An analysis of applied mechanics contest for senior high school students in Taiwan

The applied mechanics education contest hosted by STAM (Society of Theoretical Applied Mechanics) has been held in Taiwan for several years. The contest pattern has been changed from a simple written test to an experiment-oriented test after the NSTM (National Science and Technology Museum) proceeded to hold the competition in 2005. The major change of the contest is to merge theory with a practical experiment. The NSTM set up well-designed video shows and materials packs for hands-on experiments at the contests. Visiting related mechanics exhibits at NSTM was highly recommended by the contestants and teachers. Statistical analyses of the contest scores over the past four years shows no significant correlation between the medals and the areas where the contestants are from, and there was no significant difference among the contestants’ final scores for different areas. Since 2004, the outstanding students at the competition were selected to attend the annual cross-strait mechanics field academic exchanges, and this academic exchange will continue to help extend the influence of mechanics education in Taiwan and China.