Students participate in bridge competition

It's impressive to watch students challenge themselves, particularly outside the normal scope of the classroom.

Science fairs are great ways, knowledge bowls another. And still others like the Missouri Department of Transportation Bridge Building competition held on Nov. 19 in Cape Girardeau can challenge and inspire.

The goal of the competition is to see which schools and students could build the strongest bridge, measured by the weight it could withstand, while minimizing the weight of the bridge.

More than 40 schools in Southeast Missouri participated in building 316 bridges. Students were allowed 15 pieces of lightweight balsa wood, thread and glue. This is a great contest for students interested in engineering. But it's more than engineering concepts. It's about coming up with solutions to a real-life challenge.

The top three schools were Ste. Genevieve High School, Oak Ridge High School and Chaffee High School. The top three students were Dalton Giesler of Ste. Genevieve, Jessica Hahs of Oak Ridge and Daniel Vieth of Ste. Genevieve. The students received backpacks.

The top 10 students also received monetary awards.

Congratulations to all the students and schools involved. Taking part in these learning opportunities not only encourages students to consider science fields of study, but the problem-solving skills benefit the students in whatever career they choose.

You can read more about the competition at semissourian.com and view photos of several student bridges.

Thanks to MoDOT for providing this opportunity.