NJIT Concrete Canoe Team

Описание: http://www.njit.edu/features/student/...

Beginning in August, the team designed, fabricated and built a 210-pound canoe. They had to create a custom concrete mix that met ASCE specifications for strength and material sustainability. The trick was to build a boat that not only met specs and could stay afloat but also moved fast in the water. Each team also had to race its canoe at the pond in five heats: NJIT placed first in women's endurance; first in men's sprint; and second in men's endurance. The races accounted for 25 percent of the judging. The other three categories were a research paper outlining their design of the canoe, a presentation about their design and a a final display of the canoe. The races amounted to 25 points, with the three other categories accounting for 75 points. NJIT also took first place in the presentation; second in the research paper and third in the display of the canoe.

"We are a very young team with a bright future," said Drew Margiotta. "I'm a sophomore and another captain, Kristina Espineli, is also a sophomore and many team members will be returning next year, which makes us feel confident that we will finish on top next spring. It was a great experience and I've learned more from this competition than I have in any class."

Kristina, the co-captain, said being part of the team gave her a great sense of accomplishment and it was an experience she'll always cherish. The canoe contest is not so much about winning, she said, as it is about learning how to apply theory to practice.

"The canoe is a great hands-on project that allows students to take theory and put it to use," she said. "It is part of the practical education that NJIT gives us and it is also a really fun project."