Can-Do Attitude

Several Windsor students from elementary grades through high school will participate in Canstruction Sunday at Windsor Central High School.

The engineering competition challenges teams to compete to design and build giant structures made entirely from canned foods, which are then donated to their area’s food banks. Windsor is one of many districts who will compete at their own locations on Sunday.
“It’s an interesting structural challenge which gives kids an opportunity to solve practical problems and successfully use their design process,” said WCHS engineering teacher Mark Wentka.

WCHS students will build a replica of an antique model 430 John Deere tractor. Elementary students will build a replica of an old milk can, and take direction from the high school students to help with the tractor build.  

There are limitations the students work under. The structure needs to fit within 10x10 block. They cannot damage or obscure the food product labels, as they will be donated to CHOW after the competition. The district will also have CHOW barrels in two locations after the competition for additional food donations.  

Students can use quarter-inch plywood, quarter-inch threaded rod, tape, glue, and paint. They also have a time limit and money limit.

“But they do not have a limit on creativity,” said Mr. Wentka.

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