engineering fair project. project options overview bridge building contest – individual project...

Engineering Fair Project

Project Options Overview

• Bridge Building Contest – Individual Project• Eiffel Tower Contest – Team Project; 2 Per Team• Electrical Motor Contest – Individual Project• Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Contest – Team Project; 2 Per Team• Rubber Band-Powered Vehicle Contest – Individual Project• Wacky Wonder Works Contest – Team Project; 2 to 3 Per

Team

Sponsored by OK Engineering Foundation

• Students taking 8th Grade Pre-AP General Science are required to complete an engineering fair project.

• The engineering fair is sponsored by the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF).

• This professional organization for engineers decides and sets all of the project design requirements students are expected to follow.

• Their website outlines the project requirements for each specific project listed below.

• You can go directly to the contest rules by going to the following website. www.oef.org or http://oef.org/programs/engineering-fair/contest-rules

http://www.oef.org/

http://oef.org/programs/engineering-fair/contest-rules

Individual & Team Projects

• Students can complete the project individually or with a team member(s) depending on the engineering project option chosen.

• These options all require elements of research, design, data collection, and analysis.

• Each student will submit his or her own report of the project.

Team Projects Expectations

• The only things team project members work on together are the design, construction, and testing of the project device.


• Be very particular when choosing to do a team project; Consider how busy you are outside of school; Consider the partner you choose and if your friendship is strong enough in case the project experiences difficulties along the way

Timeline & Guidelines

• Students are expected to seek approval of their project options from their science teacher prior to the development of the project.

• Students will receive detailed guidelines and a timeline shortly after approval of their topic.

• Students will be expected to follow the timeline and turn drafts of the project report in periodically for review throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Oklahoma Engineering Fair Video Promo

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6UFDQ37Uc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6UFDQ37Uc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz6UFDQ37Uc

Bridge Building Contest

• Individual Project• Bridge Materials: Toothpicks & Wood or

Elmer’s Glue• Must be free standing• Truss style bridge

Eiffel Tower Contest

• Team Project (2 Students)• Tower Materials: Straws & Twist Ties• Objective is to build tallest tower in 5 minutes• Must hold a 2” x 4” x 36” piece of wood• This project requires practice, practice,

practice & teamwork

Electric Motor Contest

• Individual Project• Motor Materials: From retail stores and mail order

suppliers• Motor runs with help of dry cell battery and magnet• Difficult project to complete without knowing

someone with electrical expertise (electrician/electrical engineer)

Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Contest

• Team Project (Two Students)• Launcher Materials: Mouse trap plus any

additional materials; All parts of the mouse trap must be visible

• Must launch ping pong balls into large cans 12 feet away

• Total points scored in 3 minutes

Rubber Band Powered Vehicle Contest

• Individual Project• Vehicle Materials: Can only be powered by

rubber band; Wheels can be made of anything• Must be able to carry box of baking soda• Objective is to build vehicle that can travel the

farthest in a straight line

Wacky Wonder Works Contest

• Team Project (Two or Three Students)• Project Materials: Unlimited possibility of materials as long as

they are safe• Must be contained in specified area and easily moved• Objective last year was to erase a mark on a chalkboard or dry

erase board; Prior years it was zip a zipper; turn on a flashlight; Do not know yet what task this year will be

• Also called a Rube Goldberg Machine

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w



Topic Communication Form• Students taking 8th Grade Pre-AP General Science are required to

complete an engineering fair project. • The engineering fair is sponsored by the Oklahoma Engineering

Foundation (OEF). • This professional organization for engineers decides and sets all

of the project design requirements students are expected to follow.

• Their website outlines the project requirements for each specific project listed below.

• You can go directly to the contest rules by going to the following website. www.oef.org or http://oef.org/programs/engineering-fair/contest-rules

http://www.oef.org/



Contest Rules

• Be aware that the contest rules shown are from the 2015 competition.

• The OEF will post updated rules for the 2016 competition later this fall.

• The only change typically made is the final task of the Wacky Wonder Works contest.

Individual vs. Team Projects

• Students can complete the project individually or with a team member(s) depending on the engineering project option chosen.

• These options all require elements of research, design, data collection, and analysis.

• The only things team project members work on together are the design, construction, and testing of the project device.


Timeline & Guidelines

• Students will receive detailed guidelines and a timeline shortly after communication of their choice of topic to their teacher.

• Students will be expected to follow the timeline and turn drafts of the project report in periodically for review throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Project Options Review

• Bridge Building Contest – Individual Project• Eiffel Tower Contest – Team Project; 2 Per Team• Electrical Motor Contest – Individual Project• Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Contest – Team Project; 2 Per Team• Rubber Band-Powered Vehicle Contest – Individual Project• Wacky Wonder Works Contest – Team Project; 2 or 3 Per

Team

Team Projects Required Signature

• Parent/Guardian Permission Section (If Completing Team Project) – Have your parent/guardian communicate below his/her permission to work with the partner named above in the team project of the engineering fair you have chosen to participate in.

Due Friday, September 25

• Topic Communication Form• Team project reminder: Parent/Guardian

permission and signature required

Due Friday, October 9

• Rough Draft of–Purpose–Introduction–Summary of Research–Bibliography

General Guidelines

• Must Be Typed• 12 Point Font• Times New Roman or Calibri Font Type• Single Spaced• No Personal Pronouns• Use Correct Grammar, Spelling, &

Punctuation• Label Each Section

Team Project Reminder

• For those completing team projects, the only things you work together on are the design, construction, and testing of the project device.

• The report you are in the process of completing should be done separately and should not be copies of each other.

• Each section should be in your own words in the manner in which you each individually write and word process the material.

Purpose

• It should be in a complete sentence.• It should explain the purpose or goal of the

contest.• Refer to the contest rules on the Oklahoma

Engineering Foundation website as a resource. www.oef.org

• Use correct grammar and spelling.• Example:– The purpose of the project is to . . .

http://www.oef.org/

Introduction

• Include an overview of the goals of the contest.

• Include the constraints and challenges the contest requires participants to adhere to.

Introduction

• Refer to the contest rules on the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation website as a resource. www.oef.org

• The introduction should be at least five sentences in length.

• Eliminate use of personal pronouns such as I, me, and we for a more professionally sounding section.

http://www.oef.org/

Bridge Introduction Ideas

• Round or Square Toothpicks• Wood Glue or School Glue• No longer than 24 inches; no wider than 2 ½

inches; no taller than 12 inches; no heavier than 12 ounces

• 1 5/16 inch pipe must be able to fit inside the bridge.

• Judged based upon aesthetics and construction quality, structural efficiency, and load capacity.

Eiffel Tower Introduction Ideas

• Straws with maximum diameter of ¼ inch; Maximum length of 10 inches; Maximum thickness of 1/100 inch

• Wire (twist) ties can be used• 10 ft. x 10 ft. working area• One of two (no more than two) free standing structures

can be built• No more than 10 straws can be bundled• Given at least one minute to set up materials• Given five minutes to build tower & place 2” x 4” x 36”

board on top

Electric Motor Introduction Ideas

• Non-rechargeable dry cell battery; Maximum voltage of 1.5 volts

• Magnets may be used• No professionally manufactured components or

kits allowed• Parts from retail store or internet order sources

may be used• Must include at least a 1 inch disk• Test will involve (2) one minute timed runs

Ping Pong Ball Launcher Introduction Ideas

• Standard household mouse trap• Can modify mouse trap, but all original

mousetrap parts must be visible• Targets will be three empty cans (size #10)

placed on a table 12 feet away• Test will last for three minutes

Rubber Band Powered Vehicle Introduction Ideas

• Only energy source can be from size #64 rubber band

• Must be able to carry a 16 oz. box of baking soda

• Will be tested on a 3 foot wide carpeted track• Up to 3 test runs in 5 minute time frame

Wacky Wonder Works Introduction Ideas

• Must be self contained• Cannot exceed width of 2 feet, length of 2

feet, & height of 3 feet• 20 minutes given to set up device• 5 minutes given to test device; Can be

tested/run two times

Introduction Example

• There are a number of constraints and challenges to the bridge building contest. The bridge can only be built using wood toothpicks and wood glue or Elmer’s glue. The bridge can be no longer than 24 inches, no wider than 2 ½ inches, and no taller than 12 inches. The bridge cannot exceed a weight of 12 ounces and a 1 and 5/16 inch pipe must be able to fit inside the bridge. The bridge will be judged based upon aesthetics and construction quality, structural efficiency, and load capacity.

Introduction Example #2

• There are a number of constraints and challenges to the Wacky Wonder Works contest. The mechanical machine can be made from a variety of materials. The machine must be able to fit on a table that is two feet wide and six feet long. The machine cannot be taller than 36 inches in height. The machine must be able to meet the design challenge within five minutes of activation to be considered successful.

Summary of Research

• Summary of the research you collect.• Must be written in your own words, unless

you use quotations or paraphrases. • Do not include an entire paragraph that is one

big quote. • If plagiarism is suspected, you will receive a

zero on this section.• Information must be relevant to your project.

Summary of Research

• The research should be at least a page in length (A minimum of four paragraphs; minimum of 400 total words; minimum of 32 sentences).

• Make sure the information is separated into manageable paragraphs.


Bibliography

• At least five sources. The more the better.• These can be from books, journals,

encyclopedias, and websites.• Please avoid the use of Wikipedia as a source.

Bibliography

• The citations should be alphabetized based upon the first word that appears in the citation.

• Use APA format. This is the format scientists use. See the research and bibliography handout.

Conducting Research

• Before you begin your project, you will need to find out some background information about your topic.

• You should try to find out everything about your topic that you can by becoming an “expert” in this science area.

• Researching the topic is vital and must be done as thoroughly as possible.

• Conducting good research requires time, effort, and patience so make sure you make a commitment to do so.

Number of Sources

• You must gather research from at least five different sources (science journals, books, internet sites, etc.).

• The more sources you use, the better.

Bibliography

• Make sure you keep track of the sources you collect in the form of a bibliography.

• Make sure you use APA format. • This is a different format than what your English teachers use. • It is the citation style that scientists use. • You can utilize some websites to help you correctly make your

citations. • The first is www.bibme.com. • The second is called citation machine. • This website can be accessed through the BJHS media center

page or by going to the following address (http://citationmachine.net/).

http://www.bibme.com/

http://citationmachine.net/

Bibliography

• You are encouraged to use articles from magazines or journals.

• Books can also be a good reference. • If you use websites, make sure you verify the

website is from a credible source (author) and it has been updated recently.

• This information can be found at the bottom of the website.

• Encyclopedia references are not considered major references so try to avoid these as much as possible.

Copy & Paste

• If you find useful information at school on the computer (website or online article from a magazine or journal), make sure you copy and paste it to a word document.

• Don’t forget to include the information for the bibliography such as author name, titles, dates, etc.

• It is recommended you save this information in your student directory, but you can also print it.

Put In Own Words

• Eventually, you will be asked to write a research section for your report which will be a summary of what you collected and read during the research process.

• This must be written in your own words, unless you use quotations or paraphrases.

• Do not include an entire paragraph that is one big quote. • If plagiarism is suspected, you will receive a zero on this

section. • The research section should be at least a page in length.

Brink Media Center Resources

• You are encouraged to use EBSCO when conducting research.

• It is a great resource that can help you locate articles from magazines and journals that are posted online.

• It is also a useful site that can be accessed at home.

EBSCO• www.mooreschools.com• Click on Select a School; click on Brink Junior High• Place cursor on Resources; click Resources under Counseling Center; click

on Media Center.• Click on Follett system• Click on Brink Junior High• Brink Media Center Home Page• EBSCO • Logon: bjhbobcats• Password: bobcats• Student Research Center• SIRS Discoverer

http://www.mooreschools.com/

Rules for Writing a Bibliography

• Your reference list should appear at the end of your paper.

• It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper.

• Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list; likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited somewhere in your text.


• Your references should begin on a new page separate from the text of the essay/research paper.

• Label this page References (with no quotation marks, underlining, etc.), centered at the top of the page.


• All lines after the first line of each entry in your reference list should be indented one-half inch from the left margin. This is called hanging indentation.

• Authors' names are inverted (last name first); give the last name and initials for all authors of a particular work unless the work has more than six authors. If the work has more than six authors, list the first six authors and then use “et al.” after the sixth author's name to indicate the rest of the authors.

• Reference list entries should be alphabetized by the last name of the first author of each work.


• If you have more than one article by the same author, single-author references, or multiple-author references with the exact same authors in the exact same order, they are listed in order by the year of publication, starting with the earliest.

• When referring to any work that is NOT a journal, such as a book, article, or Web page, capitalize only the first letter of the first word of a title and subtitle, the first word after a colon or a dash in the title, and proper nouns. Do not capitalize the first letter of the second word in a hyphenated compound word.


• Capitalize all major words in journal titles. • Italicize titles of longer works such as books

and journals. • Do not italicize, underline, or put quotes

around the titles of shorter works such as journal articles or essays in edited collections.

Example of a BibliographyHow to cite a website using APA

Last, F. M. (Year, Month Date Published). Article title. Retrieved from URL

Weil, Annie. 1997, August 1). Geology: Plate Tectonics. Retrieved from http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html

How to cite a magazine article in APA

Last name, First name. “Article Title.” Magazine Title, Month Year of publication.

Abercrombie, Thomas. “Wyoming.” National Geographic, January 1993.

http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html



Websites to Help w/ Citations

• www.bibme.com• http://citationmachine.net/

http://www.bibme.com/

http://citationmachine.net/

Bridge Contest Research Ideas

• History of Bridges• Science of Bridges• Bridge Building• Bridge Building Designs• Toothpick Bridge Building Tips• Bridge Building Contest Tips or Techniques

Eiffel Tower Research Ideas

• History of Towers• Tower Building Tips or Techniques• Straw Tower Designs• Science of Tower Building

Electric Motor Research Ideas

• History of Electric Motor• Electric Motor• Electric Motor Building Tips• Science of Electric Motors

Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Research Ideas

• History of the Catapult or Trebuchet• Ping-Pong Ball Launcher Building Tips,

Techniques, or Designs• Science of Projectile Motion

Rubber Band-Powered Vehicle Research Ideas

• History of Forces and Motion• Rubber Band-Powered Vehicle Building Tips,

Techniques, Ideas, or Designs• Forces and Motion

Wacky Wonder Research Ideas

• Rube Goldberg & Rube Goldberg Machines• Rube Goldberg Machine Tips & Tricks• Rube Goldberg Machine Ideas & Designs• Action Reaction

Bibliography Practice

Book

• Author – Aaron Lerner• Book Title – Einstein & Newton• Publisher – Lerner Publications• Place of Publication – Minneapolis• Publication Date – 1973

Website

• Author – National Severe Storms Laboratory• Title of Item (Website) – Tornadoes … Nature’s

Most Violent Storm• Website Address –

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWSTTornado/• Last Updated – March 13, 2002

http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/NWSTTornado/

Magazine/Journal Article

• Author – Jane Kane• Title of Article – What Grizzlies Want• Magazine – Sierra• Volume – 87• Number – 4• Date – July/August 2002• Pages – 46 – 55

Due Friday, October 30

• Rough Draft of–Materials–Procedure–Project Diagram (Rough Draft Diagram

Can Be Drawn By Hand)

General Guidelines



Materials

• List all materials you think you will use.• Use a listing method (Bullets or 1, 2, 3)• Use a capital letter for the first word of each

item listed.• Include the materials not only needed for the

project, but also to test it.• Refer to the OEF website as a resource. • Indicate quantities, amounts, sizes, colors, etc.• Be specific!

Example of Materials• Materials List

– Square Wood Toothpicks (Standard Restaurant Style)– Carpenters Wood Glue– One Metal Eye Bolt with ¼ inch diameter shaft, washers, and nut– Block of Wood (2 ½ in x 2 ½ in x ½ in)– Plastic PVC Pipe 1-5/16 in outside diameter– ¼ inch diameter S hook– 5 Gallon Plastic Bucket with Handle– Two Tables– Brass Weights– Additional Weights (1 pound, 2.5 pounds, 5 pounds, 10 pounds)– Wire Cutters to Cut Toothpicks– Ruler– Scale– Camera

Procedures

• Step by Step; Use a listing method (1, 2, 3)• Capitalize the first letter of the first word of each step.• No need to go into every detail how to construct your

engineering product. Your project diagram will do this for you.– Include no more than five steps on how to build the engineering

device.• You do need to go into detail when listing the procedures

used to test and analyze the effectiveness of the engineering product.– Include at least five steps on how to test and analyze the

effectiveness of the engineering device.

Procedures Continued

• Refer to the OEF website as a resource.• Be very specific and detailed. A stranger

should be able to read your procedure and follow your project diagram just as you had performed it exactly.

• Eliminate the use of personal pronouns such as I, me, and we for a more professionally sounding section.

Example Procedure

• Procedures– Obtain the materials.– Construct the bridge following the specifications outlined in the

project diagram.– Verify the length, width, height, and mass of the bridge are within the

contest rules.– Set the bridge on two tables that are 20 inches apart.– Hang the plastic bucket onto the eye bolt using the S hook.– Add ½ pound of weight to the bucket.– Continue adding ½ pound of weight to the bucket until there is

evidence of bridge failure.– Document the construction and testing of the bridge by taking

photographs.

Project Diagram

• Include a detailed diagram or sketch of the project.• Include labels when appropriate.• The rough draft of the diagram can be done using a pencil

or pen.• The revised (January) & final draft (March) of the diagram

is expected to be done using a computer drawing program.

• If you do not have a drawing program on your computer, the following website has free software that can be downloaded and used to complete the project diagram. http://www.autodesk.com/education/home

http://www.autodesk.com/education/home

Example Project Diagram

Wacky Wonder Works Diagram

This diagram would need labels added to it!

Sometime in NovemberMust be completed before Dec 3!

• Construct Prototype (Initial Project Device)• Take photos of the construction phase and the

initial testing– You must be in the construction photos.– Must have one photo showing you constructing

initial project and one photo showing you testing initial project

– Photos will need to include captions describing the photo

Bridge Contest Rules

• Round or Square Toothpicks• Wood Glue or School Glue• No longer than 24 inches; no wider than 2 ½

inches; no taller than 12 inches; no heavier than 12 ounces

• 1 5/16 inch pipe must be able to fit inside the bridge.

Eiffel (Straw) Tower Contest Rules• Straws with maximum diameter of ¼ inch;

Maximum length of 10 inches; Maximum thickness of 1/100 inch

• Wire (twist) ties can be used• 10 ft. x 10 ft. working area• One of two (no more than two) free

standing structures can be built• No more than 10 straws can be bundled• Given at least one minute to set up

materials• Given five minutes to build tower & place

2” x 4” x 36” board on top• Have straws and wire set up beforehand• Height will be recorded; Measured from

the bottom of board to the ground• Practice, practice, practice beforehand

Electric Motor Contest Rules

• Non-rechargeable dry cell battery; Maximum voltage of 1.5 volts

• Magnets may be used• No professionally manufactured components or

kits allowed• Parts from retail store or internet order sources

may be used• Must include at least a 1 inch disk• Test will involve (2) one minute timed runs

Ping Pong Ball Launcher Contest Rules

• Standard household mouse trap

• Can modify mouse trap, but all original mousetrap parts must be visible

• Targets will be three empty cans (size #10) placed on a table 12 feet away

• Test will last for three minutes

Rubber Band Powered Vehicle Contest Rules

• Only energy source can be from size #64 rubber band

• Must be able to carry a 16 oz. box of baking soda

• Will be tested on a 3 foot wide carpeted track• Up to 3 test runs in 5 minute time frame

Wacky Wonder Works Contest Rules

• Cannot exceed width of 2 feet, length of 2 feet, & height of 3 feet

• 20 minutes given to set up device• 5 minutes given to test device; Can be

tested/run two times• Must be self contained; Must be able to pick up

entire device all at once• Number of successful actions will

be recorded

Due Friday, December 11

• Data Table and Graph• Two Photographs– One showing construction– One showing testing

Data Table & Graph

• One data table and one graph will need to be made.

• Must be done using a computer graphing program. They look much neater!

• Correctness in labeling the data table and graph will be graded.

• They should include the data collected from the initial and final testing of the project.

Data Table & Graph

• Only one trial from the initial testing needs to be recorded and presented in the data table and graph, except for the rubber band powered vehicle contest which will be tested three times.

• Only one trial from the final testing at the school engineering fair needs to be recorded and presented in the data table and graph, except for the rubber band powered vehicle contest which will be tested three times at the school engineering fair.

• The data from the initial testing of the project will be collected during school on December 3. The data from the final testing of the project will be collected at the school’s engineering fair on February 4.

Bridge Building Contest

Bridge Amount of Weight Held (Pounds)

Initial TestFinal Test


Trial Height (Inches)Initial TestFinal Test


Trial Rotation Speed (rpm’s)

Initial Test 1Initial Test 2Final Test 1Final Test 2

Ping Pong Ball Launcher Contest

Trial Total PointsInitial TestFinal Test

Rubber Band Vehicle Contest

Trial Distance (Feet)Initial 1Initial 2Initial 3

Initial AverageFinal 1Final 2Final 3

Final Average

Wacky Wonder Works Contest

Trial Successful Actions (Number)

Initial TestFinal Test

Photographs• Include at least four photographs of the project with captions.• At least two of the photographs must be from the construction and

testing of the prototype or initial device (one photograph of you building the device and one of you testing the device). The testing of the initial device will at school on December 3.

• At least two of the photographs must be from the construction and testing of the final product or device. The testing of the final product or device will be done at the school’s engineering fair on February 4.

• The captions do not need to be in complete sentences, but should describe what each photograph is showing.


Example of Photograph Section

Setting up the Wacky Wonder Work device for initial testing.

Sometime in December or January

• Construct Final Project Device or Make Changes to Prototype (Initial Project Device)

• Take Photos of the final construction phase• You must be in some of the photos

Due Friday, January 22

• Revised Draft of Materials, Procedure, and Project Diagram• Project diagram must be completed

using a computer program.

School Engineering FairThursday, February 46:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Final Engineering Project due Thursday, February 4.

• All projects should be brought to school that evening.

• You will need to take photo(s) of your final project being tested at the school engineering fair.

Bridge Building ContestMaterials

• Square or round wood toothpicks (Standard restaurant size – 2.75 inch, tapered ends) (unlimited quantity) No skewer or ‘pick’ type toothpick cut to size, No Bamboo toothpicks, no “Craft” toothpicks. STRUCTURES BUILT FROM OTHER TOOTHPICKS WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

• Carpenters wood glue or Elmer’s School Glue. (NO COLORED GLUES OR EPOXY BASED GLUES. STRUCTURES BUILT FROM OTHER GLUES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.)

• One (1) metal eye bolt with 1/4" diameter shaft, washers and nut. • Loading Block: Block of wood with dimensions not to exceed 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"

x ½". The block is used to attach the eye bolt to the bridge. • Materials list of brand and type of glue and toothpicks used. Students are

encouraged to bring the bottles/boxes (or their labels and a sample of an unmodified toothpick) with them in the event that any questions arise as to contsruction materials.

Bridge Building ContestGeometry

• Length: 24" (+/– ½").• Width: 2 ½” (+/– ½").• Height: Maximum of 9" (excluding eye bolt). See the

Structural Efficiency criteria below for more height considerations.

• Weight: Maximum 10 oz. (excluding eye bolt). See the Structural Effeciency criteria below for more weight considerations.

• Roadbed: Bridge must have a flat roadbed. The area above the roadbed must accommodate a 1-5/16"O.D. (outside diameter) pipe.

Bridge Building ContestGeometry Notes

• The eye bolt must be located in the center of the bridge and be large enough to pass a ¼" diameter "S" hook through its eye. The "S" hook is part of the testing apparatus (“Bridge Breaker”) and is provided by the judges.

• The eye bolt is attached to the Loading Block; the block should sit on the top of the roadbed (see above) and be supported by the roadbed, but should not be attached (e.g. glued) to the bridge. The Loading Block and shaft of eye bolt may protrude ABOVE the roadbed. Bottom of eye bolt MUST protrude a minimum of 1" but not more than 2" BELOW the end supports of the bridge.

• The Loading block is used to transfer the load from the “Bridge Breaker” to the bridge. The larger the block of wood, the better it will transfer the load. Students should consider using the largest Loading Block that can fit inside the roadbed without exceeding the maximum sizes listed above (2 ½” square).

Bridge Building ContestAdditional Rules & Remarks

• Toothpicks may be cut or glued. AT LEAST 50% OF EACH TOOTHPICK (WHETHER WHOLE OR CUT) MUST BE VISIBLE from one angle or another (i.e., four toothpicks could be glued together and a majority portion of each toothpick would be visible from one angle or another, but, if five or more toothpicks were glued together the center toothpick(s) would not be visible).

• Decision of judges, during all phases of the competition, is FINAL. Any bridge that fails to meet geometry criteria, weight criteria, or material restrictions and has been disqualified from the competition may still be load tested.


• Using plastic drinking straws, build a tower at the OEF Engineering Fair within five minutes. Tallest four towers, which support a nominal 2 x 4 piece of wood (note that the actual dimensions of a 2 x 4 are not 2” and 4”; they are slightly less; use the piece of wood that is slightly less) that has a minimum length of 36” and are still standing up to the time measurement is confirmed by the judges, will be the winning entries.

Eiffel Tower Materials

• Only listed materials are permitted and must be provided by the students: – An unlimited number of plastic drinking straws as follows

• Firm or flex type plastic drinking straws. • Maximum inside diameter of ¼" (See Judging & Scoring (2) for

clarification) • Maximum length of 10" • Maximum wall thickness of 0.01"

• Floral wire, bread wrapper or garbage bag wire ties of not more than 4” in length.

• One 2 x 4 piece of wood that is at least 36 inches long. Boards must be solid (e.g. not hollowed out)

Eiffel Tower Rules & Remarks

• Each team will have a 10 ft. X 10 ft. working area marked off with masking tape.

• Students must limit their building activity and the base of their tower to this area.

• Sections of the tower which do not touch the floor may extend beyond the marked base.

• One or two (no more than two) free standing structures are allowed.


• A two-student team will assemble plastic straws to construct the tower after the judges signal starting time.

• The approved drinking straws may be connected using only wire ties, or, the straws may be in-serted into one another without using the ties.

• No pre-assembly is permitted prior to the starting signal by the judges; however straws can be cut or holes punched beforehand to assist in assembly.

• Students must place the board prior to the end of the five-minute construction time limit.

• Height of tower will be measured from the lowest part of the board to the floor.


• Any number of straws may be assembled end to end, however, no more than ten straws may be “bundled” together or stacked inside one another.

• It is allowed to have two groups of ten straws assembled end to end, but if assembled laterally together there must be at least two straw widths separating the two groups.

• Towers which collapse during the five-minute construction time may be rebuilt.

• Towers which collapse after the five-minute construction time but prior to judging will be disqualified.


• Teams may bring boxes of whole or precut straws to the construction site.

• Ladders, scissors, knives or other instruments WILL NOT BE PERMITTED in the area.

• Pre-cut materials ARE permitted, but pre-assembled materials ARE NOT permitted.

• Following judging, all materials must be removed from the area by the team and disposed of in designated receptacles.

• Teams will be disqualified if they leave without removing ALL their materials.


• The two-student team will be permitted at least one minute to organize their materials prior to the five-minute timed competition.

• Several teams will compete at the same time, each in their own designated work area.

• When judges give the signal to start, teams will begin construction.

• When judges call "time" (5-minute time limit), construction must stop.

• Judges will measure the height of each tower from the base of the tower to the bottom of the ruler and record the results.


• Each entrant will design, build and test an electrical motor.

• The motor shall be powered by one readily available non-rechargeable dry cell battery.

• The motor is judged on its highest rotation speed with no load.

• The motor may be started by hand. • The motor is to be constructed from materials and

simple hardware readily available at retail stores or mail order suppliers.

Electric Motor Materials

• The power must be derived from one non-rechargeable dry cell battery.

• The maximum nominal voltage shall be one and one-half (1.5) Volts.

• A single flashlight battery up to D size may be used. • Batteries may not be paralleled. • The battery is supplied by the entrant and may not be

replaced during a timed contest. • The battery may be replaced between the first and second

trial. • Readily available permanent magnets may be used.


• Industrial quality or other professionally manufactured components are not permitted. Manufactured kits will not be allowed.

• Electrical and electronic components such as switches, resistors (variable and fixed), capacitors, inductors, relays, transistors, integrated circuits and interconnection hardware readily available through local retail or mail order sources may be used.

• Pre-manufactured subassemblies such as armatures, field structures, computer, or controller modules will not be permitted.


• Materials such as wire, cable, string; wood, plastic, permanent magnets, metal sheet; bar and rod stock; common fasteners such as nails, screws, adhesives, staples and rivets; wheels, pulleys, bearings; and other common items readily available in local retail stores may be used.

• Toy or hobbyist type articles such as erector set structural components may be used. Major components such as armatures, commutators, or field structures from motors or motor kits may not be used.

Electric Motor Rules• All power for operating the motor must come from the battery. • Only non-rechargeable dry cell batteries are permitted. • The total nominal battery voltage shall not exceed one and one-

half (1.5) Volts. • A single flashlight battery up to and including D size may be used. • Batteries may not be replaced during a timed contest. • Batteries are to be supplied by the entrant. • The motor may be operated by the entrant(s) through manual

electrical controls such as switches, variable resistors or other electrical interface devices, or the system may operate automatically after starting.

Electric Motor Rules

• The objective is to achieve the maximum possible rotation speed for the motor when operating with no load.

• Each entry will have two (2) one (1) minute timed runs. The higher observed speed score will be used.

• The entrant will have a one (1) minute setup and test period prior to the first run. No more than one (1) minute may elapse between the end of the first timed run and the beginning of the second timed run.

• No intervention with the motor's operation is permitted during the timed run except through the electrical control panel or for starting.

Electric Motor Rules

• The motor may be started by hand or other auxiliary means. The motor must accelerate to a final stable speed if started by auxiliary means - it cannot "coast down" from a starting impulse.

• Repairs and adjustments are permitted between timed runs and during the setup period.

• The motor will be placed on the competition table and operated by the entrant.

• The judges will observe the rotation speed and determine the maximum observed speed.

• The competition area will be off limits to everyone except the competitors and officials.

Ping Pong Ball Launcher Contest Reminder

• Prior to the competition, each team will design and build a launcher which can catapult ping-pong balls at targets (#10 Cans 6” Dia. X 7” tall) located twelve feet from the launcher table.

• Launcher must shoot only one ball at a time and should be re-loadable in order to launch as many balls as possible within a three-minute time frame.

Launcher Materials

• One standard household mousetrap. NOTE: Rat Traps are NOT Allowed.

• Additional "add on" materials are permitted. • Sufficient quantity of ping-pong balls; a

MINIMUM of 3 dozen balls PER launcher.

Launcher Rules

• Modify a mousetrap to launch ping-pong balls through the air.

• Only the tension of one mousetrap can be used as the force to shoot the balls.

• ALL ORIGINAL PARTS OF A MOUSETRAP MUST BE VISIBLE, WHETHER FUNCTIONAL OR NOT.

Launcher Rules

• Targets will consist of three empty cans (#10 Size, EXAMPLE: cans; open end up, with an opening of approximately 6").

• Cans are lined with a ¼” sheet of foam padding to reduce the bounce effect after the balls hit the inside of the target.

• Cans will be positioned side by side in a triangular configuration and placed at the edge of the target table closest to the launcher table.

Launcher Rules• One team member will operate the launcher (the “Shooter”) while

the other member (the “Catcher”) retrieves stray balls, returning them to the launcher operator for additional launches.

• Team will earn points for each ball remaining in targets at the end of the three-minute time frame.

• Launcher and targets will be on separate tables. • Tables are 3' high and the facing edges of the tables will be

positioned 12' apart. • Table-top area will be at least 2.5’ wide. • The Launcher must fit on the table with no parts of the Launcher

extending beyond the front of the table (towards targets).

Launcher Rules

• Weight and/or size of the launcher should be heavy enough to remain stable during launches.

• Attaching launcher to the table is NOT permitted. • The launcher may be hand-held but must rest on

the top of the table during launches. • Distance between any part of the launcher and

targets must be at least 12'. • A "triggering" or "tripping" mechanism is optional.

Launcher Rules

• Ping-Pong balls must enter the targets "on the fly". Balls that enter the targets after bouncing off the table, wall or backstop will NOT be counted.

• Ping-Pong balls CANNOT be removed from targets during the three-minute time frame.

• Multiple attempts and adjustments to the launcher are permitted within the three-minute time frame.

• Each team must bring their own supply of ping-pong balls. Ping-pong balls cannot be modified to reduce their normal bounce. One thin coat of paint, to identify balls, is permitted.

Launcher Rules

• When your number is called, you will be assigned a launch table; proceed with competition when instructed to begin.

• At the end of the team's three-minute time frame, judges will count balls remaining in targets (cans). Each ball in the rear two targets will yield 30 points; and 50 points per ball in the center front target (see diagram below).

• Team members must remain in the area until scoring for your launcher is complete.

Rubber Band Powered Vehicle Info

• There are no restrictions on materials, size, weight or number of wheels. However, the only energy source permitted is the elastic energy of one rubber band, size #64 (approx. ¼" wide by 3½" long by 1/32" thick).

• Commercially assembled vehicles are NOT permitted. However, commercially manufactured components may be used as parts of the vehicle.

• The "load" will be a 16 oz. box (including contents) of Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (approx. size: 3½" x 4½" x 2").

Vehicle Info

• To design a wheel-driven vehicle, powered only by one rubber band (size specified above), which will transport a one-pound "load" (specified above) the farthest distance (on a level, industrial type, carpeted floor) while remaining within the boundaries of a 3 ft. wide parallel track (marked off with masking tape). Speed is not a criteria.

Vehicle Rules

• Only official rubber bands (provided by judges at the Fair) must be used during the competition.

• The rubber band may NOT be cut and must remain with the vehicle throughout the run (NOTE: rubber band may be dragging from the vehicle at the end of the run).

• Guard rails or a similar holding device must be part of the design on top of the vehicle to hold the "load" (load supplied by judges at the Fair).

• The "load" may NOT be tied or strapped to the vehicle (i.e., baking soda box must be easily placed on and removed from the vehicle).

Vehicle Rules

• Up to three runs will be permitted within a 5-minute time frame. Repairs and adjustments will be permitted between runs.

• The vehicle must be self-starting (i.e., no pushing, external power starts, etc.). Contestants are permitted to hold the vehicle behind the starting line and simply "let go".

• Propulsion of the vehicle must be through the wheels (i.e., no propellers, no launching mechanism). Transferring the energy of the rubber band to wheels via gears, fly wheels, etc., is encouraged. No remote control devices are permitted.

Vehicle Contest

• After each run, distance traveled will be measured and recorded in feet and inches as follows: – Starting line to . . .

• the front of the vehicle when it stops; or • the point vehicle strays outside the 3-ft. wide track; or • the spot where vehicle drops the "load" or any associated

parts.

• Final score will be the vehicle's best run of up to three attempts allowed during the 5-minute time limit.

Wacky Wonder Works Contest Rules

• The machine must be self-contained and will be set up on a table provided by OEF at the competition site.

• Table dimensions will be at least two feet wide by six feet in length.

• The machine must not be taller than 36 inches in height and no portion of the machine may extend beyond or below the tabletop.

• The following items are NOT permitted: hazardous materials, explosives, caustic substances, open flames, aerosol sprays, live animals, or any materials that could be construed as unsafe to humans or potentially damaging to the contest area.

• Projects containing any of these items will be automatically disqualified.

WWW Rules• The machine must be safe to the satisfaction of the WWW judges.

WWW must approve any questionable items prior to competition. • Air filled balloons are permitted providing the balloon remains

within the set boundaries of the machine including any slivers/remnants from the balloon.

• Battery operated devices (low voltage/low current DC devices) are permitted. Only AA, AAA, C, D, and 9 volt dry cell batteries are permitted.

• For example, a small DC motor operated by a 9 volt battery. • No electrical devices that pose a safety issue (e.g. high voltage

arcs) to operators or others in the judging area will be permitted.

WWW Rules

• The use of microcontrollers, servos, or small DC motors is allowed.

• The machine must not express or imply profane, indecent or lewd expressions.

• Any loose or flying objects must remain within the set boundaries of the machine. This includes, but is not limited to, drops of water, slivers/remnants of balloon and other “small” objects.

• The team has twenty minutes to set up, adjust and test their machine.

• The machine must complete the task within 5 minutes. The judges will keep the official time.

WWW Rules

• Once the machine has been activated, students cannot touch any part of their machine until completion of the design challenge.

• However, if the design challenge is not completed, a second attempt may be initiated.

• A maximum of only one completed run will be allowed and a maximum of only one restart will be allowed.

• If the challenge is completed in the initial run, a second run will not be allowed.

• If a restart is attempted, the second run must be completed within the initial five minutes.

WWW Rules

• Repeated actions – in certain cases, actions may be repeated (e.g. several balls rolling down a ramp, each ball operating a lever or gate) or action sequences may be repeated (e.g. several strings of dominoes separated by independent action items).

• A repeated action or repeated action sequence will only be counted the initial three times.

• Subsequent repeats of this action or action sequence will not be scored but will be allowed.

WWW Rules

• The following items provide clarification of the design challenge. – Slide will be updated once we learn of the

challenge task

WWW Judging

• Prior to the competition, judges will inspect the machine to determine dimension limits and if materials used are within the rules.

• Judges will also review the actions listed on the Project Description Form (PDF) with the students.

• When instructed by the judges, contestants will activate their project to begin the initial run.

WWW Info

• One point will be awarded for EACH different and distinctive action.

• Only actions that are different, distinctive, and visible will be scored (e.g. a ball rolling down a channel and just turning a corner would only be counted as one action).

• Each action eligible for point consideration must be listed on a separate line on the PDF.

• Every action must have an effect on another action and contribute to achieving the design objective; in order to be counted.

WWW Info

• All machines that demonstrate a design that can, in principle, achieve the design challenge, will be scored.

• Projects completing the design challenge will be ranked higher than those that do not.

• For instance, a project that has 20 steps and completes the design challenge will be ranked higher than a project with 30 steps that doesn’t complete the design objective.

• In the event that no projects meet the design challenge, the project with the most successful steps will be declared the winner.

WWW Info

• The judges will have the authority to interpret all rules.

• The judges may instigate any additional rules at the time of judging for the purposes of safety.

• Any challenge to the rules must be made while the challenged project is still set up and in the competition area.

• Do not disassemble the project until instructed to do so by the judges.

Due Friday, February 19

• Revised draft of data table and graph and two photographs (with captions) of final design and test (school engineering fair)

• Rough draft of conclusion, acknowledgements, and abstract

General Guidelines



Discussion and Analysis of Results

• Use past tense.• Should be at least five sentences in length. • Eliminate use of personal pronouns such as I,

me, and we for a more professionally sounding section.

Conclusion

• Explain what the results of the testing of your project were, both initial and final.

• Explain whether the project or device was a success or not. • Include suggested improvements that could make the

device or process even more successful.• Include a statement of recommendation for future work.• Use past tense. • Should be at least five sentences in length.• Eliminate use of personal pronouns such as I, me, and we

for a more professionally sounding section.

Acknowledgements

• Thank those who helped through part or all of the project.

• Include names and how each person helped you.

• You can use personal pronouns in this section.

Abstract

• This is a summary of your entire project. It should be 200 words or less.

• Begin by restating the purpose. • Include a summary of your procedure.• Include a summary of your results/conclusion.• Use past tense (verb usage).• The abstract should be placed on the title

page.

Due Friday, February 26

• Revised Draft of Entire Lab Report Due Including Title Page and Table of Contents– Title Page should include• Title Page is Page 1 of Report• Catchy Title, Name, School, Grade, Graphic, & Abstract

– Table of Contents• Table of Contents is Page 2 of Report• List all the sections in order starting with the purpose

and ending with the bibliography• Include the page numbers the sections can be found

General Guidelines

• Must Be Typed• 12 Point Font• Times New Roman or Calibri Font Type• Single Spaced• No Personal Pronouns• Use Correct Grammar, Spelling, & Punctuation• Label Each Section• Number all Pages• More than one section can and should be on each page

Order of Report

• Title Page w/ Abstract (Page 1)

• Table of Contents (Page 2)

• Purpose• Introduction• Summary of Research• Materials• Procedure

• Project Diagram• Photographs (with

captions)• Data Table & Graph• Conclusion• Acknowledgements• Bibliography

Due Friday, March 11

• Final Draft of Engineering Fair Project Report• Only hard copy reports will be

accepted– Do not e-mail the final draft or share it

with me using Google Drive

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