March 2006

15th National Engineering & Geoscience Week:  One of the Best  
by R. Goosney, P. Eng., NEGW Committee Chair

2006 was undoubtedly one of the most successful National Engineering and Geoscience Week [NEGW] to date. For example, the number of bridges entered in the model bridge competition exceeded 600 province-wide, including an unprecedented 471 bridges in St. John's.

The 15th annual NEGW ran from February 25 to March 5 and is sponsored by the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (CCPE), and the provincial engineering/geoscience associations, including PEG, and supported by the various industry sectors, engineering firms, engineers and geoscientists throughout the Province. A special thanks to the schools and students who participated in a wide variety of competitions that were held during NEGW, especially the popular model bridge competition.

Ashley Tucker Wins Again 

Many schools are now including the bridge building competition in their curriculum as part of the science program, resulting in many more bridges being tested each year. One dedicated student, Ashley Tucker, renowned for her construction of strong bridges (2004 - 1362.5kg; 2005 - 1165kg), designed a 60cm span bridge which withstood the heaviest load for the Province before failing, 1752kg. The structural consultants of the Province would be wise to keep an eye on this young lady for we haven't seen the last of her. Approximately 50% of the model bridges throughout the Province were constructed by girls. The winners will be posted on PEG's website as soon as they become available.

Mall Day 

On March 4th, at Mall Day in the Village Shopping Center, several companies were present to demonstrate their products that are designed and produced by their engineers and geoscientists. Rutter Technologies demonstrated their Voyage Data Recorder that, similar to a black box on an aircraft, records navigational data and information on the ship's operation as it sails around the world. Lotek had electronic tags that are used by biologists and scientists to investigate the migration patterns and behaviors of a broad variety of animals such as salmon, whales, moose and seals. The Johnson GEO Center gave us some insight into the world of geoscience and, considering that the rocks in this Province are 300 million years older than the dinosaurs, it's awesome. WISE showed that engineering, science and geoscience are professions that women can excel in and be rewarding. The robot demonstration by Frank Roberts Junior High School was 'to die for', in particular a young student who was so eloquent in his articulation about how the system worked and he could not fail to humble and impress any engineer.

New Prize Levels 

PEG gratefully acknowledges the support of TD Meloche-Monnex which helped the Committee to raise the various prize levels and, for the first time, to award a new computer to the school of the provincial bridge champion.

Pilot Project in Labrador 

Each year, the NEGW Committee tries to branch out and involve more students in our various competitions and events. This year, with the invaluable assistance of Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited and Innu Mikun Airlines, students at St. Lewis Academy on the southeast coast of Labrador became involved in a pilot project to bring our bridge building competition to isolated communities in Labrador. Their teacher, Des Spurrell, said that, when the eagerly anticipated popsicle sticks and white glue arrived, the students immediately began designing and building their bridges. Apparently, most of the school wanted to get involved but the competition is only open to Grades 7, 8 and 9.

Early in March, Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited arranged the shipping containers and Innu Mikun Airlines delivered them to the school in St. Lewis. By March 17th, the scheduled pick-up date, the students had constructed 5 bridges, but the weather on the morning of the 17th was poor. At the last moment, however, the weather improved enough for Innu Mikun Airlines to fly into the community, pick up the bridges and transport them to Labrador City for testing. The Committee would like to express its sincere thanks to Voisey's Bay Nickel Company Limited and Innu Mikun Airlines for, without their efforts and support, this would not have been possible. I know that Des Spurrell and the students of St. Lewis Academy share our gratitude.

New NEGW Partner: Johnson GEO Centre 

A new partner, Johnson GEO Centre, held a successful event on February 26th. Despite the weather, many people turned up to 'see the geoscientist' within. Activities included: panning for gold; hunting for fossils; and taking a virtual field trip with a geologist. PEG members Doug Boyce, P.Geo.; Phonse Fagan, P.Geo.; Andy Kerr, P.Geo.; Felicity O'Brien, P.Geo.; Sean O'Brien, P.Geo.; and Ian Sinclair, P.Geo. were all there to help.

Cardboard Boat Race 

PEG continues to sponsor the Newfoundland Science Centre's annual Cardboard Boat Race at Wedgewood Park Pool. Delayed by weather, the St. John's competition was held on Thursday, March 16th.

Volunteers and Supporters 

National Engineering and Geoscience Week is the one time each year when the general public can put a real face on what engineers and geoscientists do and how they advance technology and civilization as a whole. This is important and it is equally important as a professional to give back what we have received from our profession. Thank you to all supporters, including those who advertised or provided an article for the NEGW Supplement in The Telegram and Clarenville Packet.

The next time you have a chance, please hire a student through the Co-op program; mentor a Term 8 student with a project; place an ad in the NEGW Supplement in your local newspaper; write an article about some new technology or innovative technology in which your company is involved; sponsor a particular event or provide prizes for the various competitions during NEGW; and take the time to get involved.

None of the NEGW activities would be possible without having a top-notch organizing committee. This year, I've had the pleasure, once again, of working with a dedicated group of people who volunteer their time to ensure that National Engineering and Geoscience Week is the success that it is.

Standing L-R:  Rod Smith, Robert Woolgar, John Pitt, Susann Woolgar, John Pitt, Dick Myers, Joan Fillier Seated L-R:  Meaghan Couves, Rick Goosney, Alan Layte

Besides the people on the St. John's committee, and the judges: Jeff Snook, P.Eng.; Andrew Blundon, P.Eng.; Brendan O'Connell, P.Eng.; Peter Lester, P.Eng. and Amgad Hussein, P.Eng.; I would like to acknowledge those who organized events in other chapters: Roger Butt - Clarenville; Jason Callan and Blair Abbott - Labrador City; Alan Kirby and Gus Hunt- Corner Brook. Your help and assistance, as always, is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

And last, but by no means least, are the MUN Engineering Students. Without this dedicated group of volunteers, who stayed until the last bridge was tested, it would not have been possible to pull off the Model Bridge Competition at the Village Shopping Center this year.

If you are interested in participating in any capacity in NEGW 2007, please call the PEG office at 709.753.7714, fax 709.753.6131 or e-mail Joan Fillier at jfillier@pegnl.ca

Thanks to everyone for their support, see you at NEGW 2007.

© Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador