-Columbia.

Students who want to participate in the competition should complete a registration form and submit it to MoDOT by Sept. 19.  Forms are available from math, science, industrial arts teachers and guidance counselors at area schools or online at http://www.modot.org/southeast.

Applications should be mailed or faxed to MoDOT TRAC Bridge Building Contest, P.O. Box 160, Sikeston, MO 63801. The fax number is 573-472-5364.

Kits will be delivered to schools on Oct. 2 and 3. MoDOT will pick up completed bridges on Oct. 30 and 31 and will notify schools by Nov. 12 if any of the bridges are disqualified.

For more information, contact Traffic Engineer Craig Compas at 573-472-5310 or Senior Highway Designer Anita Clark at 573-472-5292.

Paula Barr is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 172 or at pbarr@dailyjournalonline.com.

 

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