Courtesy VTC
A middle school competitor in the 2017 event puts the finishing touches on her bridge.
RANDOLPH— Vermont Technical College in Randolph will be host to a bridge building competition for middle school students on Thursday, April 12, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Approximately 295 middle school students plan to attend, with teams represented from 30 schools across Vermont.
Teams of 1-6 students constructed bridges in advance using only popsicle sticks, Elmer’s glue, tooth picks and dental floss. Bridges will be judged on aesthetics, originality of design, presentation, load carrying capacity, strength to weight ratio and predicted failure point. VTrans is a major sponsor and is sending professional engineers to judge the competition.
The full schedule of the day’s events can be found online at vtc.edu and include a welcome from President Moulton, program Chair Mary O’Leary, and Professor John Diebold starting at 9:15 a.m. The real action starts at 10:30 a.m. with the first rounds of bridge “popping and crushing” along with the final judging. Awards are handed out after lunch at 12:25 p.m.
