Young scientists and engineers from around the state gathered at URI for The SMILE Program’s 2022 Middle School Engineering Challenge!

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.

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.