No concrete experience required. Students learn online, make real concrete, and complete as a class or individually.
Step 1: Request Your Free Kit
Request reusable Classroom Bucket Kit through the TCA website or the QR code on the Be Pro Be Proud TN Truck. The kit includes supplies, molds, and instructions. You provide one bag of pre-mixed concrete (not mortar, cement, or grout), and water. Those touching concrete should wear gloves and eye protection (prescription glasses are okay).
Step 2: Complete Level 1 Online
Each student creates a Concrete Quest login and completes Level 1. Show the videos as a class or let students work independently. Teachers can create an account as well. Online quizzes have unlimited attempts; students earn a virtual badge and certificate after passing. Total time: 25-30 Minutes for videos & quizzes.
Step 3: Mix & Mold
Follow the kit instructions & included videos and mix the concrete as a class. Make 1 cylinder and 3 disks. Allow the specimens to set and then put in the curing tank. Total time: 25-30 minutes
Step 4: Cure & Document
Cure the specimens as shown in the videos for 28 days. Take photos and short videos of students completing the project, the specimens in the curing tank, plus a clear photo of the decorative disk when it is ready and submit them to TCA. You’ll need specimens in the curing tank no later than January 26, 2027.
Step 5: Ship/Bring to TCA
After TCA receives your photos and videos, we will send a shipping label and a $25 gift card reimbursement. Ship 1 cylinder and 2 test disks within 3 days after completing the 28-day curing period. TCA must receive specimens by March 1, 2027.
Step 6: Watch Your Results
TCA will test the cylinder for compressive strength and the disks for resiliency, then send your class a video of the tests. Classrooms can keep the decorative disk, bucket, and molds to use again next school year.
Step 7: Earn Classroom Points
Your classroom score includes student completion of Level 2, cylinder compressive strength, concrete disk resiliency, and online votes for the classroom decorative disk. Earn additional points by attending the MTSU Mini Skate Park & Disk Contest for the Quiz Bowl (extra points awarded) & CIM program tour.
March 2027 at MTSU
Attend the TCA Mini Skate Park & Concrete Disk Competition for the Quiz Bowl, CIM tour, and awards as a field trip. Attendance is optional. Teachers who bring their class receive a classroom supply gift. Date: Week of March 8-12 - final date coming soon!
Students: Want to go solo?
After Level 1, students may also enter the individual TCA Concrete Disk Competition by submitting their own cylinder and three disks. Instructions and deadlines are on the TCA website/in Concrete Quest Videos. They can win cash prizes for top scores!
Learn It. Mix It. Test It. Compete.
Questions or registration: Contact the Tennessee Concrete Association at info@tnconcrete.org or 615-360-7393.