Thursday, February 11, 2010
OSU-Tulsa’s Design Challenge Promotes Science, Teamwork During National Engineers Week
TULSA (Feb. 11, 2010) – Hundreds of Tulsa-area students are gearing up for Oklahoma State University-Tulsa’s seventh annual Engineering Design Challenge during National Engineers Week on Thursday, Feb. 18. Elementary through high school-aged students will work in teams to design, build and race a self-propelled, motorized watercraft during the Challenge. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in OSU-Tulsa’s Main Hall Commons. Led by OSU-Tulsa engineering faculty, the Challenge provides the opportunity for students to learn the basic principles of science and engineering design, problem-solving and teamwork in an environment that is fun and rewarding. “It’s exciting to see each team’s creativity shine in their unique building style, design and the decoration of their boat,” said Dr. Carl Latino, OSU associate professor of electrical engineering. “This event gives the students a chance to get out of a traditional classroom and explore these concepts in a university setting. That is a valuable learning experience that illustrates that engineering is rewarding, challenging and fun.” Student teams can choose to build one of three types of motorized watercrafts including traditional, open or air boat designs. They will then have the opportunity to cheer for their team during timed races. Awards will be given in categories such as fastest boat, aesthetics and teamwork. This year's event is sponosred by Spirit AeroSystems. More than 200 students from Tulsa-area schools will compete. High schools participating include Memorial, Rogers, Jenks, Central and McLain High School for Science and Technology. Also expected to attend are middle school students from Hamilton, Madison, Byrd, Union and KIPP Tulsa. Elementary school students from Academy Central and Roosevelt will also participate. Founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Engineers Week was created to raise awareness of the contributions of engineers and to promote recognition of the importance of engineering.
