May 5, 2008

Purdue-supported teams headed to national toy design contest

TOYchallenge is a toy design competition for fifth- through eighth-graders in which students create a game or toy and learn about science, engineering and the design process at the same time. The contest is open to all students in those grades, but at least half of each team's members must be girls.

"This is a great opportunity for kids this age, especially girls, to get a taste of what engineering is about," said Nancy Denton, professor and associate head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology. "They are able to see that designing a product and getting it through the manufacturing process requires an ability to brainstorm, communicate well, work together toward a common goal, figure out materials and construction methods, perform market research and test a product."

For the competition, each team must design a toy that fits into one of three categories: toys that teach, games for the family and "get out and play" toys, which must involve an active sport. Teams are judged on originality, creativity, engineering, feasibility, the design process, team participation and clarity of communication.

This is the fourth year Purdue has been involved with TOYchallenge and the third year a local team has made it to nationals.

The two Purdue-affiliated teams that will compete in the East Coast nationals consist of primarily Sunnyside Middle School students.

Sunnyside science teacher Kathleen O'Neal is the coach of the Braille Board Bronchos, which is creating a toy in the "toys that teach" category. The toy is made of a frame with pillboxes covered in foam with raised paint dots representing Braille letters and numbers. Its goal is to help teach Braille to those who are starting to lose their sight or who are simply interested in learning the technique. The game can be played as an individual or with an opponent.

Jennifer Singh, a graduate student in mechanical engineering technology who graduated in December, also helped coach the Braille Board Bronchos.

Denton is the coach of the team that calls itself the UnNamed Team. Her group is creating a "game for the family" called Medieval Jousting that consists of a small slotted PVC gameboard, “jousters” on magnetic mounts and a launcher, in which the goal is to knock down the opposing jouster coming from the opposite end of the board.

Two other teams, one coached by O'Neal and the other coached by Sunnyside teacher Bonnie Hiatt, did not advance to the nationals.

Teams were chosen to go to nationals based on a written preliminary entry. For nationals, teams are required to show a working prototype of the toy or game and give a presentation to teams of judges.

The grand prize winner of the contest will be invited to Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala., where members will be able to participate in activities such as simulated space shuttle missions, training simulators and talks on space exploration.

Winners also will be named in each of seven categories (team spirit, originality, engineering design, educational, inspirational, presentation and best adaptable for groups with special needs) and will receive a Vex robot.

Ford Motor Co., through the Ford Female Recruiting Initiative, is one of the main supporters of Purdue's involvement in TOYchallenge. Additional funding is provided through a Purdue community engagement grant, the College of Technology and student fundraisers.

TOYchallenge is sponsored nationally by Northrop Grumman, Southwest Airlines and run by Sally Ride Science, a science content company that takes a special interest in supporting and sustaining girls' interests in science, math and technology.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources:   Nancy Denton, (765) 494-7517, dentonnl@purdue.edu

Kathleen O'Neal, (765) 771-6100, koneal@lsc.k12.in.us

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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