Incredible, Edible Vehicle Competition Dec. 10 on UNL's East Campus

Dec. 3, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. — Having the dog eat this homework isn't too far-fetched.

The Dec. 10 Incredible, Edible Vehicle Competition will be at the Great Plains Room of the Nebraska East Union from 2-4 p.m.

Students in Dennis Schulte's introductory biological systems and agricultural engineering class will demonstrate their edible cars. Schulte started the Incredible Edible Car competition several years ago to foster teamwork among his students.

The cars must be made entirely of food and nothing else. Students then must be able eat the car at the end of the competition.

Teams roll their cars down a sloped track to see which one travels farthest and stays in one piece. The top three teams receive a certificate. Teams also must make a poster detailing the process of making the car.

Evan Curtis, department of Biological Systems Engineering, is coordinating the event, which is part of E-Day, a day for engineers held annually.

Curtis said there are always many unique designs using a variety of products each year. Vegetables, sausage, cheese and candy are just a few of the materials students use in making the cars. With the addition of a 1300 calorie limit, the vehicles this year are expected to be healthier than ever before, Curtis said.

It's a good way for students to show their creativity, he said.

Curtis expects to have 26 freshman teams competing as well as several alumni returning to show their support in the form of a mini-career fair. Also in attendance will be 19 senior instrumentation posters.

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering is jointly in the College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, which is a part of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.