November: entry forms go out
February: area heats
March: regional final
New and original problems are devised each year. Here are two recent examples:
- Design and build a structure that will support a marble no higher than 1 metre above the surface of a table and as far as possible beyond the edge of the table. The structure should include a mechanism to allow the marble to then be released to roll down the structure to switch on a light at the bottom. The light switch must be less than 10 centimetres above the surface of the table.
- Design and make a device which, placed on the floor, uses the energy of a falling mass (unopened packet of Polos) to propel accurately a table tennis ball the greatest possible distance. The ball must be caught (and remain) in or on a trap also placed on the floor, at some distance from the device. Points will be given for the distance travelled by the ball. A sensitive switch should be activated by the table tennis ball which causes a light to come on when it is inside the trap.
The heats and finals are judged by Science and Engineering Ambassadors. Awards are presented to winning teams by SetPoint sponsors.
Technology, Science and Maths.
The Challenge is effective at developing these key skills:
- Improving own learning - Team working
- Communication/Listening - Problem solving
- Decision making
together with:
- Planning and organisation - Time management
Adam Hunt
Tel: 01483 226322
