Learning, Engineering, Analysis and Design (LEAD) contest Feb. 18 at DMACC Boone Campus
Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Parametric Studio are teaming up to host the first Learning, Engineering, Analysis and Design (LEAD) competition at the DMACC Boone Campus, February 18, 2017.
Parametric Studio is an education technology company that develops STEM (Science, Technology, Math and Engineering) games, software, kits and curricula for students elementary, high school and college students.
“The LEAD competition will bring together the excitement of flight, the power of 3-D engineering and the importance of team building into one competition, “ said DMACC Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Kari Hensen. “DMACC is excited to host the inaugural LEAD competition and play a role in developing future STEM leaders.”
Registered teams will be granted access to Parametric Studio designed DAVinCI Flight software. Using a blend of virtual 3-D design, gaming, simulation and rapid prototyping (including 3-D printing) in the exciting domain of aerospace engineering, teams will design an aircraft leading up to the Feb. 18th competition.
“DAVinCI Flight is such an exciting STEM learning tool. The process inspires, motivates and unleashes creativity,” said Parametric Studio CEO Jack Harris. “It is my hope that the LEAD competition will expand to become a national competition that incorporates other engineering disciplines and increases participation and diversity in STEM.”
Teams will gather for final flight demonstrations at the DMACC Boone Campus Feb. 18. Teams will be judged on design, construction, flight performance and several other aspects tracked by the DAVinCI Flight software. The winner will be announced March 6.
The contest is open to 9th to 12th grade students. Teams can consist of 3 to 5 people. Registration deadline is January 2, 2017. The entry fee is $300 per team. DMACC will provide up to 15 scholarships to cover entry fees for teams that have a financial need. For more information or to register, contact Parametric Studio Chief Technology Officer Dr. Christopher Whitmer at whitmer@parametricstudioinc.com
For competition details, go to parametricstudioinc.com or click here.