RIME Bridge Building Competition at

Franklin Middle School

On Wednesday January 17^th (From 10am to Noon) at Franklin Middle School in Somerset, NJ, approximately 60 middle school students from Franklin and New Brunswick will be competing in a bridge building competition sponsored by R.I.M.E (Raritan’s Introduction of Minorities to Engineering). The focus of R.I.M.E. is to encourage students who have cultural backgrounds that are under-represented in technology; to pursue math and science related careers.

The programs conducted by R.I.M.E. give students the opportunity to interface with a number of technical professionals from various cultural and ethnic groups. Students are able to culturally identify with these professionals, making it easier for them to receive career and academic information.

On the 17^th of January, students will bring their bridges, made from 250 toothpicks and a bottle of Elmer’s glue, to Franklin Middle School where their bridges will be judged for creativity, aesthetics and durability. Five-pound reams of paper are placed on top of each bridge to determine how much the bridge can withstand without breaking. Last year, Crystina Natal from Franklin Middle School, won the competition. Her bridge held 140 pounds of paper, without breaking.

For more information, please contact Ann McCall, Public Information Coordinator, at 732-873-2400 ext. 290 or amccall@franklinboe.org.