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Grade 7 Students Shine at 36th Annual Bridge Building Competition at Purdue Fort Wayne

More than 100 middle and high school students put their engineering skills to the test during the 36th Annual Bridge Building Competition, held as part of the National Engineers Week Model Bridge Building Contest at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

The annual event challenges students to design and construct model bridges using no more than 200 Popsicle sticks and wood glue. Each structure must span at least 24 inches in length, measure no more than 12 inches in height, and be no wider than six inches. Bridges are then tested for strength by gradually adding weight until the structure can no longer hold the load.

Wynston Oberlin and Andrew Hardin earned a fifth-place finish after their bridge withstood nearly 600 pounds before failing — one of the strongest showings in the competition.

Layla Shields and Hannah Olsen also demonstrated strong engineering skills, placing ninth overall with a bridge that supported nearly 200 pounds.

In addition to strength awards, judges recognized craftsmanship and design. Carter Moy, Bennett Olsen, and Spencer Hardiek received the “Aesthetics and Quality of Construction” Award for their bridge, which stood out for its visual appeal and careful construction.

Three young women stand holding certificates and a model bridge in front of Purdue University banners.
Three young men stand with a wooden bridge model in front of Purdue University and Kapur banners.
Two young men stand holding a certificate and a wooden structure in front of Purdue University and Kapur banners.
Two young women stand holding certificates and a wooden bridge model in front of Purdue Fort Wayne and Kapur banners.
Two young women stand holding certificates and wooden structures in front of Purdue Fort Wayne and Kapur banners.
Two smiling girls stand in front of a Purdue University Fort Wayne banner, one holding a model bridge.
Two boys stand in front of Purdue University and Kapur banners, one holding a wooden bridge model.
A young person stands proudly in the foreground holding a certificate and a wooden bridge model, with Purdue University and Kapur banners in the background.
A young man stands holding a certificate in front of Purdue University and Kapur banners, with a wooden wall in the background.
A young person stands proudly in the foreground holding a model bridge and certificate, with Purdue University Fort Wayne banners and other sponsor displays in the background.