Elementary Applications to Shipbuilding Engineering (EASE)
Boat Design Competition

Imagine 4th and 5th graders teaming to solve a shipbuilding (real world) challenge following the same rules as the biggest shipyard in the country. Northup Grumman Shipbuilding devised the requirements and shipbuilding competition design criteria, and the National Defense Education Program provided all the materials to allow thousands of Virginia’s elementary students to build and test their boats on the water.

Local school competitions are underway and the top three teams from each, the 4th and 5th grade, will compete at the state finals in February.

• Here’s what it promotes:
• Virginia Standards of Learning mastery
• National & Virginia's STEM goals
• Critical and creative thinking
• Problem solving & Hands-on Learning
• Decision making
• Cooperative learning skills
• Differentiated instruction
• Motivated and self-confident learners
• Each school should submit the team with the highest number of cans no later than February 5th, 2010.
• Children’s Engineering Convention will choose the top three teams and invite them and teacher to Richmond next February 25th & 26th.
• Teams should build a new boat for the Finals on February 25th.
• One state-wide winner, 2nd and 3rd Place per grade level.
• Real life application based upon experience.
• School wide interest in science.
• Virginia’s maritime industry knowledge.
• Competition can be motivation.
• Supports Virginia and USA STEM goals.