Engineering Week Brings Learning to Life
Engineering Week continues to be one of the most exciting and engaging times in our Construction classroom each year. Throughout the week, students took on the challenge of designing and building paper towers using only limited materials and their understanding of structural design.
Working in teams, students applied real engineering concepts such as foundation strength, symmetry, and load distribution. Each tower had to stand freely for one minute while supporting weight, pushing students to think critically, solve problems, and refine their designs through trial and error.
What made this experience even more meaningful was the partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Representatives came into the classroom to speak with students, help organize the competition, and bring a real-world connection to the work being done. They also awarded collectible coins to the top three teams, recognizing both effort and achievement.
While the competition added excitement, the true value was in the process. Students collaborated, adapted, and stayed persistent through challenges. They saw firsthand how small design decisions could impact the success or failure of a structure.
This is a tradition we look forward to every year. It brings together creativity, engineering, and community in a way that students remember long after the project is over. We are already looking forward to next year’s challenge.
