Pumpkin chunkin’ 2017; Rowan engineering students, others take aim at Angry Birds

Rowan University’s chapter of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers will host Rowan’s 15th annual Pumpkin Chunkin’ contest on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the South Jersey Technology Park on Rt. 322 off Rt. 55, in Mantua Township, New Jersey.

ASME will host the Burlington County Institute of Technology, Cape May County Technical School, Millville High School, Washington Township High School, Cherry Hill High School East, Glassboro High School, Philadelphia University, Temple University, The College of New Jersey, the University of Delaware and Widener University for this year’s event. Teams will build and compete with functional Angry Birds-themed pumpkin-throwing catapults capable of launching pumpkins across a 400-foot range. The goal of Pumpkin Chunkin’ is to promote science, technology, engineering, and math education. 

There will be fun and games for spectators as well. Other competitions throughout the day include a pumpkin toss, pumpkin carving and a costume contest.

Organizers will give gift cards and trophies to the winners, and a drone will go to one lucky person.