OSU-Tulsa's Engineering Challenge promotes science, creativity during National Engineers Week

Thursday, February 19, 2009

TULSA (Feb. 17, 2009) – It’s almost race time for hundreds of Tulsa-area students participating in Oklahoma State University-Tulsa’s sixth annual Engineering Design Challenge on Thursday, Feb. 19.
 
In celebration of National Engineers Week, OSU-Tulsa will challenge students to demonstrate their creativity while learning about science, engineering, teamwork and the design process.

About 275 participants from several area schools will design, build and race a self-propelled, motorized watercraft during the event. The Challenge will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Main Hall Commons.
 
Student teams can test their design skills by building one of three motorized watercrafts including a traditional, open or air boat design. Awards will be given in categories such as fastest boat, aesthetics and teamwork. This year’s event is sponsored by American Airlines and Domino’s Pizza.
 
“The Engineering Design Challenge is a perfect mix of math and science education, teamwork and the creative design process,” said OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl. “Each year, the enthusiasm of Tulsa-area teachers and our generous sponsors make this event a success.”

Tulsa-area high schools competing include Booker T. Washington, Memorial, Union, Nathan Hale, McLain High School for Science and Technology, Bixby and Sand Springs. Also expected to attend are middle school students from Gilcrease, Hamilton, Madison, Jenks and Union. Elementary school students from Academy Central, Roosevelt and Union 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.

OSU-Tulsa is located just north of downtown at 700 N. Greenwood Avenue, near I-244 and Detroit Avenue. For more information, call 918-594-8500.