Block Kids is an annual award-winning national building competition sponsored by the NAWIC Greater Wichita, Kansas Chapter #120 typically held in February. It is open to all children in the first through sixth grades and is FREE but limited to the first 125 registrants. The competition introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create awareness and promote career interest. The local winner will advance to the regional contest and a national champion will be selected from the regional competition.
Each child receives 100 plastic interlocking blocks, one small rock, 12″ of string, and an 18″ piece of aluminum foil to construct his/her project. In a 45-minute time period, the participants may build anything related to the construction industry, e.g., houses, buildings, bridges, roads, airports, cranes, and other types of construction equipment.
The children are interviewed individually by local industry volunteers, a/k/a “Building Inspectors,” who ask questions about their projects. Based on these conversations, participants judge on their designs, uses of material, and oral presentations.