All fifth graders in OPPD’s service territory are invited to participate in its annual Marshmallow Challenge.
Laura Manning, a Senior Distribution Planning Engineer for OPPD, says the contest is conducted on Facebook and is designed to promote problem-solving, teamwork and innovation, with a focus on STEAM education.
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. For the challenge, kids will use a marshmallow, dry spaghetti and a string to build the tallest structure they can in 20 minutes.
Manning says the event is being held in conjunction with National Engineering Week, February 18th through the 24th.
"We want them to know that engineering is something that they can do and we are trying to celebrate our careers as engineers and spread the word out to kids, teachers and parents that it’s a great career choice. And that engineering at OPPD is a great place to be.”
The contest and rules are located online at Facebook/OmahaPublicPowerDistrict. Last year’s winner was Reagan Elementary of Omaha, with a structure measuring 36.25 inches.
Entries are being accepted now through 5:00 p.m. on February 22nd. Winners will be announced February 23rd and will receive goody bags from the OPPD Society of Engineers as well as a visit from an OPPD employee to talk about engineering careers.