PROJECT X 2026 - Mission Noodle Crane

The competition
Do you want to experience technology up close, show off your creativity and boost your class fund at the same time? Then our crane competition is just the thing for you.

The task
Build a crane out of pasta. It must be stable enough to carry the greatest possible load in relation to its own weight.
Document all the steps: from the first sketches to the construction to the finished crane. Every school receives the same challenge.

Evaluation
This is what counts::
Load capacity: How much can your crane carry?
Documentation: Did you record your building process properly?
Creativity: Who has the most creative idea?
Quality: Stable and cleanly built - the eye eats too!

Participants
- Students in grades 10-13
- Max. 5 people per group, maximum 2 groups per school
- First come, first served: Whoever registers first may take part.
- Participants registered by name cannot be exchanged later.

Obligation of the teachers
- Supervision of the construction
- Compliance with the competition rules
- Delivery of the crane on time
- Adhere to deadlines

The winners
A jury from the Department of Civil Engineering will select the winners. On the big test day, the maximum load capacity of your crane is determined - a hydraulic cylinder is used to pull on the hook until the crane collapses. Whoever scores the most points wins!
Everyone is welcome to come along and watch - excitement guaranteed!

Prizes
Each participant will receive:
A certificate and a non-cash prize.
In addition, the
team in first place will receive €150
Team in second place €100
Team in third place €50
Special prize: The best estimate of the lifting capacity of your crane will win an extra award!
All prizes are donated by the Förderverein für Architektur und Bauingenieurwesen an der University of Siegen.

Dates
20. February 2026, 9.30 a.m.