KU News Release

School of Engineering hosts Pumpkin Chuckin’ Contest for high school students

LAWRENCE — High school students will get to send pumpkins soaring at the 2008 High School Design Competition on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the University of Kansas School of Engineering.

The annual competition will let teams of students in ninth through 12th grades test their creative and technical talents as they design and build a small trebuchet that can send a petite pumpkin pillow flying. A trebuchet is a gravity-powered machine similar to a catapult that is capable of launching an object into the air.

Working in teams of two to four students at their schools, participants must design, construct and test their trebuchet to accomplish three pumpkin chuckin’ objectives: land the payload as close as possible to a point of their choosing; land the payload as close as possible to a point announced the day of the event; and send the payload the farthest distance. Moreover, teams will be required to use some recycled materials in their construction. A special award also will be given to the team displaying the best use of recycled materials as determined by a separate committee.

Teams must register at the KU School of Engineering Web site, www.engr.ku.edu, by Oct. 10. One week before the event, each team must submit a written report of all recycled materials used in their design.

All activities will take place in Eaton Hall, 1520 W. 15th St., on KU’s Lawrence campus. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and competition gets under way at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all participants, and parking passes will be available for registered schools. All high schools, virtual schools and home-school programs at the high school level are welcome to participate.

Rules and a schedule of activities are available at the School of Engineering Web site. Rules will be clarified and modified as questions arise. Teachers, mentors and students are encouraged to check the Web site often. Questions on the competition, including rule clarifications, should be directed to Alexis McKinley Jones, (785) 864-3402, or studyengineering@ku.edu.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.