The event is sponsored by the Georgia Space Grant Consortium, an organization created and wholly funded by NASA to increase the participation of high school students in science and engineering careers. The consortium also seeks to increase the number of university students in aerospace research, which helps NASA’s future workforce development project.

The model bridge-building competition provides an opportunity for students in the region to solve realistic engineering problems by designing and constructing structurally efficient balsa wood bridges according to stated specifications. The efficiency of each bridge is measured by the ratio of the breaking load to the weight of the bridge. A panel of judges from industry and research organizations will test the projects then declare the winners.

The competition is open to all high and middle school students. Schools may enter several teams.

The top three teams in each category are awarded commemorative prizes, a plaque for the best overall performance in each category and all participants (students and teachers) receive free T-shirts. 

Please visit www.asu-engineering.org/bridge/Synopsis.htm for more details, registration forms and to view photographs and videos of past contests.

For more information about the contest, contact Dr. Atin Sinha at (229) 430-4820 or e-mail [email protected].