Model bridge competition slated

Students in grades 7-12 can build a model bridge according to speci-fications, enter the bridge in the East Tennessee Regional Model Bridge Building Contest on March 5, and compete to win trophies and cash awards at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge.

Specifications for the contest are available online at www.amse.org. Those interested may also stop by the museum to get a flyer on the specifications, rules and registration forms.

Entries will be judged for aesthetics before testing to support the greatest load per unit of mass.  The bridge with the highest structural efficiency will be declared the winner.

There are two divisions of competition: senior high for grades 9-12 and middle school for grades 7-9. Ninth-graders have the option of participating in either division.  

Pre-registration forms are due by Feb. 28.  

Bridges may be entered in person between 8:30 and 11 a.m. March 5. Bridge testing will follow, with the award presentations in early afternoon in the museum auditorium.

Trophies will be given to the top three winners in both division and for most aesthetic.

The top three senior high winners receive cash awards of $150 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. The first-place senior high winner will also advance to the International Model Bridge Building in Chicago this spring.

The American Museum of Science and Energy is at 300 S. Tulane Ave.

Visit www.amse.org or call 865-576-3200 for more about the musem and its programs.