Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance is excited to invite you to participate in our Scale Model Gingerbread Building Competition powered by Tulsa Tech! Presented in partnership with AIA of Eastern Oklahoma and the Tulsa City County Library, our 2021 program has gone virtual. K-12 students, families, collegiates, and professionals are encouraged to build a scale model gingerbread replica of the architecturally significant building of their choosing. Entries will be judged by local architects and shared through social media for a community favorite!
Our 2021 theme is Innovative Spaces. Think about all the buildings, labs, and spaces where amazing advancements in STEM have taken place to plan your design.
Deadline for submissions: Fri., Dec. 3, 2021, at 11:59 p.m.
Winners will be announced on or before Wed., Dec. 15, 2021
Basic Information:
- Start Early! Perfection really does take time. This wonderful, dynamic, artistic, and architectural process will take longer than you are thinking it will.
- This competition is for all ages, from elementary to professional.
- The gingerbread buildings will be grouped according to division. Divisions include: Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, Amateur and Professional.
- Cash prizes in all categories will be awarded this year!
Additional Details:
Rules & Guidelines:
All entries must comply with the following rules.
Entries not meeting the specifications of the competition will be excluded from the contest. The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance reserves the right to reject any entry that does meet a minimum modicum of quality workmanship befitting the contest.
Entry Guidelines:
One entry per class, group or individual. Must be a resident of Oklahoma.
Materials:
The basic structure of all entries is considered non-edible and may be constructed of any material (e.g. glue, milk cartons, boxes, etc.). However, the exterior of the model must be made of materials normally suitable for human consumption.
Size:
The base of the Gingerbread Building must be no larger than 24″ x 24″ (or 2 feet by 2 feet). The exhibit must be no more than 24″ tall.
Prizes
The top three structures in each division will receive:
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
Community Favorite (decided by reactions on Facebook posting): $100 prize
Submission Requirements
When submitting your entry to the competition, please be prepared to provide the following:
- Three photos of your structure taken from the front, back and a top view.
- A blueprint or schematic design showing the scale of your structure
- A paragraph explaining the architectural significance of the structure and why you chose it.
Royal Icing
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- 3 large eggs – separated
- 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
- 1 (16oz.) package of powdered sugar
Step 1: Combine cream of tartar and room temperature egg whites in a large bowl. Beat at medium speed until the whites are frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating on low until the sugar is moistened.
Step 2: Beat on high speed until mix is very glossy and stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes). If necessary, add more powdered sugar. Icing dries out quickly; keep it covered. It keeps 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Never double the recipe; make 2 batches instead. Can be colored with food coloring or piped.
Resources
NEED HELP WITH MATERIALS?
You can submit a request for help with material costs through our STEM Shoppe!
Click here to learn more about the STEM Shoppe!
BUILDING THIS INTO YOUR CURRICULUM
Ideas on how to incorporate this activity into your classroom or extend the learning
CONSTRUCTING A STRONG GINGERBREAD ENTRY
Tips from the pros on how to build a successful and strong Gingerbread structure
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- Gingerbread Building Tips
- Making your own gingerbread
BUILDING INSPIRATION
