Junkyard Challenge

1. Junkyard Challenge Joe Simmons Illinois State Director Member of NSO Technology Committee simmonsjoe@sbcglobal.net 630-688-9670 National Event Supervisor POC: Ryan Michela (deltahat@nukesoft.org)

2. Junkyard Challenge is: Not Mission Possible Open Ended Designed to challenge students creatively

3. This is not Mission Possible Mission Possible One optimal solution Devices passed from year to year Totally pre-built Junkyard Challenge Many equal, valid solutions Devices don�t apply from year to year Build-on-site (Mystery Architecture)

4. Challenges for Region and State Listed on NSO website http://soinc.org/junkyard_challenge_c Contains rules for both the Primary and Alternate Challenge Challenges may change slightly, so check the website often

5. Junkyard Challenge is Open Ended The challenges tell you what you must do. The challenges do not tell you how to solve the problem. Any materials or designs not explicitly prohibited by the general rules, challenge rules, or safety constraints are fair game for competition. Very important! The only limitations on your students are safety and their creativity.

6. Materials vs. Tools Materials are what you build your device out of. Materials can be simple (paper, tape, cardboard) or complex (pre-constructed circuits, drilled and/or bolted assemblies). Tools are what you build your device with (scissors, saws, rulers, screwdrivers, etc). Materials must be in the materials box, tools do not. If it ends up in the final device, it must start in the materials box. The box is a valid material.

7. Levels of Competition Regionals � Only build the primary challenge. State � Build either the primary or alternate challenge. Nationals � Build either the primary or alternate challenge, at a higher difficulty level. At the State and National level, the judge decides which device the students will build. Your team must be prepared to build both.

8. How to do Well in Junkyard Challenge For each challenge, brainstorm multiple possible solutions � Don�t just go with your first impression. How many different ways are there to find the mass of an object? What properties of a coin can be used for sorting? Apply scientific principles when possible. What physics equations use mass? How can you use force, density, inertia, momentum, resistance, magnetism, or any other physical property to help you solve the problem?

9. How to do Well in Junkyard Challenge, Cont. What can you pre-build? Junkyard Challenge does not ban pre-built devices. The devices only have to be modified on site. Can you pre-build a complex mechanical or electronic system? Your materials, including any pre-built assemblies, must fit in the box at the beginning of the event. One construction begins, there is no limit to how large the device can become. Keep It Simple Complex devices are prone to failure. Complex devices are hard to assemble. Complex devices are hard to modify on site. Remember KISS. Don�t over-complicate when a simple solution will do.

10. Outsmart Your Opponents Prior experience in Junkyard Challenge does not give an advantage. Devices and solutions cannot be carried over from year to year. Your competitors have had no more time than you to prepare for the event. What does this mean? The primary differentiating factor in Junkyard Challenge is wit, not last year�s device. Elegant and simple solutions will beat complex solutions almost every time.

11. Practice Challenge Put 3 balloons at 120 degrees to each other: Red, Blue and Yellow Object is to break balloons in that order Device must be started by cutting a string NO projectiles allowed

12. Scoring 25 points if red is broken first 50 points if blue is broken second 75 points if yellow is broken third 150 points possible 12 points if there is a 2 second delay between breaking 36 points possible Tie breaker is run time closest to 2 min

13. State Supervisor Mike Quill Irish1321@att.net Joe Simmons Illinois State Director simmonsjoe@sbcglobal.net