Block Kids is an award-winning national program that introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers in one of the many facets of the industry.
The program is open to all elementary school children in grades 1-6. The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks and three of the following additional items: a small rock, string, foil, or poster board. The young competitors explore how and why a structure is built while building any structure of their choice.
Local winners advance to Regional competition and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the National Program competition. National prizes are awarded to the top three projects.
NAWIC welcomes interested architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to judge the competition. Judges evaluate the entries by asking each child the same set of questions and scoring the responses. The judges encourage the entrants to describe in their own words how they designed and constructed their projects.
It’s been a while since I participated as a judge for the Block Kids Competition. I do remember how much fun the experience was. It’s rewarding to see young interest and enthusiasm for the possibilities of a career in design and construction, if only for a day.
If you’re interested in participating as a judge in this year’s Block Kids Competition, contact Ellie Cooper at 541-342-3641 or by email at elliecooper@edgecs.com. All you need to bring with you is your hard hat and a clip board!
And if you know of a youngster who would like to be a Block Kid, you’ll need to get him/her signed up fast because spaces are limited! Pre-register by either downloading a registration form (or stop by the Science Factory (2300 Leo Harris Parkway, next to Autzen Stadium in Eugene) to register. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 23. The event itself is free for participants and spectators.
Block Kids Competition at the Gateway Mall
Saturday, February 26
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Gateway Mall
Competition for children in grades 1-6 only.
Check-in at 1:00 pm; competition begins at 1:30 pm.
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