Previous Hands-on Challenges
Fantastic vehicle
Create a vehicle that will be blown as far as possible across the floor, propelled only an electric fan.
Time:
1 minute to think and plan. 4 minutes to build the vehicle. 2 minutes to test the vehicle.
Supplies:
For Team: 6 wheels, 10 straws, 6 craft sticks, 4 rubber bands, 4 mailing labels, four 3x5 cards, 4 pieces of notebook paper, 10 paper clips, 2 binder clips, two 6" pieces of string, 1 pair of scissors.
For Judge: A tabletop size electric fan, preferably with multiple speeds. A tape measure, masking tape and some small stickers.
Set-up:
Place one piece of tape about 4' long on the on the floor. This is the Start Line. Center a 1' taped square parallel to the taped line, with the closest edge of the square 1' from the line. Place the fan in this box.
Rules:
-
Teams will use only the supplies provided to create their vehicle. The scissors, fan and tape measure may not be part of the vehicle.
-
The taped lines may not be altered in any way.
-
The fan may not be removed from the taped square.
-
The team will designate one team member to operate the fan.
-
The fan operator will use the fan to blow the vehicle as far from the Start Line as possible.
-
When the vehicle comes to a stop the judge will mark the point of farthest progress with a small sticker.
-
The team can make additional attempts until time expires, or they choose to stop.
-
The team may make adjustments to the vehicle between attempts, but time will continue.
-
Team members may not touch the vehicle during scoring attempts.
Scoring:
1 pt for each inch the vehicle moves from the Start Line for each of the TWO BEST attempts.
1-10 pts for how well the team used the materials
1-20 points for teamwork
Debriefing:
Would it make a difference if distance was measured from front or back of vehicle?
Does the "vehicle" have to have wheels?
Did the team adjust the vehicle effectively between attempts?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
The Long and Tall of it
Time:
You will have 8 minutes to solve the problem. You will be warned when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains. You are allowed to ask the judge questions and talk to each other at any time.
Supplies:
For Team: 1 piece of paper, 1 piece of aluminum foil, 6 straws, 1 cup, 30 toothpicks, 1 pencil, 1 paper bowl, 1 cube of clay, 2 paper clips, 1 piece of string 3”, 3 cotton swabs, 1 plastic fork.
For Judge: A table, 2 rectangular blocks of the same size, Tape measure
Set-up:
Place two blocks on the table.
Rules:
-
The first group will build a bridge as long as possible that rests on the two blocks.
-
The second group will build a structure as tall as possible that rests on the bridge
-
Once you are in a building group, you cannot switch.
-
When being measured for score, no team member can touch either structure.
-
The bridge can only touch the two blocks.
-
The tower must rest only on the bridge - it isn’t allowed to touch the blocks.
-
The teams will indicate when ready for scoring.
-
Competition is over when the team asks to be scored or when time ends.
Scoring:
1 point for each inch of your tall structure’s height.
1 point for each inch of your bridge’s length.
1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
1 to 15 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing:
Would it have been better to focus on height or length?
Build together, or apart and then assemble?
Did the team use materials effectively?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
Bucket Choice
Your challenge is to move as many balls as you can into a bucket.
Time:
You will have 8 minutes to solve the problem. You will be warned when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains. You are allowed to ask the judge questions and talk to each other at any time.
Supplies:
For Team:
10 ping pong balls, 10 golf balls, and 5 tennis balls.
1 yard stick, 1 piece of string 12", 1 small piece of cardboard, 1 mailing label, 1 cup, 2 soup cans, 1 water bottle, and 2 pieces of paper.
For Judge: A bucket, masking tape
Set-up:
Place a line of masking tape 4 feet away from the bucket
Rules:
-
When moving a ball, team members must be completely behind the launch line.
-
There are materials for you to use to move the balls. Nothing else may be used.
-
You may choose to flip the bucket on its side, but you must do this before you launch the first ball. If you flip the bucket on its side, it must stay that way the entire time. Likewise, if you leave the bucket upright, it must remain that way until time ends.
-
You may not alter the setup in any other way.
Scoring:
Ping-pong balls are worth 1 point, golf balls are worth 2 points, and tennis balls are worth 3 points.
Each ball in the bucket, if the bucket is on its side, will receive the point value of the ball
Each ball in the upright bucket will receive double the points value of the ball
1-20 points for the creativity of how the balls are moved
1-20 points for how well the team works together
Debriefing:
Would it have been better to place the bucket on its side or leave upright?
Was ball choice effective?
Did the team use materials effectively?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
Rube plays Tee-Ball
Your challenge is to create Rube Goldberg machine that can knock a ball off a Tee.
A Rube Goldberg machine is a complex device with multiple parts that can complete a simple task. After the device is set up, it is triggered so that eventually after a number of steps, the it will complete the final task.
Time:
You will have nine minutes to solve this problem. You may ask the judge questions at any time; however, time will continue.
You will be scored at the end of eight minutes or when the team asks to be scored.
Supplies:
For Team:
1 golf ball
3 paper cups, 5 dominos, 4 straws, 5 marbles, 5 rubber bands
3 pins, 10 mailing labels, 5 popsicle sticks, 1 matchbox car
For Judge:
A tennis ball
A cardboard tube from a toilet roll
Duct tape
Set-up:
Duct tape the tube, standing upright, to one end of a table. Set the tennis ball on top of it.
Rules:
-
You may use only the materials provided in your solution.
-
When the team decides to test their machine for score, they will inform the judges, and one team member will set off the machine by releasing the golf ball.
-
When testing the machine for score, team members may not touch the machine during the interval between the releasing of the golf ball and the tipping of the tennis ball. If the team touches the machine while it is operating, they must restart the attempt.
-
You may attempt to run the machine as many times as you wish; however, only the last attempt will be scored.
Scoring:
20 points if the machine successfully knocks the tennis ball off of the tube:
1-40 points for the complexity of the machine:
1-20 points for the percentage of the materials used (100% = 20pts):
1-20 points for how well the team works together
Debriefing:
Would it have been better to use all the materials or focus on certain ones?
Was there adequate complexity?
Did the team use materials effectively?
Did the team manage time well?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
How far Can you go?
Your challenge is to build a device that will be used to get an empty soda can to travel the greatest distance possible.
This is a two-part problem.
In part one, you will build a device from the materials provided.
In part two, you will present your solution to the problem.
You may ask questions during your think time, however, time continues. Once time begins, it will not be stopped.
When time starts in part two, only the team’s longest distance will be recorded. You may try as many attempts as possible during the 2 minutes in part two.
Time:
In part one, you will have 6 minute to build a device that will be used to get an empty soda can to travel the greatest distance possible.
In part two, you will have 2 minutes to present your solution to the problem.
Supplies:
For Team:
One plastic shopping bag with the following items inside:
Empty soda can, large paper or plastic plate, 10 toothpicks, 4 plastic straws, 1 balloon, 2 plastic spoons
1 large Styrofoam cup, a tape measure, 6" square of contact paper, 1 sheet of plain paper, 1 business size envelope, a small bottle of glue, two rubber bands, a pair of scissors.
Rules:
-
No human power may be used to move the empty soda can forward.
-
You may not move the empty soda can by direct or indirect human power. i.e. the empty soda can and the device must be at rest when released.
-
You may use only the items provided.
Scoring:
1 point for each inch travelled.
Debriefing:
Would it have been better to focus on linear distance or actual distance traveled?
Could you have altered the soda can?
Did the team use the the plastic bag and the tape measure?
Did the team use materials effectively?
Did the team manage time well?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
High Ball
Your problem is to support any of these balls as high above the floor as you can, using only the materials provided.
Set Up
Tape a 36" x 36" square about 18" from the wall.
Supplies:
One ping pong ball, one tennis ball, and one golf ball
A pair of scissors and the following materials:
2 sheets plain paper
6 mailing labels
3 plastic cups
4 paper clips
1 paper plate
1 string, 12"
3 pipe cleaners
10 straws
10 toothpicks
Procedure
You have 10 minutes to create a solution. You will be warned when there are 3 minutes, 2 minutes and 1 minute and when there are 30 seconds left. You may ask the judges questions and talk to each other at any time; however, time will continue.
You will use these materials to solve the problem. The scissors cannot be part of your solution. You will be given a ping-pong ball, tennis ball and a golf ball.
The ball will be measured from where it rests when time ends or when the teams asks for it to be measured.
There is a taped square on the floor. Your solution cannot touch anything other than the floor within the square.
You may stop and be scored before time ends; however, once you say you want to be scored, you cannot touch your solution again.
Scoring
Your solution will be measured from the floor to the top of the ball that it supports.
If it supports the ping-pong ball, you will receive 1 point for each inch
For the tennis ball, you will receive 2 points per inch
For the golf ball, you will receive 3 points per inch.
You will also receive:
1 to 15 points for how well you work together
1 to 15 points for the creativity of your solution.
Debriefing
Would it have been better to focus on height with a lighter ball, or use a heavier ball?
Could the balls have been altered?
Was the structure well designed for its task?
Did the team use materials effectively?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
Stack-em!
Your challenge is to use the objects in the bins to make stacks of objects on the table.
Set Up
Label 4 bins with the appropriate point values and place the following items inside:
1 point bin: 3 coins, 3 blocks, 5 Popsicle sticks
3 point bin: 1 fork, 2 spoons, 3 jacks
5 point bin: 3 golf balls, 2 marbles, 2 ping pong balls
10 point bin: 1 stuffed animal, 1 medium-sized toy car.
Place the bins in the center of the table
Procedure
You will have 8 minutes to solve the challenge.
The judge will warn you when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains. You are allowed to ask the judges questions and talk to each other at any time.
There are objects to use to create your solution (point to bins of objects).
You are not allowed to use the bin or anything else and you are not allowed to damage the objects.
Your problem is to use the objects to make stacks of objects on the table.
You may ask to be scored at any time. Competition is over when you ask to be scored or when time ends.
When checking for score:
No one can touch the objects.
Each object on the stack is worth the value marked on its bin.
Any object touching the table will not count for score.
You are not allowed to make stacks anywhere but on the table.
Scoring
You will receive the point value of each object in a stack that is not touching the table.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will receive 1 to 15 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing
Would it have been better to make multiple stacks or only a few?
Was the point value of items considered when designing stacks?
Was risk and reward balanced?
Did the team use items effectively?
What would you do differently if you did it again?
Shoe shuffle
Your challenge is to pair up all of the shoes, without speaking.
Set Up
Tape a 5-foot line on the floor.
Place 5 pairs of shoes on the floor. Make sure that you shuffle up the pairs and have them some distance from each other. Mix up the shoe types. Try to have a pair of high heeled shoes, a pair of flip flops, sneakers, etc. Mix up the distances from the line so that you have some close and some further away.
Mark one pair with yellow dots and another pair with red dots.
The red dot shoes should be the furthest from the line.
Give each team the following items: 1 broom, 1 piece of string 12”, 1 piece of cardboard, 3 plates, 2 cups, 1 yard stick, 5 unsharpened pencils, 1 piece of yarn 12”, 1 frisbee, and 2 socks.
Procedure
Behind the line, there are several shoes that have been separated from their matching shoe.
Your challenge is to move the shoes so that they are paired up with the matching shoe.
To be considered paired-up, the shoes must be touching each other.
You have been given materials to move the shoes; you may not use anything else.
You may not talk while solving the challenge.
When moving the shoes, you must be behind the line. You may not change the setup.
The shoes with yellow dots on them must remain in contact with the floor while you are moving them. If a shoe loses contact with the floor, that pair of shoes will be out of play and you may not receive score for them.
The shoes with red dots on them must both be moved behind the line before being paired up.
You have 8 minutes to solve this challenge.
Scoring
Each pair of shoes is paired correctly: 10 points
The pair of shoes with the yellow dots is paired without leaving the floor: 15 points
The pair of shoes with the red dots is paired behind the line: 15 points
Creativity of how the shoes are moved: 1-15 points
How well the team works together: 1-15 points
Penalty -5 points each time a member of the team speaks.
Debriefing
Would it have been better to make a single device or more than one?
Did only the shoes with yellow dots have not to leave the floor?
Was the point value of tasks considered when tackling the challenge?
Was non verbal communication used effectively?
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use items effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Chain links
Your challenge is, given the materials, create the longest possible chain possible.
Set Up
Materials:
4 sheets of paper, 1 paper bag, 1 envelope
2 pieces of 12 inch string, 5 mailing labels
4 straws, 10 toothpicks, 1 pencil, 1 pair of scissors
Procedure
Team members may ask the judges questions but may not talk to each other.
You will have 5 minutes to solve this problem.
Your problem is to build the longest chain out of the materials provided.
The chain will be held at each end by a team member, so that it does not touch the floor.
The length for score will be the horizontal distance between the two team members hands.
If the chain breaks then the measurement will be from the hand one end to where it touches the floor
If the two pieces are not the same then the longest distance is measured from hand to floor.
Scoring
Creativity of non-verbal communication: 1-20 points
Creativity of construction of the chain: 1-20 points
Horizontal distance between ends of chain (or from one end if the chain touches the ground): 1 point per inch
Teamwork: 1-30 points
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
How could the chain construction be more creative?
Did the team use non-verbal methods effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Builders and Architects
Your challenge is to recreate a structure that you haven't seen, using only non-verbal instructions.
This is a 2-part challenge.
Set Up
Teams:
There is a structure hidden behind a screen. This is not visible to anybody during part 1.
There are 2 boxes of materials.
One that can be used to recreate the hidden structure.
Another contains items to use as part of a non-verbal communication system.
Judges:
Build a structure of varying complexity.
Your structure must be hidden from both sub-teams until part 2 begins and then it should only be seen by the Architects when part 2 begins. This can be done by keeping it in a covered box or behind a curtain.
To build the target structure, use what ever you have easy access to. Lego's work well if you want to keep it simple. To make it more complex, you can use just about anything that you have two of. Build a tower or a bridge or whatever else strikes your fancy.
After you build the structure, hide the structure from view and place the same quantity of the items that were used into the builders' box.
The communicating tools in the Architects' box could be: A can of soda, a ruler, a non sharpened pencil, a pretzel, an eraser, a ball, a deck of cards, a penny, a nickel, a dime, and a quarter. The team may use all or just some of these items.
Procedure
Time:
In Part 1, you will have 5 minutes to come up with non-verbal communication method and practice.
In Part 2, you will have 5 minutes to recreate a hidden structure, and demonstrate your solution to the judges.
Rules:
At the beginning of time, the team will divide members in two sub-teams.
One sub-team will be the “Builders”.
The other sub-team will be the “Architects”.
There is a hidden structure that is not visible to either sub-team until Part 2 begins.
At that time, the solution is revealed for only the Architects to see.
There are two boxes each with a set of items, which are different for each sub-team.
The Builders’ box will have all of the items needed to construct and recreate the original hidden structure.
The Architects’ box will have completely unrelated items i.e. with none of the items that will be used to recreate the hidden structure.
In Part 1, the two sub-teams may handle the items in each box, but the Architects’ and Builders’ items must not be mixed together.
In Part 2, the Architects must communicate non-verbally using only the items provided in their box.
Remember that the Architects must be nonverbal in voice and in body language.
Signaling to the Builders by shaking ones hand or head to give direction will be viewed as verbal body language and
not permitted.
Scoring
Ability to establish a creative means of non-verbal communication: 1-50 points
Accuracy of recreation of target structure: 1- 100 points
Teamwork: 1-25 points
Penalty for speaking during part 2: 1-5 points each infraction
Penalty for communicating without using an item from the Architects' box: 1-5 points each time
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Were team members appropriately divided into sub-teams?
Did the architects use communication items and other non-verbal methods effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Switch teams and redo the solution in a different configuration, or change out some of the props. The builders may ask questions directed to the architects at anytime but don't let them know this unless they ask.
The architects team must be warned every time they communicate without the use of the tools provided.
Chip Flip
Your challenge is to flip the chips in the target area so that the numbered sides are face up on the colored circles.
Teams:
In front of you is a 6-foot square target area with 15 poker chips placed with a numbered side down on colored circles whose numbers match the number on the chip.
Materials: 2 straws, 1 ruler, 1 yardstick, 4 sticky labels, 1 small paper cup, 1 eight-foot length of string, 1 small magnet, 1 envelope, 3 toothpicks, and 2 pipe cleaners.
Judges:
Materials: Construction paper, push pins, masking tape, or pavement chalk.
Number 15 poker chips on ONE side only, 1-15. (using a Sharpie.)
For a carpeted surface, cut 15 four-inch diameter circles out of construction paper, and pin them into the carpet.
For a hard floor, tape the colored circles, or for garage floor color the circles directly on the surface with chalk.
Number each circle, 1-15.
Mark a six-foot square target area around the circles with masking tape.
Place one chip, numbered side down, inside each circle, matching numbers.
Procedure
Time:
You have 6 minutes to solve this challenge.
Rules:
Using only the materials given, you must flip the chips in the target area, so that the numbered sides are face up on the colored circles.
Team members may not enter the target area.
No part of a team member's body may enter the target area.
Team members may not touch the chips directly. If a chip is touched, it will be removed by the judge and receive no score.
You will be scored at the end of 6 minutes or when you decide to stop.
Scoring will be based on the total number of points received, minus any penalty points for a chip touching a circle not its own.
NOTE: Team members may remove the chips from the target area and return them again, provided they do not touch the chips, but DO NOT tell them that unless THEY ASK!
Suggested layout
Bowling us over!
Your challenge is to create a device or devices that will allow you to launch balls toward the bowling pins.
Set Up
Teams:
There are three bowling setups on the floor in front of you.
There is a 5ft long release line, taped on the floor.
You have 15 balls, plus a series of materials, with which to make launching devices.
Judges:
Materials: 30 roughly identical small water or soda bottles
Provide 15 balls. Golf balls and tennis balls would probably work the best.
Give the teams the following materials: 1 broom, 1 yardstick, 2 soup cans, 5 cups, 10 rubber bands, 1 dowel rod, 1 shoe, 1 coat hanger, 2 pieces of string 12", 36" of masking tape, 5 sheets of paper.
Suggested layout
Arrange 10 empty bottles in a bowling formation in three separate setups
Tape a line 5 feet from the setups
At the first setup, do not put stars on any of the bottles.
On the second setup, put stars on all but the back four bottles.
On the third setup put stars on all but the middle bottle.
Place dots on the floor for the locations of the water bottles.
Procedure
Time:
You will have 7 minutes to solve this problem. You can ask questions, but time will continue.
Rules:
There are three bowling setups on the floor in front of you.
Your challenge is to create a device or devices that will allow you to launch balls toward the bowling pins.
There are materials for you to make your devices; no other materials may be used. You may not alter the setup.
When launching the balls, you and any device used must stay behind completely behind the release line. Any attempt made where your body or the device crosses the line will NOT count. You may NOT launch the balls using any part of your body directly.
You will have 15 balls. You may not retrieve the balls once you launch them. You may make as many attempts at each setup as you like and you do not have complete them in order nor do you have to complete before moving on to another setup.
Some of the pins have stars on them. These pins must not be knocked over.
Pins without stars should be knocked over.
To be considered knocked over the pin must be lying on its side.
NOTE: If a team member crosses the line, try to tell them before they launch the ball.
Scoring
Each pin correctly knocked over will receive 5 points
Each pin correctly standing will receive 5 points
Each setup that is completed totally correct will receive 10 bonus points
Creativity of how the balls are launched 1-25 points
Teamwork 1-15 points
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the materials effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Was it better to complete one setup before attempting another?
Which set-ups had the biggest risk, biggest reward?
Mixed part tower
Your challenge is to make parts and assemble them into a structure that stands as tall as
possible.
You have 8 minutes to solve the problem. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains. You can ask questions and talk to each other at any time.
Your challenge is to make parts and assemble them into a structure that stands as tall as possible.
You have materials to use to create the parts of your structure. The scissors may not be a part of your structure. Nothing else can be used.
Each part used in the structure must have four sides. At least two of the sides must be made from different
materials.
The sides can be different in length. They do not need to be squares or rectangles.
You may use materials to assemble the four-sided parts in any way. However, only the parts will be considered when scoring the height.
Your structure must rest on the table. Nothing may touch it when it is being measured.
You can ask to be scored at any time. The challenge is over when you ask to be scored or when time ends.
For Judges Only:
Parts cannot share sides, meaning one side cannot serve as a side for two shapes.
The sides do not need to be completely connected.
Materials used to make connections do not qualify as a second material unless it is also used to create a side. However, a square made of toothpicks could have one side covered with a mailing label and be allowed.
Scoring
You will be scored as follows:
Each four-sided part used in your structure will receive 1 point.
Your structure will receive 2 points for every inch of height above the table surface.
If your structure stands more than 12 inches above the table you will receive a bonus score of 20
points.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for how well your team works together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the materials effectively?
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Was it better to focus on numbers of parts or height?
Hanging around
Your challenge is to hang as many items as possible so they are supported by the piece of string.
Set Up
Be sure to set up the site so a string is firmly in place and is between 5' to 8' long and approximately 30 inches above the floor. The string should be as close to level as possible. We suggest tying it to the legs of two tables or two chairs. Be sure the string cannot slide down.
Give each team the following items to hang for score:
7 coins
6 pencils
5 Ping Pong balls
1 softball
Give each team in all divisions the following materials to use to hang the items:
5 plastic straws
1 sheet of paper, 8.5" x 11"
3 small cups, 4 - 6 oz.
3 small rubber bands
6 pieces of yarn,12" long
1 envelope
*The yarn should be sturdy and may be twine, or something else that won’t easily break.
For Division II teams add the following:
1 small rubber band
2 paper clips
For Division I teams add to the following to what is provided to Division II teams:
3 paper clips
2 pieces of masking tape, 12"
1 sheet of paper
1 small rubber band
2 small cups
Procedure
You have 8 minutes to solve the challenge. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains. You can ask questions and talk to each other at any time.
Your challenge is to hang as many items as possible so they are supported by the piece of string.
You cannot change the setup.
On the table are materials to use to hang the items and a container holding the items. The container cannot be used in your solution and nothing else can be used.
You cannot use any single material, such as a straw, to hang more than two items onto the string. However, you may use the other straws to hang up to two items each.
Items must not touch anything except the string or materials or both.
Items must be held in the air on the string when time ends to count for score.
You will receive bonus score for each different method you use to successfully hang an item.
You can ask to be scored at any time. Competition is over when you ask to be scored or when time ends.
For Judges Only:
If more than two items use the same material (all or part) to be connected to the string, score only the two highest value items that use that material. The same material does not mean the same type of material, such as cups, it means the same exact material, such as a particular, single cup. Teams may duplicate methods. For example, they may use different paperclips to hang two cups that contain two items as long as they are independently connected to the string. This would score for four items but only one method. Using a cup in a different way would be a different method.
You will be scored as follows:
Each Ping Pong ball successfully hung will receive 2 points.
Each coin successfully hung will receive 3 points.
Each pencil successfully hung will receive 5 points.
The softball successfully hung will receive 10 points.
Each unique method used to successfully hang any item will receive 5 points.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for how well your team works together.
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the materials effectively?
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Was it better to focus on numbers or point values of items to hang?
Scoring
Debriefing
Stack 'em
Your challenge is to use the items to stack your cups on top of the table.
This is a two-part challenge.
Set Up
Set up the competition site by taping a 6-foot long line on the floor that is 3 feet away from one side of the table running parallel to it.
Place 25 unmarked cups of the same type on the table, and a set of the following items behind the taped line:
2 paper plates
2 unsharpened pencils
4 rubber bands
6 adhesive mailing labels
3 pieces of string, 12"
2 sheets copy paper
10 paper clips
2 cubes of clay, 1”
In a separate pile, place the following items:
1 plastic ladle or large spoon
1 baseball cap
1 yardstick
1 broom
The teams can use these in their solution but they may not be altered or damaged in any way.
Procedure
This is a two-part challenge.
In Part I, you will have 2 minutes to discuss the problem, create a solution, and practice.
In Part II, you will have 5 minutes to test your solution for score.
You will be warned when 1 minute remains in each part. You may ask questions and talk to each other at any time.
There are cups on the table and a series of items behind the taped line the team can use use these items to solve the challenge.
Your problem is to use the items to stack your cups on top of the table.
You may practice as you wish in Part I. When Part I ends, you must move all of the cups behind the line on the floor. You may leave materials where you have placed them or you may take some or all of them behind the line.
In Part II, you must stand behind the line when stacking the cups for score. You cannot change the line.
You must move the cups one at a time.
You are allowed to cross the line to retrieve items and cups.
When you are across the line, you must retrieve anything you touch.
You will be finished when time ends or when you tell the judge you would like to be scored. After that, you cannot touch any cups or items.
For Judges Only:
When Part I ends, let the team move cups and items behind the line before you start the timer for Part II.
In Part II, make sure any team member involved in moving a cup for score is standing entirely behind the taped line; however, they can break the plane of the line.
You will be scored as follows:
Every cup that rests on the table will receive 1 point.
The three tallest stacks will receive 1 point for each inch it is tall.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for how well your team works together.
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the materials effectively?
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Was there more than one way to stack cups?
Was it better to focus on one big stack or all 3 stacks (# of cups needed for set amount of height)?
Capture the King
Your challenge is to roll the balls down the ramp and knock over the black chess pieces while leaving the white chess pieces standing.
This is a two-part challenge.
Set Up
Set up the chessboard and table as shown in Figures A and B.
Select all of the white and the black pawns and also the black King.
Use tape to mark the foul line and to hold the chessboard in place.
Give the team a container holding ten golf balls.
Make a ramp using a 16” piece of molding with one end attached to a board so it is 8” high.
Give the team four pieces of 2” x 4” wood that are no longer than 6”.
Procedure
Figure A - Chessboard
Figure B - Table
For Judges Only:
Check the ramp before each team competes. Make sure the team does not place it anywhere past the foul line. Use molding that allows the balls to travel down them accurately.
Team members must stand behind the foul line while a ball is in play. If for some reason a team member drops a ball before rolling it, or a ball is rolled but falls off the ramp before hitting the table, that ball can be picked up and rolled again.
Procedure
This is a two-part challenge.
In Part I, you will have 3 minutes to discuss the challenge, create a solution, and practice.
In Part II, you will have 3 minutes to test your solution for score. You can ask the judges questions, but time will continue. The judge will warn you when 1 minute remains in each part.
There is a table with a chessboard taped to it. There is a taped foul line, and behind the foul line there is a ramp and a bucket of 10 balls.
Your challenge is to roll the balls down the ramp and knock over the black chess pieces while leaving the white chess pieces standing. If you can knock over the black King without knocking over any white chess pieces you will get a bonus.
You have four pieces of wood to use. You can place the wood anywhere on the table or on the chessboard.
you wish in Part I. When Part II begins, you will place the pieces of wood anywhere you want on the table. They will stay in place for the first three rolls. Then you can change their position for the next three rolls. You aren’t allowed to use them for the last four rolls.
You can move the ramp between rolls if it is always completely behind the foul line. You are only allowed to roll each ball one time. You are not allowed help guide or move the ball after it is released down the ramp.
After each ball comes to rest, a judge will remove all knocked-over chessmen and will also remove the ball from the course.
You do not need to roll all the balls and may stop at any time. Otherwise, you will be scored when time ends or after all the balls have been rolled.
Scoring
You will be scored as follows:
For each black chess piece that is knocked over you will receive 2 points.
For each white chess piece that is knocked over you will lose 2 points.
If you can knock over the black king but not knock over ANY of the white pieces you will receive 15 bonus points
You will receive 1 to 15 points for how well your team works together
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the pieces of wood effectively?
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Was it better to use all the balls or stop at a certain point?
Was it better to focus on knocking over the king, or on knocking over as many black pieces as possible?
Tornado Trouble
Your challenge is to keep as many items as possible inside a scoring area while a fan blows on them from different distances
This is a two-part challenge.
Set Up
Set up the competition site as shown below, with a 4 foot x 4 foot taped scoring area and four lines to mark fan placement. The first fan line should be 24” away from one side of the scoring area and the other lines should each be 24” apart. Starting from the one closest to the scoring area, mark each line with a score value in this order: 8, 6, 4, 2.
Place a set of the following barrier materials on the table:
6 blocks of different sizes ranging from 2 x 2 to 2 x 6
12” masking tape
1 paper plate
1 paper napkin
4 small wooden dowels
Place the following items in a box marked “scoring items”:
2 cotton balls
1 hollow plastic ball
1 plastic cup
1 ping-pong ball
1 tennis ball
2 6” pieces of string
4 marbles.
Give the team one card marked “STOP.”
Have a working box fan on the floor at the line farthest away from the scoring area. Move it to the next line during Part II and let it run for 10 seconds. Be sure to set the fan speed to “high.” Plug the fan into an extension cord that has an on/off switch. Instruct the team to use the switch when practicing with the fan
Procedure
This is a two-part challenge.
In Part I, you will have 5 minutes to discuss the problem, create a solution, and practice.
In Part II, you will have 2 minutes to test your solution for score.
You are allowed to ask the judges questions, but time will continue. The judge will warn you when 1 minute remains in Part I.
Your problem is to keep as many of the scoring items as possible inside the scoring area while the fan blows on them from different distances You are not allowed to alter or damage the fan.
You will be given barriers to use in your solution. You are allowed to place them anywhere on the site, but they are not allowed to touch any of the items when Part I ends.
When practicing in Part I, you are allowed to turn the fan off and on, but you are not allowed to touch it in any other way
Part I is over when you tell the judges you are ready to test your solution or when Part I time ends.
In Part II, a judge will turn on the fan and let it run for 10 seconds from each of the lines, starting with the furthest one and then moving the fan toward the line nearest to the scoring area.
You have one STOP card.
If you want to move any of the barriers during Part II, hold up your STOP card. You can raise your card at any time, but if the fan is blowing, you must wait until it stops to move the barriers. Any barrier that you move is not allowed to touch an item. When you are finished, lower the card, and the judge will turn on the fan at the next line. Time continues.
Competition is over after the judge runs the fan for the fourth time, or when there are no items left in the scoring area, or when Part II time ends.
For Judges Only:
Make sure the barriers are not touching any of the items when Part I ends. If they are, allow the team to adjust them in a timely manner.
If the team raises its STOP card, the team can move its barriers, but make sure that they do not move the barriers so they are touching any of the items.
Items can touch the barriers if they are blown into them, but not at the beginning of Part II, and the team cannot move a barrier in Part II so it touches an item. For example, if a marble rolls into a block when the fan blows and is touching it when Part II ends, count it for score. However, if the team were to place tape directly onto the marble, it would not count for score.
Scoring
You will be scored as follows:
Each item left in the scoring area will receive 15 points.
Each item blown out of the scoring area will receive the point value of the line that the fan was blowing from.
You will receive 1 to 15 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will also receive 1 to 10 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the barriers effectively?
Was time used effectively?
Was it better to focus on keep the items in or blowing out from higher value point lines?
Was the STOP card used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Send and Return
Your challenge is to keep as many items as possible inside a scoring area while a fan blows on them from different distances
This is a two-part challenge.
Set Up
Set up the competition site as shown below, with a 4 foot x 4 foot taped scoring area and four lines to mark fan placement. The first fan line should be 24” away from one side of the scoring area and the other lines should each be 24” apart. Starting from the one closest to the scoring area, mark each line with a score value in this order: 8, 6, 4, 2.
Place a set of the following barrier materials on the table:
6 blocks of different sizes ranging from 2 x 2 to 2 x 6
12” masking tape
1 paper plate
1 paper napkin
4 small wooden dowels
Place the following items in a box marked “scoring items”:
2 cotton balls
1 hollow plastic ball
1 plastic cup
1 ping-pong ball
1 tennis ball
2 6” pieces of string
4 marbles.
Give the team one card marked “STOP.”
Have a working box fan on the floor at the line farthest away from the scoring area. Move it to the next line during Part II and let it run for 10 seconds. Be sure to set the fan speed to “high.” Plug the fan into an extension cord that has an on/off switch. Instruct the team to use the switch when practicing with the fan
8
6
4
2
Procedure
This is a two-part challenge.
In Part I, you will have 5 minutes to discuss the problem, create a solution, and practice.
In Part II, you will have 2 minutes to test your solution for score.
You are allowed to ask the judges questions, but time will continue. The judge will warn you when 1 minute remains in Part I.
Your problem is to keep as many of the scoring items as possible inside the scoring area while the fan blows on them from different distances You are not allowed to alter or damage the fan.
You will be given barriers to use in your solution. You are allowed to place them anywhere on the site, but they are not allowed to touch any of the items when Part I ends.
When practicing in Part I, you are allowed to turn the fan off and on, but you are not allowed to touch it in any other way
Part I is over when you tell the judges you are ready to test your solution or when Part I time ends.
In Part II, a judge will turn on the fan and let it run for 10 seconds from each of the lines, starting with the furthest one and then moving the fan toward the line nearest to the scoring area.
You have one STOP card.
If you want to move any of the barriers during Part II, hold up your STOP card. You can raise your card at any time, but if the fan is blowing, you must wait until it stops to move the barriers. Any barrier that you move is not allowed to touch an item. When you are finished, lower the card, and the judge will turn on the fan at the next line. Time continues.
Competition is over after the judge runs the fan for the fourth time, or when there are no items left in the scoring area, or when Part II time ends.
For Judges Only:
Make sure the barriers are not touching any of the items when Part I ends. If they are, allow the team to adjust them in a timely manner.
If the team raises its STOP card, the team can move its barriers, but make sure that they do not move the barriers so they are touching any of the items.
Items can touch the barriers if they are blown into them, but not at the beginning of Part II, and the team cannot move a barrier in Part II so it touches an item. For example, if a marble rolls into a block when the fan blows and is touching it when Part II ends, count it for score. However, if the team were to place tape directly onto the marble, it would not count for score.
Scoring
You will be scored as follows:
Each item left in the scoring area will receive 15 points.
Each item blown out of the scoring area will receive the point value of the line that the fan was blowing from.
You will receive 1 to 15 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will also receive 1 to 10 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
Did the team use the barriers effectively?
Was time used effectively?
Was it better to focus on keep the items in or blowing out from higher value point lines?
Was the STOP card used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Tower of Power
Your challenge is to build a structure as tall as possible on the table
Set Up
Give each team the following materials:
5 pipe cleaners
6 rubber bands
2 unsharpened pencils (Mark with a yellow label)
1” cube of clay
3 6” long pieces of foil
20 wooden toothpicks
2 small adhesive mailing labels
1 sock
2 4-6 oz. cups
2 paper plates
Procedure
You will have 8 minutes to solve the problem. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes and when 1 minute remains.
You are allowed to ask the judges questions and talk to each other at any time.
There are materials to use to create your solution (point to materials). Nothing else may be used and you are not allowed to damage anything marked with a yellow label.
Your problem is to build a structure as tall as possible on the table.
Your structure must rest on the table without anyone touching it when checking for score.
You may ask to be scored at any time. Competition is over when you ask to be scored or when time ends.
For Judges Only:
Place a table against a wall for the team to build its structure. Team members may lean the structure against the wall; however, do not reveal this unless a team asks.
Use a measuring tape to measure from the table to the highest part of the structure. If the structure falls while measuring, do your best to score it as it was when the team finished.
Scoring
You will be scored as follows:
You will receive 1 point for each inch of your structure’s height.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
When scoring how well the team works together, consider the extent that all team members are involved, if they value one another’s input, etc.
When scoring creativity of the team’s solution, consider strategy, experimentation, and how they use the materials.
Was time used effectively?
Could the structure lean against the wall?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Penny Tower
Your challenge is to build a structure that will hold a penny as high as possible.
Procedure
You will have 8 minutes to solve the challenge. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes and when 1-minute remains. You are allowed to ask questions and talk to each other at any time.
There are materials to use to create your solution. Nothing else may be used. You are not allowed to damage anything marked with a white label
Your problem is to build a structure that will hold this penny as high as possible above this table.
Your structure must touch only the table and penny when measuring for score.
You may ask to be scored at any time. Competition is over when you ask to be scored or when time ends.
Set Up
Place a table in the middle of the room for the team to build its structure.
The structure is not allowed to touch anything else when being scored.
Place a penny on the table and give each team the following materials:
5 pipe cleaners
6 rubber bands
2 unsharpened pencils (may not be damaged)
1” cube of clay
3 6” long pieces of foil
20 wooden toothpicks
2 small adhesive mailing labels
1 sock
2 4-6 oz. cups
2 paper plates
For Judges Only:
Use a measuring tape to measure from the table to where the penny rests on the structure. If the structure falls while measuring, do your best to score it as it was when the team finished. A laser pointer can help with measurement. Round up or down to the nearest inch when measuring where the penny rests.
Scoring
You will receive 1 point for each inch that your penny rests above the table.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will receive 1 to 10 points for how well your team works together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
When scoring how well the team works together, consider the extent that all team members are involved, if they value one another’s input, etc.
When scoring creativity of the team’s solution, consider strategy, experimentation, and how they use the materials.
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?
Bridge the Gap
Your challenge is to build as many bridges across the gap as possible
You have 6 minutes to discuss the problem, practice, and create your solution. The judge will warn you when 2 minutes, when 1 minute, and when 30 seconds remain. You are allowed to ask the judges questions, but time will continue.
The tables are divided off into different scoring areas (Point to areas). Your score will be based on the sections that you choose to start and end your bridges. (Point to tables)
You will use these materials to build the bridges (Point to materials).
Nothing else can be used, and you are not allowed to damage items marked with a yellow label. (Point to items with a yellow label).
A bridge is eligible for score as long as it only touches the surface of the two tables.
Bridges are not allowed to touch each other.
You will be scored when time ends or when you ask to be scored.
Set Up
Place the following materials on a table:
*3 unsharpened pencils
*1 ruler, approx. 12”
8 paperclips
8 rubber bands
4 pieces of string, 6”
2 ounces of clay
8 plastic straws
2 sheets of paper, 8.5” x 11”
2 8-oz. Styrofoam cups
8” piece of painter’s tape
40 toothpicks
* Mark with a yellow label.
Set up two tables in a “V” formation as shown in Site Setup.
Mark each scoring area with tape and label the score for each section.
Site Setup
For Judges Only:
A bridge is eligible for score as long as it only touches the surface of the tables. To score, add together the scoring area values that each part of each bridge is touching.
If a bridge touches more than one scoring area on a table, award the team the higher of the values.
Be sure to give each team exactly 6 minutes to create their solution. Warn the team when 2 minutes, when 1 minute, and when 30 seconds remain.
Scoring
Each legal bridge will receive the score of the highest scoring area it touches on each table.
You will receive 1 to 15 points for the creativity of your solution.
You will also receive 1 to 10 points for how well you work together.
Debriefing
Were team member tasks and responsibilities sorted out clearly?
When scoring how well the team works together, consider the extent that all team members are involved, if they value one another’s input, etc.
When scoring creativity of the team’s solution, consider strategy, experimentation, and how they use the materials.
Was time used effectively?
What would the team do differently if they did it again?