How are the bridges judged?
Each bridge must meet the specifications in order to be eligible for any prizes. If a bridge does not meet the specifications after initial check-in, the competitor(s) will be allowed time to fix their bridges, if possible. It is recommended that the competitors bring supplies on the day of the challenge for this purpose. All altered bridges will be required to revisit the check-in table. Any bridges that to not meet specifications may compete as “unofficial” and will not be eligible for any prizes.

Do I need to register before the challenge?
Registration prior to the challenge is not required; however, all students who are preregistered will receive a free snack and beverage on the day of the challenge. Preregistration will also save some time and effort for the competitor on the day of the event. Competitors can register on the Baltimore Museum of Industry website.  Competitors who are not preregistered will be allowed to register on the day of the challenge between 9am and noon. Snacks and beverages will be available to all for a small fee during the challenge.

Is an oral or written report required for this challenge?
No. All that is required for this challenge is the design and construction of a bass wood bridge meeting the specifications.

Are competitors allowed to participate in teams?
Students may form teams to compete in the Maryland Wood Bridge Challenge. Multiple students may enter one bridge; however, if the bridge qualifies to proceed to the International Challenge, only one student may represent the bridge at that Challenge. This rule is due to the prizes available at the International level, which includes a scholarship to Illinois Institute of Technology. In order to avoid the need to decide who will proceed, it is recommended that teams collaborate on the design of a bridge, then each student construct their own bridge based on the design. The challenge between team members would come down to quality of construction, which can “make or break” a bridge.