Delaware schools: Tech-savvy students show off their skills
Judges announce the winners from Del.'s 37th annual conference Monday
The News Journal, Written By: Brian Resnick, April 23, 2011
Technology and engineering students convened at the state fairgrounds on Thursday for the 37th annual Technology Student Association state conference.
Students enrolled in technology and science classes across the state were invited to show their technical and engineering skills to a panel of professional judges.
Contestants submitted projects based on specific criteria. The conference held contests in topics such as engineering, robotics and magnetic levitation vehicles.
One challenge had the students build dragsters powered by compressed carbon dioxide gas. Contestants built propulsion systems to power the hand-built cars down an 80-foot track.
Another category for judging was in structural engineering. Students had to build balsa-wood towers or bridges to undergo compression tests. Mike Fitzgerald, state TSA adviser, said most bridges could withstand 60 to 70 pounds of pressure.
The winners of each category, to be announced Monday, will advance to the national TSA competition in Dallas in June.
"It's a way to inspire and engage them for careers for the future," Fitzgerald said.
