College of Engineering to host TEAMS 2006 competition

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Engineering will host the Tests of Engineering Aptitude Mathematics and Science competition March 1. TEAMS is a unique and challenging academic program and competition that introduces high school students to various engineering disciplines and illustrates how math and science principles are applied in the real world of engineering.

TEAMS is coordinated nationally by the Junior Engineering Technical Society, a nonprofit education organization promoting interest in engineering, science, mathematics and technology since 1950. The UNL College of Engineering has served as a local competition host for more than 20 years.

Local high schools and organizations are encouraged to form teams of four to eight students in grades nine through 12 to compete in March. Schools may enter more than one team; both junior varsity and varsity levels are available. Teams must be coached by an adult, who could be a teacher, counselor, parent or professional engineer. Teams should start preparing in the fall by practicing the mechanics of teamwork and group problem solving -- often with the support of an engineering mentor. Multiple training and practice resources are available to coaches and students online at www.jets.org.

Interested schools can visit www.jets.org and select the University of Nebraska competition site to preregister. The registration deadline is Feb. 1. For more details about the TEAMS competition, contact Trish Fenster, TEAMS Coordinator, UNL College of Engineering at (402) 472-7094. For more information about Nebraska Engineering programs, visit www.nuengr.unl.edu.

The TEAMS test is an open-book, open-note, open-discussion format in a one-day, two-part competition. Part I consists of multiple-choice questions related to various engineering situations. Part II requires students to describe and defend their solution to open-ended, subjective questions related to problems worked in Part I. Local awards are presented the day of the competition. Part II is forwarded to the Junior Engineering Technical Society for further grading and state and national awards.

CONTACT:Trish Fenster, College of Engineering, (402) 472-7094