Frequently Asked Questions


WHAT IS THE CHAIN REACTION CONTRAPTION CONTEST?
The National Engineers Week Chain Reaction Contraption Contest is a spirited competition for 9th-12th graders. The contest fosters an interest in engineering by challenging students to create a machine that will accomplish a specific task using a series of steps.

WHO ORGANIZES THE CONTEST?
This program is powered by Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CONTEST?
The goal of the program is to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in engineering and technology while enabling students to:

  • Better understand mathematics and scientific principles through hands on application
  • Gain experience working as a team
  • Polish their writing and presentation skills by explaining the concepts and how their machine works
  • See how engineers turn ideas into reality

WHY SHOULD WE PARTICIPATE?
It's fun!! It's a challenge!

Students participating in the program have an opportunity to achieve Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology: Unifying Themes requirement 3.1.10A, Inquiry and Design requirement 3.2.10D and Technological Devices requirement 3.7.10A.

The Chain Reaction Contraption Contest can be an excellent graduation or senior project. Several schools have used the contest as a class assignment and then held their own competition to choose who will represent the school on contest day.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?
Prizes will be awarded to first through third place winners.

WHAT ARE THE RULES?
The Official Handbook is available on the Forms page. The handbook will also be available at the orientation/information session.

Teams will consist of 4 students (9th - 12th grade), a teacher sponsor & engineer mentor (optional).

WHEN WILL AN ORIENTATION/INFORMATION SESSION BE HELD?
An orientation/information session for teachers, students and engineers will be held in September. The session will include information about the program, a demonstration and discussion of the evolution of a previously constructed machine, hands-on activities and prize giveaway. Registration forms and official rule books/manuals will be available. Act 48 credit is available for teachers attending orientation. Please call to make a reservation to attend.

HOW DO I REGISTER OR OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Additional information and registration forms can be found throughout this web site, or by contacting:

Brandon Momeyer
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
1000 Westinghouse Drive
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: (724) 672-8706
E-mail: momeyerbj@westinghouse.com





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