Difference between revisions of "Mission Possible B"

Revision as of 20:39, 18 September 2019

This page is about the Mission Possible competition for the B Division. To find information about Mission Possible for C Division, or to learn more about different types of energy transfers for enrichment, please see Mission Possible C.

Template:EventLinksBox Mission Possible B is an event in which teams make a Rube Goldberg device which uses certain tasks and runs as close as possible to the ideal time to gain the maximum number of points.

Overview

Mission Possible is all about using simple machines to create a chain reaction, using a number of tasks designated by the rules to achieve the maximum points.

This type of machine is called a Rube Goldberg device. A man named Rube Goldberg made up this type of machine, and so it was named after him. Basically, a Rube Goldberg machine implements a way to finish an often simple task in a very complicated fashion.

For example, a machine might start with the opening task, which was, most recently, using a plunger.. The hit front the plunger might knock down a domino, which might land in a pulley that pulls an object a few centimeters. The pulling of the object would hit a lever which would open a flap that would allow a ball to roll down a ramp, hitting a mousetrap that would then release a string with a weight on it, which would hit another lever and raise an object, and so on and so forth until you reach the final task, which was raising a flag in 2016. However, this example machine doesn't use all the simple machine transfers (there are a maximum of 18 storable transfers), so it is not ideal. This is a frustrating event at times, since it requires a lot of testing and tweaking.

The challenging part of this event is not building the machine, but making it reliable so it works every time. Since it is not ideal for anything to have to intervene after the reaction has started, the reaction should seamlessly work on its own every time.

Simple Machines

There are six types of simple machines. They are:

Lever
Inclined Plane
Wedge
Screw
Wheel and Axle
Pulley

Levers

Levers are one of the most commonly used simple machines in both everyone's daily lives and this event. There are three types of levers, called first class, second class, and third class. First class levers are probably the kind that most people think of when thinking of a lever–the fulcrum is in the center, and the load goes on one end and the force on the other. Some real-life examples of first class levers are pliers and a hammer (when using it to pry up a nail). In the pliers example, the hinge on the pliers becomes the fulcrum, the load is enclosed in the jaws of the pliers and the effort comes from the hand squeezing the handles. Next, is the second class lever. This lever has its fulcrum on one end, with the load in the middle and the effort on the other side. Two prominent examples of this lever are wheelbarrows and nutcrackers. To go more in-depth, imagine a wheelbarrow. There are handles to hold on to, or where one provides the effort. The wheels provide a point of balance–in other words, a fulcrum. And, of course, the load, the mulch or dirt that is being carried, is in between. Finally, the third class lever is similar to the second class except that it has the effort in the middle and the load on the end. A great example would be an arm- the elbow is the fulcrum, the load would be whatever is being held in the hand, and the effort comes from the forearm.

Inclined Planes

Another common simple machine is the inclined plane. This simple machine uses a ramp that lessens the force needed to get something the same distance off the ground as if you were just lifting it. In the Science Olympiad rules, inclined planes must have an object pushed or pulled up them (NOT down, as this would be too easy to accomplish. Inclined planes in real life include wheelchair ramps, staircases, and slides (though that goes downwards).

Wedge

Although wedges may look somewhat similar to an inclined plane in theory, in practice they work quite differently. Wedges allow you to push two objects apart more easily (or to split an object in half). When the wedge is pressed in between two objects in your machine, it should separate the two, not just push slightly and cause something to fall because of gravity. There are many real-life applications of wedges, including knives, nails, and axes, to name a few.

Screw

Sometimes less commonly used in the event, screws are a simple machine that convert rotational force to linear motion. They accomplish this task through threads with a certain pitch (in more commonly used terms, ridges with a certain angle relative to the body of the screw) that force the screw farther into its hole. The main real-world examples of screws are, well, screws, along with threaded rods (this rotational to linear motion is what allows for many braking systems in vehicle events) and the moving part of vises.

Wheel and Axle

A wheel and axle is a simple machine that consists of a wheel attached to an axle (think about cars) and transfers energy from one part to another. This part is often very challenging to get right. First of all, you cannot just roll a wheel attached to an axle down an inclined plane. That would be an example of only one force, the wheel and axle combined, in one directional force. For a wheel and axle to be legal, the forces have to oppose. A common example for this is a windlass[1]. This involves an axle inserted into a vertical surface and a wheel put onto the axle so that it can spin, and attaching a string to the axle, so that if the wheel spins, the axle does also, pulling the string. Since the axle is staying put, opposing the force, or the wheel, and transferring energy via the string, then this would be a legal and functioning wheel and axle.

Pulley

A pulley is a wheel and axle that changes the direction of a force with a mechanical advantage[2] to transfer energy. As with a similar wheel and axle, this is a very challenging simple machine to get right. First of all, the definition of a pulley is often confusing. It cannot just be a wheel and axle with a string on one side and a weight on the other. It has to have a mechanical advantage, or a benefit of saving energy, to be considered a pulley. The mechanical advantage of a pulley is the number of parts of the string that act on the force. An example of this fitting into a Mission Possible device is sliding a piece of wood out from under a weight attached to one side of a string, using three wheels and axles and a length of string to lift another, lighter, weight that lifts up to send a ball rolling down a ramp and up an inclined plane.

Requirements

Transfers

While it may be tempting to fill a machine with many levers and other more common simple machines, in order to maximize points, teams should try to include as many of the types of simple machines as they can. Point will be rewarded for each unique transfer (counting each class of levers separately).

Time-Waster

A device will need to run as close as possible to the Target Time provided by the Event Supervisors at the competition. While some devices might naturally take a long time to run, most will only take a few seconds. It is important to implement a way to adjust the time each run takes, which may not (and probably won't) be a simple machine. Often, these parts of devices include a substance such as sand or rice going through a small opening, building up and eventually becoming heavy enough to trigger the next task. However, these methods can be inconsistent, and many other ways are possible.

TSL

Another important component of this event is writing a Transfer Sequence Log, or TSL for short. This document lists all transfers, including the start and end task, and how many points they're worth (even if they're repeats and worth nothing), as well as a brief description of each. It's worth points, so not doing will result in a lower score.

Yearly Task

Most recent years have included one or more tasks that the device must complete, either to start the device, during the run of the device, and/or when completing the device run. These predetermined tasks generally vary from year to year in order to ensure that teams need to address a new engineering challenge every year.

Starting Tasks

Some start tasks in recent years have been:

Dropping a racquetball into the machine
Operating a plunger

The starting tasks often involve putting kinetic energy in your device in ways that might be very variable depending on how you do them each time. For instance, you could accidentally pull your plunger back a different distance every time if you were not careful about it. This could create errors in your device's run. You should try to figure out a way to make your start task the same every time.

Ending Tasks

Recently, some of the ending tasks have been:

Raising a flag
Ringing a bell

Generally, the ending tasks involve something the judges can either hear or see- some kind of output. It is important to make sure that your task is obvious when it is completed-this is important not only for timing of your device but, in the case of the bell, actually getting the points for that task. If, for example, your bell could not be heard ringing, you wouldn't get its points.

Things to Keep in Mind While Building

Make sure to label each task within the machine with little pieces of paper. That's a requirement!
The simple machines of the same type do not have to be unique. Note that consecutive machines of the same type (even though unique) still only count as one machine.
Make sure to meet the general requirements. Teams that fail to do so will be placed in the second tier. Make sure that all parts of the device, including the outer walls and base plate fall within the legal dimensions of the device.
Be safe by using a mechanical timer to achieve as close to the ideal time as possible. One method would be to use a long screw to eat up time. This way, the time it might take to finish that particular task can be adjusted.
No loops or parallel paths are permitted in the device. Make sure that the action is linear from start to finish.
The highest part of the device automatically designates the top boundary of the device.
You can start and set parts of the device operating before the pulling of the string (such as pendulums, springs, etc.).
Teams cannot touch the device after it has been started without losing points. This is why the reliability of the machine is important; there will be no need for interference.
Don't forget your TSL! It is required, and gives easy points.
Remember that you will probably lose any positive points for time if your device fails to complete the task, but continues to operate.
Try to stay within the ideal time, but if that is not possible, better have it finish than fail!

Tips

Know both the task sequence list and rules well enough to be able to explain everything.
Go with the simplest way possible. Don't over-complicate things, creating more room for failure. Also, build things with a durability factor. There is more reliability this way.
Draw all the designs and keep them together in case something doesn't work and need to build something new.
Prepare for every scenario possible. Bring just-in-case items like tools or extra materials you need, but don't go overboard.
Test the device prior to competition many times--do not just build it and bring it in.
Always allow room for improvement. This will reduce the chance of failure if you keep it simple. Teams do not need to prepare a state-ready box for regional competition if it is not necessary.
Practice with your partners and make sure that they know what they're doing!
Teams can use small pieces from Erector sets or Lego sets to get gears (not legal for some tasks), pulleys, and plates of metal with holes pre-drilled.
KISS! Keep it simple, stupid. This has been mentioned many times but it can not be stressed enough. Yes, domino trains are cool. Baking soda and vinegar inflating balloons are even cooler. However, they don't count for anything except maybe time (but there are easier ways to extend the run time of a device), and they affect the reliability factor of a machine. Stay with safer transfers and the tasks listed in the rules.
Teams should ensure that everything needed is present. Make sure nothing is forgotten.
Devise a system in which each of the people in the event has a designated part in setting up the machine so that the device can be ready as quickly as possible.
And last but not least, know the rules. Teams should always have a copy of the rules during the competition to be able back themselves up for any doubts the event supervisors may have with the device.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-''This page is about the Mission Possible competition for the [[B Division]]. To find more about the basic competition, go to the main [[Mission Possible|Mission Possible page]].''
+:''This page is about the Mission Possible competition for the [[B Division]]. To find information about Mission Possible for [[C Division]], or to learn more about different types of energy transfers for enrichment, please see [[Mission Possible C]].''
 {{EventLinksBox
-|active=Yes
+|active=yes
 |type=Engineering
 |cat=Build
 |2012thread=[http://scioly.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=122 2012]
 |2012gallery=[http://scioly.org/phpBB3/gallery/album.php?album_id=11 Image Gallery]
-|2013thread=[http://www.scioly.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=148 2013]
+|2013thread=[http://scioly.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=148 2013]
-|B Champion=[[Preston Middle School]]
+|2016thread=[http://scioly.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=210 2016]
+|2017thread=[http://scioly.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=247&t=9267 2017]
+|2020thread=[https://scioly.org/forums/viewforum.php?f=318 2020]
+|2017tests=2017 <!-- What is this supposed to do? -->
+|testsArchive=true
+|B Champion=[[Russell Independent Middle School]]
 }}
 '''Mission Possible B''' is an event in which teams make a Rube Goldberg device which uses certain tasks and runs as close as possible to the ideal time to gain the maximum number of points.
-=Overview=
+==Overview==
-Mission Possible is all about simple machines to create a chain reaction, using a number of tasks designated by the rules to achieve the maximum points.
+Mission Possible is all about using [[Simple Machines|simple machines]] to create a chain reaction, using a number of tasks designated by the rules to achieve the maximum points.
-This type of machine is called a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine Rube Goldberg device]. A man named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg Rube Goldberg] made up this type of machine, and so it was named after him. A Rube Goldberg machine basically invents a way to finish an often simple task in a very complicated fashion.
-For example, a machine might start with the opening task, which is dropping a quarter. The dropping of the quarter might land on a switch, which might start a motor turning that will wind a string that pulls an object a few centimeters. The pulling of the object a few centimeters would hit a lever which would open a flap that would allow a ball to roll down a ramp, hitting a mousetrap that would then release a string with a weight on it, which would hit another lever and raise an object, and so on and so forth until you reach the final task, which is raising a 9V battery and up to an optional 10 dominoes onto a platform higher than the rest of the device. This is a frustrating event at times, since it requires a lot of testing and tweaking.
-The challenging part of this event is not to build the machine, but to make it reliable so it works every time. Since it is not ideal for anything to have to intervene after the reaction is started, the reaction should seamlessly work on its own every time.
-=Terms Commonly Used in the Rules=
-Here are some terms commonly used in the rules and how they might be used in your project.
-==IMA and AMA==
-'''IMA''' stands for Ideal Mechanical Advantage.
-Ideal Mechanical Advantage is the ratio of the force applied to an object to the force the object passes off. For example, if an object has an IMA of 2, that means that the force applied was doubled by the object. If the IMA of an object is <math>\frac{1}{2}</math>, that means that the force applied was halved by the object. If the IMA is 1, that means the force that was applied stayed the same.
-For example, an object with an IMA of 2 is described as follows: if an object is pulled on with <math>x</math> force, the object could pull something, but with <math>2x</math> force.
-'''AMA''' stands for Actual Mechanical Advantage. It takes into account things like friction and drag. AMA will not be used in scoring in Mission Possible.
-==Pulleys==
-A simple pulley is a string looped around a fixed axle. If a load is attached to one end of the string, you could pull it up, but would require the same amount of force to pull the load over the pulley as it would if you had no pulley. You could balance it by putting an equal load on the other side. Take a look at this diagram:
-[[File:Simple pulley.png|thumb|center]]
-Pulleys can be more useful than that when there is more than one pulley wheel to a pulley system. If the load's weight is spread between two strings, there is an IMA of 2. Here is an example of a pulley system using two pulley wheels, with an IMA of 2:
-[[File:Pulleyima2.png|thumb|center]]
-Imagine that you are pulling on the string with the little arrow. If you pulled it 2 feet downwards, the hook will rise 1 foot. This is because there are two strings that lift the hook and only one string that is being pulled. This means that you can lift a heavy load as if it were only half as heavy. Now, imagine if three strings were attached to the hook. The IMA would now be 3. But remember only count the supporting lines, or the lines that are being pulled up. In the diagram, the line with an arrow is being pulled down, so it is not counted in the IMA.
-In conclusion, the easy way to tell what the IMA of your pulley system is to count the number of pulley wheels.
-Pulleys are easily acquirable at your local hardware store. To make the circular part of the pulley, you could also use wheels from Lego sets (without the tires, of course).
-==Inclined Planes==
-"Inclined plane" is just a fancy word for a ramp. To find the IMA of an inclined plane, divide the diagonal length of the ramp by the vertical length of the ramp.
-[[File:Ramp.png|center]]
-The IMA of this ramp is <math>\frac{60}{5}=12</math>. Since the circular weight (the one being lifted) is less than 12 times heavier than the square weight,  the square weight is able to lift the circular weight.
-==Wheel and Axles==
-A wheel and axle system can be used in many ways: to transport something, to turn something else on the axle, or to turn another wheel and axle.
-[[File:Wheelaxle.png|center]]
-This diagram shows how to find the IMA of a wheel and axle simple machine. Basically, the IMA of a wheel and axle is the radius of the wheel divided by the radius of the axle.
-==Levers==
-A lever is, in basic terms, a rigid bar resting on a pivot point, or the fulcrum. To work the lever, effort must be applied to move the load, which is usually opposite the effort, across the fulcrum.
-There are three types of levers.
-*First Class
-**The fulcrum is in the middle, the effort is on one side, and the load is on the other. An example of a first class lever would be a seesaw or a crowbar.
-*Second Class
-**The fulcrum is to one side, the load is in the middle, and the effort is on the other side. An example of a second class lever would be a wheelbarrow.
-*Third Class
-**The fulcrum is to one side, the load is on the other side, and the effort is in the middle. An example of a third class lever would be tweezers or your elbow.
-[[File:Levers.jpg|1st, 2nd, and 3rd class levers respectively]]
-To find the IMA of a lever, divide the distance between the fulcrum and the effort by the distance between the fulcrum and the load. Therefore, if the fulcrum is moved closer to the load, the easier it is going to be to lift a load, and the higher the IMA is.
-==Wedges==
-A wedge is a simple machine that separates two objects by converting downward force to sideways force. Imagine a triangular block of wood and two adjacent bouncy balls. If you put the triangular block between the two bouncy balls and pushed down, it would separate the two bouncy balls.
-==Screws==
-Screws convert rotational force to vertical force. A screw is essentially inclined plane wrapped around a central axis. An example would be a drill or a screw for construction.
-=Things to Keep in Mind While Building=
-. Make sure to label each task within your machine with little pieces of paper. That's a requirement!
-. The simple machines of the same type do not have to be unique. Note that
-consecutive machines of the same type (even though unique) still only count as one machine.
-. Make sure to meet the general requirements, since failure to do so is a severe penalty (you will be placed in the second tier). Make sure that all parts of the device, including the outer walls and base plate fall within the legal dimensions of the device.
-. Be safe by using a mechanical timer, so that you can fall as close to the ideal time as possible. One method would be to use a long screw to eat up time. This way, you can adjust the time it might take to finish that particular task.
-. You cannot use any loops or parallel paths in the device. Make sure that the action is linear from start to finish.
-. The highest part of the device automatically designates the top boundary of the device.
+This type of machine is called a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg_machine Rube Goldberg device]. A man named [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rube_Goldberg Rube Goldberg] made up this type of machine, and so it was named after him. Basically, a Rube Goldberg machine implements a way to finish an often simple task in a very complicated fashion.
-. You can start and set parts of the device operating before the pulling of the string (such as pendulums, springs, etc.).
+For example, a machine might start with the opening task, which was, most recently, using a plunger.. The hit front the plunger might knock down a domino, which might land in a pulley that pulls an object a few centimeters. The pulling of the object would hit a lever which would open a flap that would allow a ball to roll down a ramp, hitting a mousetrap that would then release a string with a weight on it, which would hit another lever and raise an object, and so on and so forth until you reach the final task, which was raising a flag in 2016. However, this example machine doesn't use all the simple machine transfers (there are a maximum of 18 storable transfers), so it is not ideal. This is a frustrating event at times, since it requires a lot of testing and tweaking.
-. You cannot touch the device after it has been started without losing points. This is why the reliability of the machine is important, so you do not have to intervene in the middle.
+The challenging part of this event is not building the machine, but making it reliable so it works every time. Since it is not ideal for anything to have to intervene after the reaction has started, the reaction should seamlessly work on its own every time.
-. Don't forget your TSL! It is required, and gives easy points.
+==Simple Machines==
+There are six types of simple machines. They are:
+*Lever
+*Inclined Plane
+*Wedge
+*Screw
+*Wheel and Axle
+*Pulley
-. Remember that you will probably lose any positive points for time if your device fails to complete the task, but continues to operate.
+===Levers===
+Levers are one of the most commonly used simple machines in both everyone's daily lives and this event. There are three types of levers, called first class, second class, and third class. First class levers are probably the kind that most people think of when thinking of a lever–the fulcrum is in the center, and the load goes on one end and the force on the other. Some real-life examples of first class levers are pliers and a hammer (when using it to pry up a nail). In the pliers example, the hinge on the pliers becomes the '''fulcrum''', the '''load''' is enclosed in the jaws of the pliers and the '''effort''' comes from the hand squeezing the handles. Next, is the second class lever. This lever has its fulcrum on one end, with the load in the middle and the effort on the other side.  Two prominent examples of this lever are wheelbarrows and nutcrackers. To go more in-depth, imagine a wheelbarrow. There are handles to hold on to, or where one provides the '''effort'''. The wheels provide a point of balance–in other words, a '''fulcrum'''. And, of course, the '''load''', the mulch or dirt that is being carried, is in between. Finally, the third class lever is similar to the second class except that it has the effort in the middle and the load on the end. A great example would be an arm- the elbow is the '''fulcrum''', the '''load''' would be whatever is being held in the hand, and the '''effort'''  comes from the forearm.
-. Try to stay within the ideal time, but if that is not possible, better have it finish than fail!
+===Inclined Planes===
+Another common simple machine is the inclined plane. This simple machine uses a ramp that lessens the force needed to get something the same distance off the ground as if you were just lifting it. In the Science Olympiad rules, inclined planes must have an object pushed or pulled ''up'' them (NOT down, as this would be too easy to accomplish. Inclined planes in real life include wheelchair ramps, staircases, and slides (though that goes downwards).
-=Tips=
+===Wedge===
-. Know your task sequence list as well as you know the rules. Be able to explain everything.
+Although wedges may look somewhat similar to an inclined plane in theory, in practice they work quite differently. Wedges allow you to push two objects apart more easily (or to split an object in half). When the wedge is pressed in between two objects in your machine, it should separate the two, not just push slightly and cause something to fall because of gravity. There are many real-life applications of wedges, including knives, nails, and axes, to name a few.
-. Go with the simplest way possible. Don't over-complicate things, creating more room for failure. Also, build things with a durability factor. There is more reliability this way.
+===Screw===
+Sometimes less commonly used in the event, screws are a simple machine that convert rotational force to linear motion. They accomplish this task through '''threads''' with a certain '''pitch''' (in more commonly used terms, ridges with a certain angle relative to the body of the screw) that force the screw farther into its hole. The main real-world examples of screws are, well, screws, along with threaded rods (this rotational to linear motion is what allows for many braking systems in vehicle events) and the moving part of vises.
-. Draw all your designs and keep them together in case something doesn't work and you need to build something new.
+===Wheel and Axle===
+A wheel and axle is a simple machine that consists of a wheel attached to an axle (think about cars) and transfers energy from one part to another.  This part is often very challenging to get right.  First of all, you cannot just roll a wheel attached to an axle down an inclined plane.  That would be an example of only one force, the wheel and axle combined, in one directional force.  For a wheel and axle to be legal, '''the forces have to oppose'''.  A common example for this is a '''windlass'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windlass].  This involves an axle inserted into a vertical surface and a wheel put onto the axle so that it can spin, and attaching a string to the axle, so that if the wheel spins, the axle does also, pulling the string.  Since the axle is staying put, '''opposing the force''', or the wheel, and transferring energy via the string, then this would be a legal and functioning wheel and axle.
-. Prepare for every scenario you can think of. Bring just-in-case items like tools or extra materials you need, but don't go overboard.
+===Pulley===
+A pulley is a wheel and axle that changes the direction of a force with a '''mechanical advantage'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechanical_advantage] to transfer energy.  As with a similar wheel and axle, this is a very challenging simple machine to get right.  First of all, the definition of a pulley is often confusing.  It cannot just be a wheel and axle with a string on one side and a weight on the other.  It has to have a mechanical advantage, or a benefit of saving energy, to be considered a pulley.  The mechanical advantage of a pulley is the number of parts of the string that act on the force.  An example of this fitting into a Mission Possible device is sliding a piece of wood out from under a weight attached to one side of a string, using three wheels and axles and a length of string to lift another, lighter, weight that lifts up to send a ball rolling down a ramp and up an inclined plane.
-. Test your device prior to competition many, MANY times--do not just build it and bring it in.
+==Requirements==
+===Transfers===
+While it may be tempting to fill a machine with many levers and other more common simple machines, in order to maximize points, teams should try to include as many of the types of simple machines as they can. Point will be rewarded for each ''unique'' transfer (counting each class of levers separately).
+===Time-Waster===
+A device will need to run as close as possible to the Target Time provided by the Event Supervisors at the competition. While some devices might naturally take a long time to run, most will only take a few seconds. It is important to implement a way to adjust the time each run takes, which may not (and probably won't) be a simple machine. Often, these parts of devices include a substance such as sand or rice going through a small opening, building up and eventually becoming heavy enough to trigger the next task. However, these methods can be inconsistent, and many other ways are possible.
+===TSL===
+Another important component of this event is writing a '''Transfer Sequence Log''', or TSL for short. This document lists all transfers, including the start and end task, and how many points they're worth (even if they're repeats and worth nothing), as well as a brief description of each. It's worth points, so not doing will result in a lower score.
-. Always allow room for improvement. You don't need to have the box state-ready if you don't need it to be that good at Regionals. This will reduce the chance of failure if you keep it simple.
+==Yearly Task==
+Most recent years have included one or more tasks that the device must complete, either to start the device, during the run of the device, and/or when completing the device run. These predetermined tasks generally vary from year to year in order to ensure that teams need to address a new engineering challenge every year.
-. Practice with your partners and make sure that they know what they're doing!
+===Starting Tasks===
+Some start tasks in recent years have been:
+*Dropping a racquetball into the machine
+*Operating a plunger
-. You can use small pieces from Erector sets or Lego sets to get gears (not legal for some tasks), pulleys, and plates of metal with holes pre-drilled.
+The starting tasks often involve putting kinetic energy in your device in ways that might be very variable depending on how you do them each time. For instance, you could accidentally pull your plunger back a different distance every time if you were not careful about it. This could create errors in your device's run. You should try to figure out a way to make your start task the same every time.
+===Ending Tasks===
+Recently, some of the ending tasks have been:
+*Raising a flag
+*Ringing a bell
-. '''KISS'''! Keep it simple, stupid. This has been mentioned many times but it can not be stressed enough. Yes, domino trains are cool. Baking soda and vinegar inflating balloons is even cooler. However, they don't count for anything except maybe time (but there are easier ways to make your device go longer), and they affect the reliability factor of your machine. Stay with safer transfers and the tasks listed in the rules.
+Generally, the ending tasks involve something the judges can either hear or see- some kind of output. It is important to make sure that your task is obvious when it is completed-this is important not only for timing of your device but, in the case of the bell, actually getting the points for that task. If, for example, your bell could not be heard ringing, you wouldn't get its points.
-. Double check to see if you have everything! It's bad if you realize you forgot your TSL back at your home state at Nationals!
-. Devise a system in which each of the people on the event have a designated part in setting up the machine, so that you can be ready as quickly as possible.
+==Things to Keep in Mind While Building==
+#Make sure to label each task within the machine with little pieces of paper. That's a requirement!
+#The simple machines of the same type do not have to be unique. Note that consecutive machines of the same type (even though unique) still only count as one machine.
+#Make sure to meet the general requirements. Teams that fail to do so will be placed in the second tier. Make sure that all parts of the device, including the outer walls and base plate fall within the legal dimensions of the device.
+#Be safe by using a mechanical timer to achieve as close to the ideal time as possible. One method would be to use a long screw to eat up time. This way, the time it might take to finish that particular task can be adjusted.
+#No loops or parallel paths are permitted in the device. Make sure that the action is linear from start to finish.
+#The highest part of the device automatically designates the top boundary of the device.
+#You can start and set parts of the device operating before the pulling of the string (such as pendulums, springs, etc.).
+#Teams cannot touch the device after it has been started without losing points. This is why the reliability of the machine is important; there will be no need for interference.
+#Don't forget your TSL! It is required, and gives easy points.
+#Remember that you will probably lose any positive points for time if your device fails to complete the task, but continues to operate.
+#Try to stay within the ideal time, but if that is not possible, better have it finish than fail!
-. And last but not least, KNOW THE RULES. You can even tape them to your box if the event supervisor doesn't agree with something in your device to back yourself up.
+==Tips==
+#Know both the task sequence list and rules well enough to be able to explain everything.
+#Go with the simplest way possible. Don't over-complicate things, creating more room for failure. Also, build things with a durability factor. There is more reliability this way.
+#Draw all the designs and keep them together in case something doesn't work and need to build something new.
+#Prepare for every scenario possible. Bring just-in-case items like tools or extra materials you need, but don't go overboard.
+#Test the device prior to competition '''many''' times--do not just build it and bring it in.
+#Always allow room for improvement. This will reduce the chance of failure if you keep it simple. Teams do not need to prepare a state-ready box for regional competition if it is not necessary.
+#Practice with your partners and make sure that they know what they're doing!
+#Teams can use small pieces from Erector sets or Lego sets to get gears (not legal for some tasks), pulleys, and plates of metal with holes pre-drilled.
+#'''KISS'''! Keep it simple, stupid. This has been mentioned many times but it can not be stressed enough. Yes, domino trains are cool. Baking soda and vinegar inflating balloons are even cooler. However, they don't count for anything except maybe time (but there are easier ways to extend the run time of a device), and they affect the reliability factor of a machine. Stay with safer transfers and the tasks listed in the rules.
+#Teams should ensure that everything needed is present. Make sure nothing is forgotten.
+#Devise a system in which each of the people in the event has a designated part in setting up the machine so that the device can be ready as quickly as possible.
+#And last but not least, '''know the rules'''. Teams should always have a copy of the rules during the competition to be able back themselves up for any doubts the event supervisors may have with the device.
 ==See Also==
 *[[Mission Possible C]] (Rules are different, but many concepts are similar)
+*[[Simple Machines|This page]] which has information on simple machines and mechanical advantage
+*[https://www.soinc.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_files/MissionPossibleB2017TSLSample.pdf TSL Sample]
 [[Category:Event Pages]]
 [[Category:Building Event Pages]]
+[[Category:Mission Possible]]