The deadline for entering this contest has passed. See the winners.
Flood, famine, earthquake, tsunami, oil spill, blackout, building collapse, mining accident, wildfire, hurricane, tornado, terrorist attack—all have been headline news in recent years. Disasters, both natural and man-made, can take many forms. Every disaster presents unique challenges and requires fast and decisive action to save lives and limit damages. Engineers are involved in designing many products specifically for use in disaster zones such as portable medical equipment, oil skimmers, or basic shelters. Identify an item designed specifically for use in disaster relief, and then do some research on it to write your essay.
Grades 3-5: (No more than 500 words)
Describe an item that is used for disaster relief. Explain how it works. Point out key elements of the design and why it was designed that way.
Grades 6-8: (No more than 750 words)
Describe an item that is used for disaster relief. Explain how it works. Point out key elements of the design and why it was designed that way. Describe how different types of engineers (e.g. civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.) might have contributed to the final design of this product.
Grades 9-12: (No more than 1500 words)
Describe an item that is used for disaster relief. Explain how it works. Point out key elements of the design and why it was designed that way. Describe how different types of engineers (e.g. civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.) might have contributed to the final design of this product. Discuss the constraints designers faced in the creation of this product and potential changes/improvements needed if it were used in a different disaster relief scenario. Be sure to include your references.
The contest is open to individual girls and boys in each of three categories (Choose your category by grade-level unless you are unsure of your grade):
If you are a prior winner and have received a cash prize from EngineerGirl! in any of the above grade categories, you may not enter again in the same age group.
Write an essay which addresses the requirements in the contest description. Essays should be written clearly. They may be shorter than, but should not exceed, the word limit listed in the contest description. The submission of 2011 EngineerGirl! Essay contest has been closed. Thank you very much for your interest.
Entries must be received by 6:00 p.m. (EST) on March 1, 2011.
All winning entries will be published on the EngineerGirl! website. (Please review our publication agreement before you submit your essay.) In addition, all winners will receive the prizes listed below:
Honorable Mention entries will not receive a cash reward but will be published on the EngineerGirl! website.
The 2011 EngineerGirl! Contest is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Energy Solutions and Bechtel.