NFPA Video documents middle school engineering competition.
Press Release Summary:
Posted on organization's website, video shows 8th graders solving engineering problems at December 2008 NFPA Fluid Power Challenge, which engaged students and introduced them to fluid power technology and career opportunities. Of students that participated in 2008 event, 73% expressed interest in related careers on post-test/evaluation. Competition will take place in 2009 at Marquette University, University of Minnesota, Milwaukee School of Engineering, and Harper College.
Original Press Release:
Online Video Shows Eighth Graders Solving Engineering Challenge with Fluid Power
Milwaukee, WI - May 28, 2009 - A video showing the innovative approaches eighth graders took to solving an engineering problem at the December 2008 National Fluid Power Association (NFPA's) Fluid Power Challenge is now available online at:
http://www.nfpa.com/Education/NFPA_Dec2008_FluidPowerChallenge.asp.
The NFPA Fluid Power Challenge is a skills based competition that engages eighth grade students and introduces them to fluid power technology and career opportunities. Everyone involved in the program-teachers, students, parents, and NFPA member company sponsors-are excited and enthusiastic about the program. Teacher Elaine Lorinczi from Marlowe Middle School summed the Challenge up well when she said, "WOW! Critical thinking and problem solving skills help in everyday life & the kids rose to the challenge."
NFPA is building on the great success of the December 2008 Fluid Power Challenge by expanding to four locations in 2009:
Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI
Workshop Day - Thursday, November 5, 2009
Challenge Day - Thursday, December 10, 2009
University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, MN
Workshop Day - Thursday, November 5, 2009
Challenge Day - Thursday, December 10, 2009
Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE)
Workshop Day - Friday, November 6, 2009
Challenge Day - Friday, December 11, 2009
Harper College - Palatine, IL
Workshop Day - Friday, November 6, 2009
Challenge Day - Friday, December 11, 2009
Plans are being laid to expand to many more locations in 2010. Of the students that participated in the December 2008 Challenge, 73% expressed an interest in a fluid power career on the post-test/evaluation.
Get Involved With the NFPA Fluid Power Challenge...
Program support is necessary to help generate interest in fluid power at the important middle school level. Just $350 will bring the fluid power challenge to young people in your community. Sponsors making donations of $350 or more will be identified on promotional materials including:
- recognition on posters
- invitation to attend the Challenge Day
- acknowledgement on the NFPA website
Donations are accepted online at https://secured.nfpa.com/Education/Donations.aspx.
To learn more about the Challenge, please contact Tammy Molter, NFPA Workforce Development Program Manager at (414) 778-3349.
NFPA provides a forum for the fluid power industry's channel partners-manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers and educators. Its 335+ U.S. and multinational members work cooperatively in advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology through the association's many programs and initiatives.
