JUNKYARD CHALLENGE - Division B
Students will partially pre-construct an device with final construction and adaptation onsite to complete a published challenge.
Added 02.02.11 This is NOT a Spectator Event
Junkyard Challenge is NOT a spectator event. No parents or coaches will be allowed into the Gym.
Added 01.30.11 Use ONLY Scotch Brand BLUE Painter's Tape
It is probably a bad idea to tape things to the gym floor during construction because it would be hard to get the tape up without hurting the structure. BUT, if the students want to tape something to the floor during construction, they will be allowed to USE ONLY Scotch brand BLUE painters’ tape. When they are finished with their constructions, they must remove all of the blue tape from the floor.
Added 01.30.11 Event Scheduling
This event was written for competitions with 10 teams. We have 85 Division B teams. Not all teams may do this event, but we must plan as if they will. There is not enough time in a 50 minute time block to do all of the things that are in this event with 22 teams. Therefore, the written test is scheduled. The Junkyard construction time is scheduled. The testing of the Junkyard construct is a walk-in.
Added 01.17.11 Event Questions & Answers
Questions from a coach, followed by my answers. Pay particular attention to #2.
1) After the 30min building time, some students may need to wait for a few hours before coming back for the device testing. The device may have tilted or shifted by then. Can they use some of their test time to center/straighten their device within the 2 minute test time?
If a team leaves and comes back to test, we will give the students 2 min to straighten their construct – see 3.c. line 2.
2) In section 3.f and 4.d, it says "Competitors place/drop the balls during official testing" and "Measurements are made after the cup has been placed, prior to ball placement". In placing the test ball, may the student first pickup the free standing cup and place the ball inside, then gently place both the cup and ball together on the device?
That sounds fair. Good idea.
3) Regarding section 3.c What can be done during 2 minutes calibration time. For example, a student builds a cantilever and wants to adjust it based on the friction of the test table. Would this be allowed as part of the calibration?
The students will not have to move their devices.
4) If cantilever is picked, will the event captain announce the length of the testing table before building starts? The length of the table or test bed determines the distance between the fulcrum and the weight. Students need such information to determine the overall size of the cantilever.
Yes, if it will be a cantilever, the size of the testing table will be announced before building.
Added 01.15.11 Clarification
Cantilever – 4.d.iii, lines 7,8 – “Cable-stayed or similar devices are not permitted.” I interpret this to mean that you can not use string, line, thread, etc. to support the end of the cantilever like a suspension bridge.
Tower – We will have ladders available if the students need them. The entire tower must be assembled before the test ball is placed in the cup.
Added 01.07.11 Tape dispensers may be used as long as the dispenser is not used for any other purpose.
Free-standing, by definition, means "without support or attachment". That means that the students may not brace the cup with anything.
Added 12-06-10 - Junkyard Challenge B - from the Regional Director
If the challenge is to build a bridge, it will be built on the floor. The span must remain above the floor - period. We have to be able to pass a piece of paper under the span in order for it to be considered a span. Loaded and unloaded.
Added 11-30-10 - Junkyard Challenge B - from the Regional Director
Questions and answers for the San Diego Regional Competition
1. In section 3.f.i: If the students can't reach the top of the tower to drop the ball during official testing, can they tilt the tower down, put the ball in and straight it back up?
Yes. The students may bend the tower to place the load.
2. In section 3.f.i: If the students can't reach the top of the tower to drop the ball during official testing, and the tower is detachable in the middle, can they take the top part off (without any tools), place the ball and re-attach the two sections (without any tapes or tools).
Yes. Timing will not start until the students’ hands leave the tower after placing it together again.
3. In section 2.b.viii: Can students write down the steps of their design on a piece of paper?
No. They may not have their construction steps written on the allowed paper. The general rule at SO is, "If it is not specifically prohibited, it is allowed." However, there is another rule that teams may not do things that corrupt the concept of the event and the "spirit of SO." Having directions written out on paper would be ridiculous because the coach could just write out the instructions, and the kids would not have an understanding of what they are doing.
4. In section 2.b.vi: Can pre-notched craft sticks be used?
No. During the event, they may use their allowed scissors to make notches in their allowed Popsicle/craft sticks, hopefully not injuring themselves in the process. If these were allowed, students could build a Lincoln Log structure very easily.
Added 11-07-10 - Build Events - from the Regional Director
-->> WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHILE BUILDING / USING TOOLS <<--
It is a very good idea to have your students wear safety glasses when they are constructing devices. Saturday, at the workshop, one head coach told me her story. She was working with some students on a device. She had a piece of wire that was too long and was trying to cut it with wire cutters. It got twisted, and when she cut it, one end impaled her chest. The student sitting next to her was stunned. The coach said, “No big deal,” until blood ran down her chest. She ended up in the ER. Good grief. Thankfully, she did not impale an eye.
Posted 10.31.10 Junkyard Challenge B scoresheet.
Click here for Resources from the National SO web site
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