Junkyard Challenge

In this event your team must prepare and bring materials to build a device on site to complete a task.

The Task
Teams must build, on site, a device that will set off four mousetraps when a golf ball is dropped. Teams may bring items in a "Junk box" with outside dimensions no greater than 40.0 cm x 40.0 cm x 60.0 cm when lid is shut, with all items inside. Teams will be given 30 minutes to construct their device.

Materials
Teams are required to bring: Teams are not allowed to bring: Any item that is not allowed will be confiscated at impound. Teams may bring any other item needed to construct their device.
 * One standard, unmodified golf ball (labeling allowed)
 * Four unmodified mechanical 'snap trap' mousetraps (with bases less than 6.0 cm x 12.0 cm)
 * Acids or bases
 * Flammable liquids or powders
 * Razor blades
 * Rat traps
 * All forms of glue (tape is allowed)
 * Power tools
 * Modified batteries
 * Batteries exceeding 6 volts
 * Any item that can be potentially dangerous.

Competition
The device must be started by dropping a stadard golf ball into the center of the device, which must be clearly marked. Mousetraps will be arranged in a 90 degrees in a North, South, East West arrangment. Distance from center of device to each mousetrap will range from 30.0 cm to 60.0 cm in 5.0 cm intervals at Regionals, 1.0 cm at State and Nationals. The distances from the center of the device to the mousetraps will be the same for each mousetrap at Regionals and State, but may be different at Nationals. The mousetraps may be orientated to snap in any direction.

You will be allowed to make last minute adjustments directly before operating your device, such as setting mouse traps. The event supervisor will give a "3, 2, 1, Start" countdown. Timing will start at the word "Start", and will be stopped after 60 seconds. Any actions that occur after 60 seconds will not be scored.

Your device may set off the mousetraps in any way, whether it is simple or complex. Teams must explain operation to event supervisors before operation.

Scoring
Scoring and penalties will be awarded as following: Any mousetrap tripped as a result of a direct touch will not be scored. Any teams that impound a box but fail to attempt construction of a device during competition will be considered a "No show".

Ties will be broken as following:
 * 1) Fewest penalty points
 * 2) Longest time of operation up to 60 seconds

Other Info

 * The materials you bring must fit in a box with outside dimensions no greater then 26cmx31cmx46cm. The box can be made of any material but the lid must close completely with all materials inside the box.


 * ALL forms of glue are forbidden at the event site. Pre-glued components are permitted.


 * All competitors MUST wear safety spectacles with side shields during construction AND demonstration by ANY competitor.


 * Acids, bases, and flammable liquids may not be brought to the competition.

2009


The Tasks
1. Tipping the scale - teams must build a device that is able to measure the mass of a "challenge object". Teams will not know what the challenge object is until after the impound. It will be no larger then 10.0cm x 10.0cm x 10.0cm for the Regional Tournament,25.0cm x 25.0cm x 25.0cm for the State Tournament, and 25.0cm x 25.0cm x 100.0cm for the National Tournament. Its mass will be between 100.0g and 500.0g for the Regional Tournament, 10.0g and 1000.0g for the State Tournament, and 10.0g and 2000.0g for the National Tournament. You will also have to use a mystery material in your device. Construction time will be between 30-45 minutes. You have 5 minutes to give the judges the weight of the object.

2. Coin Sorter - teams must build a device that is able to sort out five dollars worth of mixed change. The coins must all go into different storage places according to their value. These must be marked and you must be able to get the coins out so they can be scored. You have a minute to sort as many coin as you can using your device. There is a mystery material that must be used. Construction time will be between 30-45 minutes.

Other Info

 * The materials you bring must fit in a box with outside dimensions no greater then 26cmx31cmx46cm. The box can be made of any material but the lid must close completely with all materials inside the box.


 * ALL forms of glue are forbidden at the event site. Pre-glued components are permitted.


 * Tools may be brought in a separate container, they do not have to be impounded. Tools can not become part of the device unless they were impounded in the materials box. Electrical or battery operated power tools may NOT be used.


 * All competitors MUST wear safety spectacles with side shields during construction AND demonstration by ANY competitor.


 * Acids, bases, and flammable liquids may not be brought to the competition.

Links
New York Coaches Conference

Soinc Page with a bunch of helpful info