Philadelphia Middle Schoolers To Compete To Build Sustainable Vehicle Models

  • 02/10/15

Philadelphia students will be asked to build environmentally friendly vehicles using K'nex pieces similar to those pictured.Teams of Philadelphia students in grades 7-8 will compete to build models of environmentally sustainable people moving vehicles thanks to a collaboration between the University City Science Center, the Philadelphia Math + Science Coalition and a private partner.

Dubbed "Building Philly," the challenge is open to all schools in the city and will ask students to use K'nex parts to build their models. Winners, who will be selected by a panel of judges May 19, will win K'nex shopping sprees, building kits and tours of the company's headquarters.

"Engaging students through experiential learning is a demonstrated strategy to spark their interest in STEM and ensure that they understand the real-life implications of STEM subjects," says Stephen S. Tang, president and CEO at the University City Science Center, in a prepared statement. "This is of crucial importance to the region as we consider how we are going to develop the next generation of innovators."

Optional workshops for teachers guiding participants in the challenge will be held at the University City Science Center February 24 at 10 and 4.

"This STEM challenge teaches valuable science, technology, engineering and math concepts, and encourages teamwork, public speaking and presentation abilities that are vital to life-long success," said Michael Araten, president and CEO of K'nex, in a news release. "In a day and age in which STEM jobs are increasing faster than non-STEM jobs, the need for educated and excited workers is ever-growing."

More information is available at knexeducation.com.

Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.

  • colorful geometric illustration features gaming devices, computer accessories, and stacks of books

    Gaming in K–12 Classrooms Is Powering the Future Tech Workforce

    Today's most forward-thinking schools are using gaming as a platform to train students for real-world roles in fields like aviation, robotics, remote operations, and data center management.