December 2004
"Bridge Bash"

Dear Counselors and Educators:

The Amarillo Chapter of Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) is sponsoring an event to encourage technical achievement among our budding Engineering students.  The individual or students (in teams of one to four members) will build Model Bridges using kits of materials that we supply.  They will then present their completed work at the "Bridge Bash" at Amarillo Area Center for Advanced Learning (AACAL), 1100 N. Forest on Saturday morning, December 11, 2004 at 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. where said bridge will be destroyed!   All bridges must be registered by 10:30 A.M. if they are to be entered in the competition. Professional Engineers will measure the load-bearing capabilities of each bridge.  Awards will be presented to the winning teams or individual in each category (Middle/Jr. High, High School).

TAME will provide kits to students in schools within (about) an 80 mile radius of Amarillo. Kits will be available for delivery or pick up November 15-19,2004.  However, we would like your help in identifying students and/or teams to compete from your school.  This event is open to all interested students in grades 6 - 12. 

Each kit will include the 16 sticks of balsa wood and rules needed to build the bridges. It is very important that the students follow the rules in order to qualify their bridge for the competition.  As always, TAME members (who are local Engineers, Scientists, and other Professionals) are available to speak or consult on technical matters, TAME activities or post-graduation job opportunities for your students.

If you are reasonably sure the kits will be built and entered in the Bridge Bash competition, please call one of the phone numbers listed below and we'll get the kits you need to you post haste.  You may also e-mail your request to anthony-f @ actx.edu. All TAME programs are open to all interested students regardless of race or gender. For additional information please click on Calendar and Bridge Bash for details and guidelines or contact one of the individuals below.