Explaining the Competition
It is a toy and game design competition that gives fifth through eighth grade children the chance to step out of their classrooms and develop their engineering and design skills by creating their dream toy.
Although the specification of the toy is top secret and classified, the team is working on a musical instrument that can be programmed by the user.
And Then There Were Costs
To date, Team Komit’s prototype expenses have been $150. The team is looking for Culver City sponsors to help defray prototype and travel expenses to San Diego.
This year, fundraising is an integral part of the competition.
The Parameters
Some teams must travel from distant parts of the U.S. Community sponsorship also is a major component of the competition.
For the competition’s Preliminary Round, the teams, comprised of at least 50 percent girls, submitted written descriptions and visual presentations of their original toy or game.
Making Choices
The submissions were judged on originality, creativity, feasibility, design process description, team participation and clarity of communication.
One hundred and fifty Preliminary Round finalists were invited to advance to the TOYchallenge Nationals. One grand prize package will be awarded, and one team also will be named the category prize winner in each theme category.
TOYchallenge (www.TOYchallenge.com) is designed to engage middle school-age students, especially girls, in science and engineering and to inspire them to pursue careers in those fields.
Lightly Represented
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise only 13 percent of the engineering workforce.
However, studies show that in elementary school, equal numbers of girls and boys are interested in — and good at — math, science and technology.
Unfortunately, beginning around the sixth grade, more girls than boys drift away from these subjects.
Emphasis on Girls
While open to all fifth through eighth graders in the U.S., TOYchallenge focuses on catching girls’ attention in these subjects in order to keep them in the engineering pipeline.”
TOYchallenge was created and is run by Sally Ride Science. Northrop Grumman is the presenting sponsor.
Sally Ride Science
Sally Ride Science was founded by astronaut Sally Ride to support the large numbers of girls who are, or might become, interested in science, math and technology.
The company creates innovative science experiences for girls that empower them, engage them and encourage their interests.
Information Sources
Current programs include Sally Ride Science Festivals, TOYchallenge, Sally Ride Science Camps and Sally Ride Science—after-school clubs.
Current publications include a science careers book series, a space book series, a science newsletter, and other science materials.
Where to Look
To learn more about Sally Ride Science, visit www.SallyRideScience.com or call 800.561.5161.
Contact: Team Komit Coach Roger Maxwell at 310.842.9367. or Roger__Maxwell@hotmail.com(two underscores) between names. The team is looking for local sponsors.
