In an effort to get young minds interested in engineering and the trades, Sault College has teamed up with Professional Engineers Ontario Algoma Chapter to host a bridge building competition.
Elementary and high school students from across the district were challenged to come up with a bridge design, build it and submit their structures for testing.
A total of 360 bridges were entered into the competition this year and were tested for durability and other design elements.
Students were also given a limited amount of building materials to work with.
"They only have eight sticks of wood, an X-Acto knife, some wood glue and typically a little bit of tape to hold it together until it dries,” said Marc Pilon, an engineering professor at Sault College.
“We test them based on a weight-to-load ratio, teaching them that in real-life engineering, our materials are important and there's a cost element. So, build your bridge efficiently and you'll get a good score."
The testing was live-streamed to schools across Algoma, allowing students to see the results from their desks.
Erin Parker, a teacher at Grand View Public School in Sault Ste. Marie, said the competition provides students a unique learning opportunity.
"This is hands-on learning at its finest,” said Parker.
“We've got science, technology, engineering and math in one project -- and they absolutely love it."
More than $2,000 in prizes were up for grabs for those making the Top 10 in their age category.
