Annual events showcase broken bridges and high tech careers
SEATTLE – Science and engineering enthusiasts will find a home at The Museum of Flight on Feb. 8, as the Museum again hosts the dynamic Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest and Engineering Fair. Doors open for the Bridge Contest at 9 a.m., while the Engineering Fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both events are free.
Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest – 9 a.m. to noon
The Museum theater will echo with the sounds of cheering high school students during the annual Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest. The event is hosted by the Younger Member Forum of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and challenges high school student to design and build miniature bridges using only Popsicle sticks and white glue. The bridges will be judged on aesthetics, strength and efficiency. Ultimately, each design is tested to the breaking point with a hydraulic press in full view of participants and cheering fans. The bridge judging begins at 9:45; the winners will be announced at noon.
Engineering Fair – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Museum and the Puget Sound Engineering Council celebrate National Engineers Week with a family-friendly engineering fair. Local chapters of national societies representing the entire span of engineering disciplines will staff booths all day. Representatives from NASA, Boeing and other high-tech companies will be on hand with fascinating demonstrations and displays. University engineering departments and student clubs will also be represented.
Image: High school students complete their entry for the Popsicle Bridge Building Contest at The Museum of Flight. Ted Huetter/The Museum of Flight.
The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field half-way between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and older, $16 for active military, $11 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. McCormick & Schmick’s Wings Café is on site. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org