There are many reasons why it’s cool to be a high school kid in the Pittsburgh area. But if you happen to be a student with an interest in science and technology, this area is the ultimate place to learn from the pros and try your hand at creating something amazing.
Dozens of students from area high schools participated in this year’s Chain Reaction Contraption Contest, sponsored by Westinghouse Electric Company, and presented in cooperation with the Carnegie Science Center and the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania.
Their challenge was this: Create a building (no more than 5 ft. by 3 ft. by 2 ft.) complete with moving parts that can accomplish a specific task using a series of steps (hence the “chain reaction”). With the help of an engineering mentor or teacher, each of the teams submitted preliminary designs, documented their progress through photos, built their buildings and then demonstrated them.
The demonstrations and verbal presentations happened on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Carnegie Science Center. The three top winners were teams from North Allegheny Senior High School, North Allegheny Intermediate and Bay High School in Cleveland. A dozen other special awards were also given. Among those awards, “Most Green” went to the students from Smethport and “Best Use of Gravity” was won by Gateway Area High School.
The winners left the event inspired to keep on creating. “It went wonderfully” said Lisa Kosick, coordinator of the contest. “We had 30 schools participate, which was up from last year.” The event also drew a record crowd of about 150 spectators.
Source: Lisa Kosick/Christine Line, Carnegie Science Center
Writer: Melissa Rayworth, Pop City Media
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