TOPEKA – February 16, 2010 – Seven students from Baldwin High School USD 348 were awarded first place for their efforts in the 2010 Real World Design Challenge on Tuesday in the Office of Governor Mark Parkinson.
Lead by advisor Pam Davis, students Brandon Baltzell, Carson Barnes, Carrie Deitz, Shelby Gregory, Mac Halpin, Mason Johnson, and Austin Kraus were presented with certificates for their winning design. The team will go on to represent the state at the national competition in Washington, DC next month. This is the second consecutive year Baldwin High School has taken first place in the state level challenge.
The Real World Design Challenge encourages students in grades 9–12 to solve real problems currently faced by the engineering industry while encouraging kids to get excited about science and engineering careers. The challenge is designed by professionals from industry, academia, and government.
“It is always enjoyable to see the real-world application of skills learned in the classroom,” remarked Dr. Diane DeBacker, Kansas Interim Commissioner of Education. “I am extremely proud of Kansas educators and students as we all work together to meet the demands of the 21st century workplace.”
Now in its second year, the Real World Design Challenge has competitors from 25 states and the District of Columbia and expects to have participants from all 50 states next year. Annually, the challenge theme will address a different engineering issue. The 2010 state challenge addressed fuel efficiency in aviation.
For more information on the Real World Design Challenge or to get involved, contact Kansas’ RWDC Coordinator Sid Cooley by email at scooley@ksde.org or by phone at 785-296-3486. Information is also available online at www.realworlddesignchallenge.org.
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