MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. – The bright and fertile minds of middle school students across the United States have cultivated their visions of what future cities must look like in order to support humankind’s growing infrastructure needs. Soon they will put their conceptualizations to the test. This year’s focus: nanotechnology.
Over 30,000 students from 1,000 schools in 40 regions in the United States are participating in the 16th annual National Engineers Week Future City Competition this year, dreaming up the most practical application of built-in nanotechnologies to monitor parts of a city’s infrastructure health. Small, tightly knit teams of students, along with their teacher and engineer mentors, first create their future city digitally, using SimCity 3000 software. They then transform their ideas into reality by sculpting a large table-top model using recycled materials costing no more than $100. Each team will be judged for their models, an essay, as well as a presentation they prepared defending their approach to resolving monitoring issues for tomorrow’s cities using nanotechnology.
“This competition connects students and teachers with engineers and other professionals in an engaging format to discover ways our lives can be transformed through innovation. NASA applauds this effort and hopes to encourage educational projects that permit students to dream and build a better world,” said Tom Clauson of NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., which will host the Northern California regional competition at Building 943, near the main gate, on Saturday, Jan. 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST.
The regional winning team will receive a special NASA award given by Ames Education Division and the Ames Contractor Council employees. NASA plays a significant role in providing free public access to educational programs and materials to foster passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics in today’s youth. Admission is free, and open to the public.
WHAT: 31 teams of middle school students will present and defend their table-top city models and essays to judges during the Northern California regional National Engineers Week Future City Competition. Admission is free, and open to the public.
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2008
WHO: 31 teams of middle school students in Northern California regional National Engineers Week Future City Competition.
WHERE: NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Building 943, near the main gate.
Driving Directions: To reach Ames, take U.S. Highway 101 to the Moffett Field, NASA Parkway exit and drive east on Moffett Boulevard towards the main gate. Building 943 is located to the right across from the large white dome outside the main gate.
For a complete list of the regional events, corporate sponsors and other details, visit the National Engineers Week Future City Competition website at:
More information on the NASA’s Educator Features and Articles, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/index.html
For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
