University of Mississippi Engineering Competition
February 26, 2010
The University of Mississippi Engineering Competition is a three part challenge, two of which are team oriented. The morning of the event will be composed of an individual and team test. The afternoon will consist of a team event in which team construction projects will be measured based on performance under simulated earthquake conditions.
The Individual Round is designed to test the skills needed to perform well in the field of engineering. Each student will have 45 minutes to answer multiple-choice questions from Math (including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus) and Physical Sciences. The questions will primarily be composed of word problems, which will require problem-solving strategies to answer. Questions will be based on the curriculum framework in Mississippi for math and science subjects.
Water Tower Construction Project (Shake Table Challenge) - Teams will need to design and construct a balsa wood prototype model of a Water Tower, at a feasible cost, that can support a minimum of 1 pound of water and withstand forces of simulated earthquakes. Construction of the water tower should occur before the competition date. Water Tower Project Specifications [.pdf]
The Team Round will challenge students' problem-solving capabilities. Each team will have 1.5 hours to solve a wide variety of problems that will test their reasoning ability and some general knowledge. These short-answer questions will require explanation and/or computation.
Registration Form [.pdf]
Rules & Guidelines
- Bring #2 pencils.
- Calculators, scratch paper, and Scantron forms will be provided. Students may not use their own paper or calculator.
- Cell phones, pagers, and MP3 players must not be used during the testing period.
- For the Individual Round, the student must complete questions on his/her own without help from a neighbor or coach. Subject notes are not permitted for either round.
Schedule
9:00-9:45 am: Arrival and Welcome
10:00-10:45 am: Individual Test
11:00-12:30 pm: Team Test
12:30-2:00 pm: Campus Tours and Lunch (on your own)
2:00-2:15 pm: Introduction to Shake Table, Dr. Mullins
2:15-3:15 pm: Shake table challenge
3:15-4:00 pm: Awards
Contact
Office of Summer School, Academic Competition Programs
P. O. BOX 9
Telephone: 662-915 3034
University, MS 38677
Fax
: 662-915-1535