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 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 distance

Added 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:

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IMPORTANT NOTICES

This page provides event resources from the national and regional levels. Content is added regularly and noted by date.

Please bookmark this page and check often. If you have resources to add, please contact Liz Jablecki.

San Diego Regional Competition events follow:
1. The rules in the Rules Manuals
2. Clarifications on the National Science Olympiad web site
3. Additional clarifications, if any, from our Regional Event Captains
Nothing else counts.