Students move cargo from shore to store at Engineering Design Challenge
Published June 5, 2026
Second and third graders representing each elementary school in Newport News participated in the school division's Engineering Design Challenge on June 4 at Newsome Park Elementary School.
Shore to Store was the theme of the problem they were presented to solve for the competition. For the challenge, students do not know what the assignment is until it is given to them with the instructions and materials needed at the start of the time period allowed to complete it.
“I can’t wait to see what you create today,” said Darrell Pankratz, executive director of Secondary Teaching & Learning and K-12 Programs. “Work together, think creatively, learn from your mistakes because they will happen, and most importantly have fun.”
Competing in groups, students took on the role of a port of operations team of engineers assigned to design, build and maneuver using a computer program a lift system to move cargo containers onto areas designated for trucks, trains and barge ships. Schools competed to see who could move the most cargo in the allotted time while following all the rules and earning the most points.
Students applied their understanding of computer science, engineering, social studies, science and teamwork skills as they designed, built and coded their solutions. The challenge encouraged creative thinking, collaboration and perseverance.
Dutrow Elementary School won first place, with B.C. Charles coming in second place and Carver taking third place.
The Port of Virginia served as NNPS’ community partner for the event. The Engineering Design Challenge is part of the school division’s ongoing STEM education initiative emphasizing skills in science, technology, engineering and math.
This was the third and final NNPS Engineering Design Challenge for this school year.
Middle and high school students representing each secondary school participated in the challenge Sink or SWIFT on March 26. Fifth grade students representing each elementary school worked on the Coding Our Freedom challenge on December 11.
Students from the Heritage High School Governor’s STEM Academy supported all three EDC events this year. They were on hand at each one to answer student questions, provide technology assistance and serve as mentors for the participating students.
