Future Cities Competition: Will We See Flying Cars?

DETROIT--(WWJ) --Will there ever really be flying cars like the ones we used to see in "The Jetsons?" That's one idea Michigan students could include in the Engineering Society of Detroit's Future Cities Competiton, imagining how cities might look 150 years from now. Program Coordinator Allison Marrs says this year's theme is "Tomorrow's Transit, Design A Way To Move People In And Around Your City."

"So the kids are really challenged with designing new ways to move people in a futuristic city," said Marrs. "So green ways, maybe not using cars, or flying cars. It's really whatever they can imagine."

Marrs says the Future Cities Competition is a way to get more kids involved in the STEM fields-- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

"It's a great way to get them interested," said Marrs. "It's a really hands-on project where they are the actual designers and presenters. They are not just reading a text book or listening to a lecture. So it really engages them and sparks their interest in science, technology, engineering and math."

Once they register for the competiton, Marrs says the students begin working on their Simm City, designing their future city. They'll also begin to write an essay, a narrative and actually begin building a physical model. And all of that will culminate in January when they bring their physical model and give a presentation at the regional competiton final.

Student teams of three or more can compete, from any public, private, charter, parochial, or home school. And this year, organizations like the Boy and Girl Scouts can also take part.

This is the 19th year for the Future Cities Competiton, which seems to be paying off.

"We've actually heard stories of kids that are done competing in the program and they go on to choose their college majors, based on what they did in the competiton," said Marrs.

The deadline for registering is today, with the winners announced in January.