Samuelson liked the idea of the cooking show, which required participants to use everything given to them in their baskets and have everything finished within a time limit. Presentation mattered, so they could not simply throw something together. They had to be meticulous regarding each piece.

In addition to the items in their baskets, the contestants also had a pantry open to them with additional supplies, if they chose to use it.

For each of three rounds of competition, the students at the discovery center each received a paper bag filled with “ingredients” for their projects. They had 20 minutes to finish before they were required to present their projects to the judges for the first round, and 30 minutes for the second and third rounds.

In the first round, the children had to use all of the materials in their paper bags to make something that looked like or represented food. In round two, they had to make animals. Round three was a free-for-all. They were free to make whatever their hearts desired, as long as they used all the materials in their bags.

Ciara Parizek/MDN Lucy Brentrup constructed a record player using foam sheets, cloth, a CD, tape, Elmer's liquid glue and glue stick, string and cardboard during the Chopped event held at the Magic City Discovery Center on Wednesday.

Some of the materials included pipe cleaners, dot stickers, CDs, foam sheets, cardboard, pieces of pool noodles, paper and string.

Just like in the show, Samuelson put together a “pantry” of art supplies that the kids could use if they wanted.

Discovery center staff members were called upon to judge.

Samuelson attended Minot State University for art education. While doing her student teaching, she came up with the idea of an art contest based on the “Chopped” show and decided to implement that idea at the discovery center.

“I really love art,” Samuelson said. “I thought it was a good way to get them to do friendly competition.”