Blocks Task

[chalker]

So are all these clarifications only going to be available to national coordinators and judges? I was unable to find the clarifications that all of you guys have mentioned concerning the blocks on the soinc.org website.

There are 2 types of postings on the soinc.org website you need to check:
1. The official clarifications (where specific rules are cited and modified / updated) at http://soinc.org/official_rules_clarif
2. The event FAQs (where specific situations / intepretations are discussed) at http://soinc.org/frequently_asked_questions

The mission possible FAQs are all listed at: http://soinc.org/node/297

[illusionist]

If I was to use string running through holes in the blocks, and then pulling the string vertical to raise the blocks method, could I use the pulley system to raise the blocks. But then the pulley system isn't actually going to "lift a mass". Could I tie a mass to the end of the string in the pulley system, and then attach the string for the blocks onto the mass?
Did that make any sense?

[sciencegeek100]

I'm thinking you could line the blocks up on a hinged board and then raise the other end. You would need some sort of a corral to keep them stacked, though, which raises a question: if the block is touching a vertical wall, technically there is a tiny frictional force supporting the block. Do you think judges are likely to count this as not being supported entirely by the block underneath?

if the wall could be moved w/o the stack tipping its fine

[illusionist]

Just wondering, for those of you that said you were going to cut the string after the blocks are stacked, how are you going to do that? The rules prohibit any sharp objects.

[aubrey048]

Just wondering, for those of you that said you were going to cut the string after the blocks are stacked, how are you going to do that? The rules prohibit any sharp objects.

You could just have the blocks laying there and pick them up (assuming that they were strung together) somehow. I don't think cutting would even be necessary once you have stacked the blocks. That means you've accomplished the task, and nothing more needs to be done at that point!

[illusionist]

Those were my thoughts too, but some other people were saying they wanted to cut it, to ensure that the string wasn't supporting the blocks. I wanted to make sure they wouldn't get tier 2'd because of that.

[Primate]

Use a piece of nichrome to burn through monofilament--same concept as one of the required tasks last year. You really shouldn't need to, though; most judges will count it as long as, if you were to cut the string, the blocks would still be stacked.

[illusionist]

Right, in my devie, I can loosen the string to show that it doesn't suport the blocks.

[Primate]

Right, in my devie, I can loosen the string to show that it doesn't suport the blocks.

You should be fine. No guarantees, though; judges can be picky.

[unquantumphysics]

I am new to this event for my states competition, so I would greatly appreciate any help from veteran MPers!

Throughout this forum, I have noticed over and over again that people are thinking about covering their stack of blocks with something (i.e. cage). Isn't this prohibited by the rules? I was under the impression that the stack has to be completely independent, without any support from something like a cage!