Plank-a-Palooza! in Fort Wayne Benefiting Early Childhood Alliance - ECA

Several area Fort Wayne teams registered to secure their spot in this challenging event that raises money for Early Childhood Alliance.  You have to see the Plank-a-Palooza! structures they constructed to believe them! 

Click on any photo for a larger view.

But first, what is a Plank-a-Palooza!?  It's a challenging event in which teams use 500 KEVA planks to design and build a structure in 30 minutes. No glue is needed, just gravity. This highly energized construction event creates interest in math and science and encourages creativity and collaboration.

And what are KEVA planks?  KEVA planks are precision cut maple blocks (about 1/4" x 3/4" x 4 1/2") that stack on four different planes with surprising stability.

Where do the teams come from?  You can start and register your own team.  Teams come from many and any areas of interest: all levels of education, business, non-profits, families, friends, clubs... almost anywhere. 

A half-hour goes by really fast when you are trying to construct something of the magnitude these teams were attempting.  The judges had a very hard time choosing a winner in the three award categories.

Best Engineering Award went to IPFW:

Most Creative Award went to Trine University:

Best Overall Design went to Irwin Math Science Magnet - FWCS

See more photos of this event by clicking here and see why this is a fun event to participate in or sponsor.  To learn how you can get involved contact: Jane McGraw, Marketing and Development Director, 260.458.0125 or jmcgraw@ECAlliance.org.