How does a whiffle ball lead to a career in engineering? In Huntsville, Texas, aspiring engineers faced a design challenge created by engineers from ConocoPhillips. Based on real-life situations in which wellbores are blocked by material known as “fish,” the challenge was part of the 34th annual State STEM Competition, sponsored by ConocoPhillips and held at the Forest Glen Camp in Huntsville. Students used paper clips, clay, and other materials to explore methods for removing wellbore blockages.

The following BISD students placed in the competition:

Haltom High School

Anthony Nguyen – 3rd Place in 11th Grade Science

Elaine Zhu – 2nd Place Engineering Design Challenge

Lizbeth Martinez – TBPE Innovation Award Engineering Design Challenge

Yasmin Torres – 6th Place Engineering Design Challenge

Haltom Middle School

Aaron Guerrero – 3rd Place in 7th Grade Science

North Richland Middle School

Kaitlynn Hillman – 4th Place in 6th Grade Math

Richland High School

Tin Ha – 5th Place in 12th Grade Science, 3rd Place Engineering Design Challenge

Watauga Middle School

Raul Guerra – 6th Place in 6th Grade Math