Topeka ? Gov. Mark Parkinson is challenging Kansas high school students to think big about solving real world engineering and technology problems.

The governor and the state Department of Education are seeking entries from high schools to represent Kansas next spring in the national Real World Design Challenge in Washington, D.C.

Parkinson says the competition is intended to promote interest among high school students to pursue careers as scientists, engineers and technicians. The 2010 competition focuses on engineering related to aeronautics and energy usage.

Applications for the state competition are due Jan. 16.