Young scientists and engineers from around the state gathered at URI for The SMILE Program’s 2022 Middle School Engineering Challenge!
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On March 4th, 98 middle school students from 6 districts across the state came to the University of Rhode Island to participate in a Bridge Building Engineering challenge. The day started with a presentation by the Department of Transportation highlighting how they maintain all 779 bridges in Rhode Island. Afterward, the students began their build using blueprints generated in their after-school club meetings. Although the students were hard at work, they were able to tour the URI campus as well as attend a demonstration on earthquakes. The day ended with the students testing how much load their bridges could hold without breaking. The record for the day was 75 pounds.
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On March 9th, Central Falls High School SMILE students visited Roger Williams Botanical Garden for a hands-on experience learning about plants and invasive insects.
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