Minimalist design: Engineering team wins gold

How many sheets of 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper will it take to construct an apparatus to reach and move a ping pong ball from point A to point B?

Cassie Livingston, Jaelyn Shaver and Sierra Thomson know it the answer: Five sheets, two paper clips and a whole lot of tape.

The trio won the team engineering challenge at the SkillsUSA Middle School Conference, March 1, in Grand Island.

Each participant decided to participate in the engineering event for different reasons.

Livingston said she wanted to try "something different."

"This event seemed interesting to me," she said.

Shaver, a seventh-grade student, was unsure what event to compete in, so she went for what "sounded good."

Thomson likes building things. "I wanted to be on a team (rather) than an individual event," she said.

According to the Nebraska SkillsUSA website, the technical committee supplies all tools, materials and supplies necessary to solve the competition problem.

The Summerland team furnished drawing equipment, safety glasses, a calculator, scissors, hobby knife, color and writing utensils and basics like tape, glue, paper, staples and paper clips.

During the competition, the technical committee provided a problem: Devise a way to move a ping pong ball using the least amount of items. The engineering team's solution was constructed at that time.

The twist: Participants could not bend their arms while moving the ball.

Prior to Wednesday's competition, students discussed what to be prepared for.

Thomson said once the timer started, communication amongst team members facilitated construction.

"Team communication with brainstorming ideas and design, was easy," Livingston said.

The group tried a couple different designs.

"We modified the design after a few tries so we could get the best score," Shaver said.

Odell said, "I believe one of the reasons they had success was because they used very little paper in their design."

Between now and the state convention next month, the group will continue to work on the ebb and flow of the process.

Time management will be key for the team's future success.

Livingston said the group will figure out ways to improve timing, "and using it for our advantage."

Not only have team members learned practical skills which will apply to the work world, they have learned more about their individual skills.

Problem-solving skills are a prioirty for Shaver.

"I've also learned that a team of all girls can win," she said.

Through the organization, Livingston has taught her how to be a leader and a better work.

"SkillsUSA has taught me to be a leader for myself and others, as well as following and working with my peers and teammates," she said.

SkillsUSA teaches the value of hard work, according to Thomson.

"Don't give up, because in the end, you can accomplish great things.