Cotter Students Excel at Engineering Machine Design Challenge

In the high school division, The Europa-eons earned 2nd place, with team members Jack Slaggie, Zephyr Paulsen, Jaxson Greshik, and Shawn Freyre. Additionally, The Drip Squad won the prestigious "Most Creative Use of Materials" award. Team members include Nathan Kiehne, Reece Pronschinske, Sergio Heckman, Dillon Brown, and Carson Ehlenfeldt.

All three teams were coached by Mr. Eric Paulsen, Cotter’s Engineering Teacher.

The EMDC challenges students to design and build a 20-step chain reaction machine, incorporating mechanical, electrical, chemical, and fluid power systems. Participants also apply computer programming, robotics, and sensor technology. Cotter’s teams dedicated months of effort, starting in October, demonstrating remarkable engineering skills, teamwork, and creativity. Additionally, teams documented their STEM processes and presented their projects to a panel of judges.

Now in its fourth year at the competition, Cotter Schools continues to prioritize hands-on STEM learning, encouraging innovation and providing students with opportunities in advanced manufacturing and maker-space environments.

Cotter Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to Winona State University and the EMDC organizers for their dedication to supporting the growth and development of our young engineers. Special thanks to the engineering departments of Winona State University and the University of Minnesota, the Slaggie Family for outfitting our TEAMS Lab for EMDC work, and Dahl Toyota and Andy Kaiser for sponsoring our transport van. Your support makes these incredible experiences possible.

The Drip Squad team during judging

Members of the junior high team preparing for the competition.