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:

1. Three photos of your structure taken from the front, back and a top view.
2. A blueprint or schematic design showing the scale of your structure
3. A paragraph explaining the architectural significance of the structure and why you chose it.

Royal Icing

• • • 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!

BUILDING THIS INTO YOUR CURRICULUM

Ideas on how to incorporate this activity into your classroom or extend the learning

• • • Gingerbread Architecture: An Exploration of Architecture and Engineering
    • Math Relationships & Practice
    • Practical Application of Scale Models
    • Teaching Scale – Lessons and activities for helping your kids turn giant space crafts into scale replicas.
    • Sketching Buildings
    • Panoform – Think about 3D design

CONSTRUCTING A STRONG GINGERBREAD ENTRY

Tips from the pros on how to build a successful and strong Gingerbread structure

• • • Gingerbread Building Tips 
      • Top 10 Tips for Building a Large Gingerbread House
      • 15 Tips for the Perfect Gingerbread House
    • Making your own gingerbread
      • Gingerbread House Dough Recipe
      • Building from Scratch
      • The Ultimate Gingerbread House And Cookie Guide

BUILDING INSPIRATION

• • • 50 Iconic Buildings Around the World
    • 35 incredible famous buildings to inspire you
    • 21 Buildings That Helped Shape Modern Architecture, From 1945 to Today
    • Architecture tourism: The best U.S. buildings, parks, and museums to visit