Aurecon’s Bridge Building Competition is back on in 2015, and with more than 1000 students taking part across Australia and New Zealand last year, it is the region’s largest bridge building contest for schools.
The competition aims to encourage students in years 8 and 9 (9 and 10 for New Zealand) to investigate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Students are given string, cardboard and glue, and set the task of designing and constructing the strongest model bridge possible. The bridge that holds the heaviest weight during testing day without collapsing wins!
The “weigh-ins” are held in various locations across Australia and New Zealand in August with all the school teams present. The competition combines creativity, problem-solving, design planning and teamwork for students. 2014 Bridge Building Competition judge and Aurecon Bridges and Highway Structures leader John Hilton says the company loves to see the creative and practical solutions students apply to their bridges.
“It is great to see the passion for good engineering this competition can generate,” Mr Hilton says.
Participation is free, and prizes are awarded to schools and students in each location:
• First prize: $1500 for the school and $200 per student in the team
• Second prize: $1000 for the school and $100 per student in the team
• Third prize: $500 and $50 per student in the team
• Innovation prize: $500 for the school and $50 per student in the team
The testing day will take place in August. To find specific dates for each location, go to www.aurecongroup.com/buildingbridges/competition-locations.php.
