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guidance of staff from the Public Works Engineering Division, 50 students at Danebo Elementary School recently tackled <br /> this challenge. First, the students formed groups,just like professional engineering teams. Then, they made a balance <br /> from the ruler and dowel and figured out how many pennies were needed to equal the weight of the egg. Using the nylon <br /> as a bungee cord, they did a dry run with the pennies. Some teams figured out that the balloon could be used as a <br /> ushion. Finally, it was time for the real test. Not every egg came through unscathed, but everyone learned a valuable <br /> Lesson in how teamwork, math and science can be used to solve engineering problems. <br /> The egg-drop test is one of several exercises being presented in local schools as part of the "Zoom into Engineering" <br /> program. The program, which is designed to get students in grades 2 through 6 excited about engineering and help them <br /> develop problem-solving skills, kicked off in Eugene on February 21 during National Engineers Week. More than a dozen <br /> members of the City's engineering staff have volunteered to present fun, kid-tested activities in classrooms and after- <br /> school programs, and nine additional presentations have been scheduled between now and the end of April. <br /> "Engineers design buildings, cars, clothing, computer systems and much more," says City Engineer Mark Schoening, who <br /> is coordinating the local "Zoom into Engineering" activities. "As technology becomes more a part of daily life, it's important <br /> for students to understand how engineers solve problems." <br /> The national "Zoom into Engineering" program was developed in collaboration with WGBH, a Boston public television <br /> station that produces the popular children's show"Zoom." For more information about"Zoom into Engineering," including <br /> details about local presentations, contact Mark Schoening at 682-5291, or mark.a.schoening©ci.eugene.or.us. <br /> Private Improvement Project Slated to Install Traffic Signal on Chad Drive <br /> Public Works recently approved a privately engineered public improvement (PEPI) project for a new traffic signal east of <br /> Coburg Road on Chad Drive. The signal is located to serve the business accesses for Costco on the south side of Chad <br /> and the retail complex north of Chad Drive. <br /> The signal was designed by Kittleson and Associates of Portland, and the improvements are privately financed. This <br /> 'reek, EWEB began construction on electrical system changes needed in advance of the signal work. Drivers are urged to <br /> .ase caution and observe temporary traffic control measures in place during construction. For more information on the <br /> current EWEB work, contact Todd Simmons at 984-4746. For more information on the City PEPI, project contact Tom <br /> Larsen, City Traffic Engineer, at 682-8450. <br /> Eugene Tree Foundation Honored at Urban Forestry Conference <br /> The Eugene Tree Foundation (ETF), a local non-profit, volunteer tree-planting and advocacy group, will receive the 2003 <br /> Oregon Urban and Community Forestry Award for best project for a civic organization this Friday, March 7, at the annual <br /> Oregon Community Trees conference at the Eugene Hilton. The award recognizes ETF's efforts last year to work with <br /> local businesses and City Urban Forestry and other Public Works staff to transform a bleak, concrete intersection at 3rd <br /> Avenue and Lawrence Street into a colorful urban oasis as part of the organization's "Trees for Concrete" campaign. Jeff <br /> Lanza, local landscape architect and ETF board member, will accept the award at a luncheon ceremony beginning at <br /> 12:45 p.m. <br /> Eugene Urban Forester Mark Snyder and UO Landscape Architecture Department Chair Cynthia Girling are co-chairs of <br /> the day-long conference, entitled "Designing the Future Urban Forest." Morning presentations will focus on the use of <br /> urban forestry concepts in the design of new development. Girling will present preliminary research on the effects of tree <br /> canopy cover designs and their effects on mitigation of stormwater runoff volumes and peak flows at the Royal Node <br /> project. Keynote speaker Gary Mason, from Oakland, California, will speak about ecosystem-based approaches to urban <br /> and community forestry. <br /> Afternoon talks will showcase innovative landscaping techniques in retrofitting existing urban areas to maximize tree <br /> canopy benefits. The Broadway street re-opening project will be highlighted by Snyder, Michelle Cahill and Emily <br /> Proudfoot, Principal Engineer and Landscape Architect in the Public Works Engineering Division (PWE), and key <br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2 <br /> March 7,2003 cc030603.wpd <br />