About Girls’ Day

Girls’ Day is an initiative of VHTO, expertise centre for gender diversity in STEM and IT, to introduce young girls to the world of science, technology and engineering. The girls can take part in interesting activities, meet female employees and learn more about STEM work.

Girls’ Day lets girls experience the undiscovered world of STEM up close.

The assignment

The girls were divided into four teams. Each team was reinforced by the girls from the student teams. Their task was to build a bridge as strong as possible. They had to comply with the following rules

• Two tables are set at least 30 cm apart. The bridges must span this distance.
• We hang a hook in the middle of the bridge. Then we hang a bucket from this. We fill this bucket to a certain weight.
• The bridges are assessed for strength (how much weight can it hold). On the application of construction knowledge and on creativity.
• You can use all materials that have been handed out.
• You have 1 hour to design, build and test.

In the end, the strongest bridge held 30 kilos. The winning team went home with great prizes. Not every bridge held that much weight, but we did see some beautiful innovative creations. Thanks to everyone for the great day and see you next year!