The Fort Worth Public Library is once again bridging the gap between young dreamers and aspiring engineers with its second-annual CAD Contest. This competition, open to students from grades 6 through 12, calls on participants to design their own bridges using sophisticated computer-aided design (CAD) software. These designs will then leap from the digital realm into the physical world through the magic of 3D printing, with final creations facing the ultimate test of endurance under the weight of scrutiny and, well, actual weight. According to the City of Fort Worth's announcement, the contest kicks off on Monday, Sept. 1.
Each young engineer is permitted one entry — a bridge of their own original design — but must brace themselves for the fact that their creations will not return home. These 3D-printed structures are fated to be sacrificed in the name of science and engineering, destined to be broken as they're tested for how much weight they can sustain. Submissions for the CAD Contest must be made by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. Those interested in participating can find further information and the complete rules on the city's news post.
Not every student is already a master of CAD software or the arcane art of 3D printing, which is why the Fort Worth Public Library is extending a helping hand. Library staff are equipped and ready to help contestants get started on their engineering journey. For those simply curious about the process of 3D printing and who perhaps hold ambitions of designing their own bridges in future contests, the library is offering free sessions on 3D printing at select locations.
The city's dedication to fostering educational opportunities in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) shines through in these contests and workshops. It's an investment in the minds that will someday maybe engineer the very bridges we cross or the buildings we inhabit. Interested parties are encouraged to get involved, bridge the knowledge gap, and possibly construct the miniature bridge that withstands the heaviest load. To stay informed about this and other educational opportunities, Fort Worth residents can subscribe to City News.
