MISSION POSSIBLE - Division B
Prior to the competition, teams must design, build, test and document one "Rube Goldberg(R) -like Device" that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive tasks.
This event requires impound.
Observers are allowed to watch this event. Observers may not approach or speak to participants while they are competing.
No coaching is allowed. Any observer who interferes or becomes loud will be asked to leave.
You may photograph or record only devices from your child’s school. You may photograph or record only your own child or, with advance written permission given to the head coach, children from your child’s school.
These restrictions also apply to students photographing and recording other students or devices.
EACH device MUST have the school name and the team name written permanently on the device.
Added 03/06/12 Rule clarification that will apply to our State Competition...
Question: IMA can be calculated in many ways. A block and tackle could be input
distance / output distance. Is this event limiting the calculation to
output distance divided by input distance?
(section: 5 / paragraph: f / sub-paragraph: / line: 1)
Answer: No, the IMA calculation is limited to distance measurements for all of the
tasks with the exception of the pulley task. That calculation will be
performed by counting the strings.
Question: Please clarify between parallel tasks and tasks in a sequence that appear to be simultaneous or have some overlap.
(section: 3 / paragraph: b / sub-paragraph: iv / line: 2)
Answer: Seemingly simultaneous tasks are frequently not parallel tasks. There is no minimum amount of time that must separate tasks. Parallel tasks are not measured in a chronologic manner but in a causality manner. That is to say, if one task causes the next task, then they are not parallel. Parallel tasks have no direct relationship to one another and if one of the two tasks fails, the overall sequence of events can still continue or lead to a “dead-end” path. Example #1 Parallel Task: Two different levers hit a single switch and only one or the other is required to activate the switch.
Example #2 Tasks that may appear to be parallel or simultaneous tasks but are not parallel or simultaneous tasks: A latch releases a spring attached to a third class lever. The spring pushes the lever, which then moves an object 15 cm and continues the chain of events. This sequence is legal and fulfills both tasks 4.g and 4.i.
Question: What describes a granular material?
(section: 4 / paragraph: m / sub-paragraph: / line: 2)
Answer: A granular material is a conglomeration of discrete solid, macroscopic particles characterized by a loss of energy whenever the particles interact (the most common example would be friction when grains collide). Some examples of granular materials are nuts, coal, sand, rice, coffee, corn flakes, fertilizer, sugar, nuts, popcorn, ball bearings, etc.
Question: If the lever pushed a roll-able object and pushed it for 5 cm, the lever stopped moving, and the object continues to roll for 10 cm due to the energy of the lever pushing it. Would that count as completing task 4.i.?
(section: 4 / paragraph: I / sub-paragraph: / line: 1)
Answer: Yes, that would complete task 4.i. if the final placement of the object causes the next action.
Question: Since most fertilizers contain ammonium nitrate or other hazardous materials, we don't believe it should be listed as an example of an acceptable granular material in the FAQ's. Can this be clarified on the NSO site?
(section: 4 / paragraph: / sub-paragraph: / line: j)
Answer: Hazardous materials must not be used in any event. If a material is ruled hazardous by a judge, then it will not be allowed. We can not list all acceptable materials or those not allowed. We have removed fertilizer as an example in the FAQs but this does not exclude a fertilizer if it is non-hazardous. Interpretations will be left up to the local Event Supervisor. Please see the General Rules in the back of the Rules Manual.
If in doubt, don't risk being DQ'd.
Added 02/17/12 State Clarification
Q: Does the axle need to lift the mass directly, or can it operate a pulley
system to lift the mass? (section: 4 / paragraph: m / sub-paragraph: / line: 4)
A: Yes, the string wrapping around the axle must lift the mass directly. A
pulley must not lift the mass. No pulley system! That is part of the
challenge.
Added 01/26/12 The dimensions of the MP device (and all other devices) include any hardware on the outside. Make sure that the kids don't have to saw things off before they run their devices. I saw a photo of a MP device from one of our teams (asking a question about something else) that may have this problem.
Added 01/21/12 There is concern about the weight of the device this year and the problem the kids might have setting up their devices. Our event captain says that teams may elect to set up and run their Mission Possible devices resting on the floor. If they want to place them on a table, they may do that – or they leave them on the floor.
Added 01/16/12 Students may bring a small collection of tools, if they need them, to get their devices ready to run. The tools should be in a bag or small box. They will not count as part of the device. They should NOT bring everything + the kitchen sink.
The MP devices will sit on the floor until the students are ready to work on them. The devices may be heavy. Students should bring along enough help to lift the devices from the floor onto the testing tables.
Added 01/16/12 Mission Possible B RUN TIMES. The students have 30 minutes to prepare before the run times. Let Liz know if you want to add a team or if the time you got no longer works.
Added 01/12/12 The devices must sit on the floor until the students are ready to start their set ups. This event will take place in a room that is used for art projects. It has tables, but they are not equipped to handle a huge amount of weight. So, when the students bring their devices into the room for impound – first thing in the morning – they should place them on the floor, under the tables if possible. (Only the students who will run their MP devices at 8:00 am and 8:15 am should place their devices on the tables because their 30 minute set up time begins before 8:00 am. One device/table.) This brings up a key concept of Mission Possible. The devices need to be sturdy enough to be moved – in the back of a car and from the floor to the table.
Added 01/03/12 Clarification from Nationals: correct formula is below.
IMA = Ideal mechanical advantage
Input distance
IMA = _______________
Output distanceAdded 12/16/11 Mission Possible B score sheet
Added 12/13/11 Clarification from Nationals:
Question: How is IMA determined? (section: 4 / paragraph: f / sub-paragraph: / line: 1)
Answer: IMA is determined by the output distance moved divided by the input distance moved.
Added 12/12/11 2012 Event Schedule Division B, update that includes impound of Mission Possible 7:15-8:00 a.m..
Impounds may be dropped off by any member of the same team.
Added 11/11/11 Questions & Answers:
Question: 4.m.3. and 4.m.4 For Regionals, does timing stop when the mass passes 10 cm or when the mass stops (e.g. if it continues to 30 cm and stops)?
Answer: 4.m.4. – The mark on the device will be the point at which the bottom of the mass has been lifted 10 cm. For our Regional Competition, timing will stop then or (6.b.) at 180 seconds, whichever comes first. The mass could continue upwards, but timing will stop when the bottom of the mass passes the indicated 10 cm line – or at 180 seconds.
Question : Can chemical reactions take place as triggering actions (like vinegar and baking soda used to expand a balloon)?
Answer: They are OK as long as they are not dangerous in any way.
Added 09/21/11 - Build Events - from the Regional Director
-->> WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES WHILE BUILDING / USING TOOLS <<--
Resources:
- National SO Mission Possible web page in progress.
- scioly Wiki from 2007
- scioly Forum
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