A IS FOR ANATOMY 2014
Description: This event will consist of a written test in which the contestants will view models.
slides, and pictures of the following organs in the human body: the skin, brain, heart, lungs,
stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas, major muscles, major bones of the skeleton, kidneys,
bladder, and sensory organs. Both structure and function will be tested.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Every team will be given an answer sheet. Only one answer for each question will be
accepted. Team members will move through 20 stations answering approximately 40
questions. Questions will be at the stations or in a test booklet.
2. Teams will be asked to identify any of the following structures and give explanations for
their functions: The skin, brain, heart, lungs, stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas, major
muscles, major bones in the skeleton, kidneys, bladder, and any of the sensory organs.
3. Teams may prepare a single 3-ring binder, of any size, that contains any information they
need. All paper or inserts must be secured inside the binder and not any lose sheets of paper
that may fall out if held upside-down or horizontally.
Scoring:
At the end of the testing period, the questions and answer sheet will be collected from those
teams who have not turned in their responses. Time is not a factor in scoring. Test items
predetermined by the event supervisors will be used as tie breakers.
Examples of Resources:
http://www.instantanatomy.net/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/anatomy.html BRIDGE BUILDING 2014
Description: This event tests students’ ability to build a lengthy, strong, stable, and reproducible bridge from
common materials.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 45 minutes
The Competition:
1. Students will be given fifty plastic straws, 40 cm of masking tape, and a gallon-sized Ziploc type of bag.
Masking tape width may be of any size. Students will construct a bridge that spans the greatest possible
distance while supporting a 100 gram mass placed by the students in the center of the bridge.
2. Teams will have 20 minutes to construct their bridge. Materials may be altered in any way. An example of
an alteration would be that straws are crimped and slipped together.
3. Scissors will not be provided, but will be allowed. Each team must provide their own scissors. Only
one pair is allowed per team. The scissors may not be used in the bridge's structure or as an anchor.
4. String or other materials NOT provided by the event supervisors cannot be used.
5. The bridge will be suspended on two similar supporting structures—like two chairs or two tables. All teams
will have access to the official set of supports to view and measure during the construction period along
with an eraser for testing their structure.
6. The tape may NOT be used to tape the bridge to the supporting structures.
7. No straws may touch the floor or other supporting structures.
8. After construction is complete, teams will place all unused materials into the Ziploc bag and ensure the area
is clean.
9. Beginning with a span of 50 centimeters, the bridge must support a 100 gram mass for 10 seconds in order
to be judged. Bridges failing this part of the test will be ranked behind all others that do not fail and will be
ranked by mass of materials used. The mass will be removed and the support structures will be moved by
an increment predetermined by the event supervisors. The mass will be added again and must be supported
for 10 seconds. This will continue until the bridge can no longer hold the mass or until the length of the
bridge is at its maximum.
10. Additional 100 gram masses will be added to those structures that remain standing until they collapse. The
mass before the collapse of the bridge will be recorded. This information will be used for breaking ties.
Scoring:
1. Each team’s bridge will be tested beginning with a span of 50 cm, followed by increments chosen by the
event supervisors, until the bridge is unable to hold the mass for 10 seconds. The greatest distance spanned
before collapsing will be recorded as the team final score.
2. Bridges will be ranked based on their final score (the longer the final span, the higher the rank).
3. If a tiebreaker is required, the Ziploc bags will be measured. The team with the most left over construction
material in the bag will receive more favorable rank.
4. If a team leaves behind trash or debris, the team will be penalized by subtracting 1 cm of length for EACH
piece of debris left behind that must be picked up, regardless of how large or small.
5. If a bridge does not support the initial 100 gram mass, the mass of the bridge will be determined and these
will be ranked behind others that do support. Lighter bridges will receive more favorable ranking.
Examples of Resources: http://bridgepros.com/learning_center/balsa_wood.htm
EGG DROP 2014
Description: The objective is to have a two-person team construct and bring to the competition
a package to protect an egg from breaking after being dropped in a free fall from a high spot
selected by the tournament director. This is a PREBUILT EVENT
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 20 minutes
The Competition:
1. All loading of Large, supervisor-inspected Grade A eggs must be completed 30 minutes
prior to the beginning of the event. Students are responsible for the egg during loading,
dropping, and unloading. The student must hand the egg to the supervisor once the drop
is complete. Each package should be labeled with school name and number.
2. The package size and weight limitation is to be no more than 20 cm on a side and no
more than 1 kg. Glass and metal may not be used. The package must be constructed by
the participants and brought to the tournament. The package may not contain anything
that would aid in the package adhering to the target.
3. The package will be dropped free fall by one student from a height determined by the
tournament director and announced when teams pre-register for the tournament. There
will be only one drop with a time limit of three minutes to prepare for the drop from the
time the event supervisor says to begin. No plumb lines may be used.
4. The package may not have anything that would aid in slowing the free fall. Examples
include: parachutes, streamers, etc.
5. The drop area will be approximately 60 cm x 60 cm and made of solid material (e.g., ½”
plywood) with a target in the center of the area.
Scoring:
1. Eggs that do not break or show cracks will be ranked first. Those that break or crack will
be ranked after those that do not.
2. The farthest distance of any part of the package to the center of the target will determine
the score. The package with the shortest distance wins.
3. Ties will be broken by the lighter package measured without the egg.
Examples of Resources:
http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/willow-creek-egg-drop-contest
http://daviscreek.cabe.k12.wv.us/eggdrop.html ENERGY LAB 2014
Description: The objective is to build a reflecting device that most efficiently uses and focuses the energy
supplied to a light bulb. This is a PREBUILT EVENT.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 10 minutes
The Competition:
1. Teams will construct a device to reflect or transmit
light from a light bulb onto a wax photometer. A wax
photometer is a simple way to compare light from two
sources and is made of two slabs of wax with a sheet
of aluminum foil in between. When light shines on
both sides, one wax block will look darker if the
lighting is not balanced.
2. Teams will construct and bring a device which can be made out of the following materials: White and
black paper, aluminum foil, cardboard, plastic reflectors, mirrors, lenses, clear plastic, tape, or glue. No
metal is allowed other than the metal found in mirrors or aluminum foil. No sharp edges are permitted.
3. The device must be able to accommodate the various light bulbs and will be
plugged into a table top free standing light socket, like shown here. The socket
and light bulbs will be provided by the event supervisor. The socket height is
approximately 9 cm tall.
4. Teams will pick any light bulb that is available to be inserted into their device.
The light bulbs available are: 7, 11, and 20 watt compact fluorescent light
bulbs. The compact fluorescent bulbs are approximately 5” tall.
5. During the testing, no part of their constructed device may be any closer than 2 inches to any part of the
light bulb. The device can be handheld or free standing, but if at any point the device is moved to closer
than 2 inches from the light bulb, it will be disqualified.
6. Teams will place their device and selected light bulb on one side of a wax photometer and on the other
side, an 11 watt compact fluorescent light bulb. The distance between the two light bulbs will be 2
meters. The light bulbs cannot be moved closer than 2 meters. The students may move their device to
achieve the best results and lighting on the wax photometer. When the team is certain their position is in
the final position, the event supervisor will examine the illumination on both sides of the wax
photometer to ensure it is equivalent and then measure the distance from the light bulb the students
selected to the wax photometer.
Scoring:
The distance is measured from the light bulb in the device to the wax photometer when the illumination is the
same on both sides.
Energy Points = (Distance from student selected light bulb)/(Printed wattage
of bulb)
ESTIMANIA 2014
Description: Measurement is a key component in science. Teams will be asked to estimate answers to
questions using measurements. Types of measurements could include area, time, speed, height, length, weight,
and volume.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Teams will be presented with a container filled with a specific uniform material. For example, they may
be given a jar of pennies.
2. Teams will be given an individual item that is contained within the jar for inspection.
3. They will be asked to estimate one of the following variables:
a. Area – square inch (sq in), square foot (sq ft), square yard (sq yd), square mile (sq mi) square
centimeter (cm2), square meter (m2) square kilometer (km2)
b. Time – second (s), minute (min), hour (h), day (d), week, month, year, decade
c. Speed – miles per hour (m/h), kilometers per hour (k/h)
d. Height/Length – centimeter (cm), meter (m), kilometer (km), inch (in), foot (ft), yard (yd), mile
(mi)
e. Weight –gram (g) kilogram (kg), ounce (oz), pound (lb)
f. Volume – cup (c), pint (pt), quart (qt), gallon (gal), liter (L), milliliter (mL)
4. Teams may bring any device they feel will be necessary to help with their estimations. This may
include a stopwatch, ruler, electronic scale, graduated cylinder, cups, spoons. All items must fit inside
of a box that is no larger than 15 inches by 10 inches by 6 inches (this is slightly larger than most shoe
boxes). Teams will not be allowed to plug in devices to any outlet.
5. Teams are only allowed to bring a basic 4 function calculator. This must fit inside the box above.
6. Teams will also need to know the concept of rounding. Teams will NOT convert metric to other
systems of measurements (Ex. Convert 18 grams to ounces will not be a part of the competition.)
7. The questions will follow the format samples below:
a. How many pennies in the jar?
b. How many two-centimeter paper clips could be laid end to end across a standard football playing
field?
c. Estimate the mass of the bag and the items inside it.
Scoring:
1. Points will be awarded on the following scale:
a. Exact answer = 10 points
b. 1 - 10% away from answer = 5 points
c. 11 - 20% away from answer = 4 points
d. 21 - 30% away from answer = 3 points
e. 31 - 40% away from answer = 2 points
2. Tie Breakers – 1st level -the team with the most exact answers. 2nd level -the team with the most 5’s. If
more tie breakers are needed then will pre-determined tie-breaker questions will be used. Time will not
be a scoring factor.
Examples of Resources:
http://pbskids.org/games/estimation.html
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/1275.html
MYSTERY POWDERS 2014
Description: A team of two contestants will be asked to identify a mixture of common white household
powders. Safety precautions MUST be used. These include wearing safety goggles, washing hands and not
taste-testing.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 50minutes
The Competition:
1. Three mixtures containing two to three powders will be placed in vials marked A, B, and C. Mixtures
will include powders from the following list only: sugar, baking soda, flour, salt, plaster of Paris, corn
starch, white sand. Mixtures will ONLY be selected from the items listed.
Mixture A will have two mystery powders; mixtures B and C will contain three mystery powders.
2. Students will be given twenty minutes to correctly identify as many powders as possible.
3. No tasting or touching of powders will be allowed.
4. Teams will be supplied with the following materials to aid in the identification of the powders: vinegar,
water, a candle, aluminum foil, a clothespin, iodine solution, magnifying lens, and black paper. If a
candle test is used, an adult must man this station at all times. Students will not be allowed to bring other
materials for testing.
5. Participants will be asked to collect evidence and complete a chart describing the powders’ reactions to
the above materials BEFORE attending the tournament. This chart should be brought to the tournament
with the participants. The chart and answer sheet will be collected at the end of the event.
6. Safety precautions MUST be used. Students must bring and WEAR their own splash-proof safety
goggles.
Scoring:
The team with the greatest correct number of powders identified in the shortest period will be declared the
winner. For example, if several teams identify six powders correctly, the team with the shortest time will be the
winner even if another team finishes ten minutes earlier but identifies only five powders correctly.
In case of ties, the team with the most complete data table/chart will be declared the winner.
Resources:
PENTATHLON 2014
Description: Five physical skills are interspersed with science questions in an obstacle course
that will be run in a relay race style where each student passes a fragile object to the next student.
The science questions at the stations will be focused on the water cycle and weather.
Number of Participants: 4-5
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Appropriate athletic attire is advised (running shoes, etc.). Change of clothing is
recommended during inclement weather.
2. The physical skills will include such events as: a dash, crossing a balance beam, dribbling a
basketball between a row of safety cones, running through six tires on the ground, a Frisbee
throw for accuracy. For any throwing skill, student will be given four objects to throw. For
each throw missed, the student will move closer to the target. All of these events must be
done while carrying a fragile object (such as a water-filled balloon or an egg) without
breaking it.
3. One student will be placed at each Station A through D. Student cannot pass the fragile
object to the next student until he or she answers the questions at the station. The last
challenges at station E will be both physical and academic and will involve all four team
members.
4. General science questions will be asked at table where students stop very briefly between
events. Questions should be answered as rapidly as possible to avoid loss of time.
5. Each physical obstacle and academic questions must be completed correctly before
proceeding to the next station. Students should be given questions of ever-decreasing levels
of difficulty so they could be successful.
Scoring:
1. The total team time to complete the event will be kept by timekeepers. The team with the least
amount of time to finish the course will be the winners.
2. Penalty points are assessed for broken fragile objects. For each broken object, 50 seconds will
be added to team time.
3. The total time of the last challenge will be used for tiebreaking purposes.
Examples of Resources:
http://weatherforkids.org/
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/quizzes/weather.html
PICTURE THIS 2014
Description: The objective is to have a team member draw a representation of a particular scientific term or concept
for team members who must guess the term while watching it being drawn. The scientific terms and concepts will
focus on evolution and adaption as related to the 4th and 5th grade Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.
Number of Participants: 3
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Each team shall consist of three members. The team may bring in up to 24 pencils, markers, or crayons in a
clear plastic bag.
2. At the start of the competition, one team member, hereafter called the sketcher, will be selected to draw the
science term. No other team member may see the term. The other two team members will try to identify the
term being drawn.
3. Each team must rotate sketchers when a new term is put into play. A definite order of rotation shall be
followed.
4. Timing begins when the order of the sketchers has been determined and the moderator gives the 1st
sketcher the 1st term.
5. Each team will be given 5 minutes to determine as many words as possible. All teams will use the same
words in the same order but not at the same time. Teams will compete one at a time in a room while others
wait in a second room.
6. When instructed by the moderator, the sketcher will begin by drawing pictures and visual clues on materials
provided by officials. Sketches will be done ON PAPER (not chalkboard) for later documentation, if
necessary.
7. The sketcher may not speak except to notify the moderator that the team wishes to pass on a particular term.
When a pass occurs, the moderator will give the next sketcher a new term. The team may NOT go back to
any passed terms.
8. Letters of any alphabet, or numbers of any kind, are not allowed. (It is the intent of this rule to prevent teams
from inventing alphabets, codes, etc.)
9. Sketchers may not give visual clues except to acknowledge a desired response from team members. If the
science term consists of two or more words the sketcher may write down any of the word(s) only after the
word(s) has been correctly identified by the team members. The number of words might be represented with
plus signs + .
10. If a team violates any of the rules regarding the use of alphabets, numbers, verbal communication, etc. the
team will be penalized 1 correct term in addition to the term in play at the time of the violation. (The score
will be adjusted by subtracting the 1-point penalty from the total score).
11. The moderator will indicate when a correct response is given. Forms of the word will not be accepted with
the exception of plurals and singulars, which will be accepted interchangeably.
12. Play continues in this manner for five minutes or until the team has gone through their set of terms.
Scoring:
1. One point will be awarded for each term correctly identified in the allotted time. The team correctly
identifying the most terms will be declared the winner.
2. In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker is the fewest terms passed. Second tiebreaker is the shortest period of
time to complete the entire list. Third tiebreaker is the length of time from the beginning to the first correct
term identification.
Example of Resources:
http://eezway.org/PicThisQuiz/index.php
http://www.soinc.org/picture_this_c ROCK HOUND 2014
Description: Students will prepare hand-written charts and drawings to assist in identifying various rocks and
minerals and describing their characteristics.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Each team may bring in hand-written notes and hand-drawn pictures. Computer graphics will not be
allowed. Teams may prepare a single 3-ring binder, of any size, that contains any information they
need. All paper or inserts must be secured inside the binder and not any lose sheets of paper that may
fall out if held upside-down or horizontally.
2. Teams will be given 20 minutes to identify as many rocks and minerals as possible from a selected
group. The list of rocks and minerals will come from the following list:
ROCKS:
basalt
granite
pumice
scoria
MINERALS: calcite
galena
hematite
quartz(chert)
bituminous coal
limestone (fossil)
quartzite
shale
conglomerate
marble
sandstone
slate
gneiss
obsidian
schist (garnet)
limestone (chemical)
copper
graphite
mica-biotite
quartz (crystal)
feldspar (pink)
gypsum-satin-spar
pyrite
talc
fluorite
halite
kaolinite
3. Teams will also be asked questions about the rocks or minerals, such as their color, luster, streak,
density (relative heaviness per volume), relative hardness (using Moh’s scale), reaction to vinegar,
shape, texture, cleavage, magnetic properties, commercial uses, ones mined in Florida, etc. Students
may be asked to use Moh’s scale of hardness to defend which materials in a list would weather faster.
4. Teams should bring their completed charts with them to the tournament. The charts may be used in the
identification process and to aid in answering any questions. Copies of these charts should be submitted
with the answer sheets at the end of the twenty-minute period.
Scoring:
1. Each rock or mineral identified and each question answered correctly will count one (1) point. The team
with the highest total score will be the winner.
2. Ties will be broken with pre-determined tie-breaker questions.
Examples of Resources:
USGS: Rocks & Minerals
http://geomaps.wr.usgs.gov/parks/rxmin/index.html
http://www.rocksforkids.com/
SOLID, LIQUID, OR GAS 2014
Description: Teams will identify various substances as solids, liquids, or gases and then answer questions that
relate to molecular motion and the properties of various substances.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Teams may prepare a single 3-ring binder, of any size, that contains any information they need. All
paper or inserts must be secured inside the binder and not any lose sheets of paper that may fall out if
held upside-down or horizontally.
2. Each team will move from one station to another. There will be no more than 20 stations.
3. The stations will have pictures, models, or real objects for teams to identify as solid, liquid, or gas.
4. Teams will be asked questions at each station that will include content based on the following:
a. Comparing the number and motion of molecules
b. Describe the distance between molecules
c. Describe differences in volume and shape between solids, liquids, and gases.
d. Properties of the substance if the object were in a different state than presented.
e. Common uses of the substance or object.
f. Sources of the substance or object.
Scoring:
1. Each question answered correctly will count one (1) point. The team with the highest total score will be the
winner.
2. Ties will be broken with pre-determined tie-breaker questions.
Examples of Resources:
http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/gases.html
http://science.pppst.com/matter.html
STARRY, STARRY NIGHT 2014
Description: Teams will answer general questions about astronomy based on a set of given topics.
Number of Participants: 2
Approximate Time: 50 minutes
The Competition:
1. Each team will be given one test booklet and one answer sheet. Team members may consult with each other
by writing (no talking). Only one answer for each question will be accepted.
2. At the end of the testing period, the test booklet and answer sheets will be collected from those teams who
have not turned in their responses.
3. This event will test the teams’ knowledge of astronomy in two parts.
Part I. The teams will view slides and/or photographs and identify the following celestial objects:
1. Constellations (see list of constellations- at least 5 will be on the test)
2. Sars (see list of stars- at least 5 will be on the test)
3. Planets (at least 3 will be on the test)
4. Moon and/or any of its phases
5. The sun
6. Totally eclipsed sun
7. Spiral galaxy, a nebula, a star cluster, and a comet
CONSTELLATIONS AND THEIR STARS OR STAR CLUSTERS
Altair
Aquila
Cygnus Deneb
Pegasus
Arcturus Draco
Bootes
Scorpio
Canis Major Sirius
Gemini Castor, Pollux
Taurus
Regulus
Canis Minor Procyon Leo
Ursa Major
Vega
Cassiopeia
Lyra
Ursa Minor
Betelgeuse, Rigel Virgo
Cepheus
Orion
Antares
Aldebaran, Pleiades
Merak, Dubbe
Polaris
Spica
Part II. This section will consist of a series of written questions about any of the following astronomical
facts and concepts. The teams will:
1. Distinguish between the motions of rotation and revolution.
2. State the effects produced by rotation and revolution of the earth.
3. Demonstrate knowledge about units of time (day, month, year) and their astronomical basis.
4. Arrange a group of bodies according to their relative sizes from largest to smallest.
5. Arrange a group of objects according to their distance from either the sun or the earth.
6. Demonstrate knowledge about the seasons on the earth and their causes.
7. Be able to name and identify the phases of the moon and state the factors that produce them.
8. Demonstrate knowledge about the members of the solar system.
9. Demonstrate knowledge about solar and lunar eclipses and the conditions that produce them.
Scoring:
1. Each question answered correctly will count one (1) point. The team with the highest total score will be
the winner.
2. Ties will be broken with pre-determined tie-breaker questions.
TENNIS BALL CATAPULT 2014
Description: Each team will build and calibrate their own free-standing (not hand-held) trajectory device that
must be capable of “lobbing” a tennis ball at a target placed between 2 and 5 meters away. Distances will be in
¼ meter increments. This is a PREBUILT EVENT
Number of Participants: 2
IMPOUND: YES
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
The Competition:
1. Each team will bring their own homemade catapult and their own tennis balls to the competition. The
team’s name needs to be clearly printed and easily seen on the catapult.
2. A note written by parents/guardians verifying that the catapult was designed by the students will be
turned in at the time of impoundment. Adult assistance with construction is acceptable.
3. A data chart showing the launching characteristics of the catapult (using various settings) will be
required for the competition. This must be turned in during impoundment.
4. Launch force must be provided by gravity or elastic solids (such as springs, rubber bands, etc.) The last
point on the device touched by the tennis ball may not be more that 50 cm above the ground before,
during, or after starting. If the catapult exceeds maximum height they can still launch but will be
ranked below all teams meeting construction rules.
5. Each device must be designed to operate safely at all times. Team members responsible for launching
tennis ball will wear impact (not splash) eye goggles when launching.
6. The device will sit on the ground and shoot at the target area which will also be at ground level. The
target area will be a sand pit of at least 1 meter in diameter (ex. a child’s plastic wading pool). A small
object level with the sand will mark the center.
7. The distance from the “foul line” to the center of the target will be announced at the start of the
competition. Students may place their catapult at any point behind the foul line up to 2 meters. (See
diagram).
8. The entire catapult must remain inside the 2m launch zone. This would include anything overhanging
the launch zone lines.
9. No tennis balls will be shot before or during the catapult event except during the specified practice
round or actual competition. Each team MUST bring their catapult, tennis balls, verification notes, and
data chart to the competition site at a time posted at the registration table. The tennis balls, verification
notes, data chart, and eye goggles are to be placed in a clear, labeled, plastic bag. These items will be
left at the impoundment site for safekeeping until the team’s turn.
10. Each team will have a one-shot practice round after which they will each shoot at the target three times.
The first two shots, after the single practice shot, will count toward the score. The third shot will be used
only in case of a tie.
11. The distance from the center of the target will be measured to the tennis ball’s initial point of impact as
determined by the judge. Tennis balls landing outside of the sand pit area will also be measured
according to the initial point of impact as determined by the event supervisor. Tennis balls hitting the
target on initial impact will receive a score of zero.
Foul Line
Catapult Launching
Area
Sand Pit
Target (cup)
2 meters
2-5 meters
Scoring:
1. Distance from the center of the target to the point of first impact with the ground, measured in cm.
2. Lowest distance wins.
3. Teams without data chart and or parent signature verification will be scored below all those that have the
chart and verification form.
4. Ties will be broken by the distance of the third shot. Further ties will be broken by the quality of the
data charts.
Examples of Resources:
http://kids.discovery.com/games/just-for-fun/catapult
http://spaghettiboxkids.com/blog/how-to-make-a-catapult-for-kids#chart
WATER ROCKETS 2014
Description: Prior to the competition, teams will build a rocket propelled by air pressure and
water out of a 2-liter plastic soda bottle. Alterations should be made to the rocket to help it stay
aloft. The rocket that stays in the air for the longest time will win. This is a Prebuilt Event
Number of Participants: 3
Impound: YES
Approximate Time: 30 minutes
Construction:
1. Water Rockets will be impounded at the competition location during the impound window.
Teams will have rockets in a box labeled with team names and team number. Repair kits are
not impounded. The rocket must also the team number printed on it using permanent marker.
2. The rocket must be made from a plastic 2-liter soda bottle used to hold water and air pressure
that propels the rocket when released.
3. The bottle itself must not be altered in any way (e.g. holes, scratches, increasing the volume,
restricting the bottle’s opening). A safety check will be done to make sure that the bottle has
not had any structural alterations due to physical, thermal, or chemical changes.
4. The rocket must not contain or be subject to any of the following: metal, commercial model
rocket parts including the parachute, explosives, gases (except air), electronic devices,
elastic, throwing, remote control, chemical or pyrotechnics, super glue (cynacrylate), or high
temperature hot glue.
5. Fins, parachutes, and other items may be added to the outside of the bottle to increase the
time aloft. Adhesives that may be used to attach components to the bottle are limited to tape
and glue (only silicone, polyurethane-based, or others that do not damage the structural
integrity of the bottle)
6. All parts and any changes must be 5 cm above the level of
the bottle’s opening.
7. Nose of the rocket must be rounded or blunt (min. 2.5
centimeters) at the tip.
8. The fully assembled rocket must not exceed 22” tall and
11” wide, not including the parachute.
9. Energy to propel the rocket must come only from the water
and air pressure in the bottle. Other sources of potential or
kinetic energy are not allowed.
10. Only plain tap water may be used in the rocket. No other
material of any type may be put in the bottle or added to
the water. A water level line may be marked on the bottle
to aid in adding water.
11. Parts of the rocket may separate during flight, but they must remain attached together by a
string/lanyard.
The Competition:
1. Teams may bring repair kits containing tools, spare parts, and extra parachutes. Any parts
found to be dangerous (ex. glass or metal), illegal (ex. commercially made rocket parts), or
that prevent a rocket from fitting on the launch pad must be removed before the rocket can be
launched. Rockets that are changed to meet the construction requirements will not be
penalized as long as this occurs before the close of the impound window. Rockets deemed
unsafe according to the event supervisor’s judgment will not be launched.
2. Two launches will be allowed. Different rockets may be used for each launch. Teams must
use the water, launch pad, and source of pressure provided by the event supervisors. The
team will add the desired amount of water to the rocket before each flight and may make
alterations or repairs to rockets between launches. Outside assistance/coaching from the
sidelines is not permitted.
3. The event supervisors will supervise the pressurization of the rocket to 60 psi and the
launching of it. Students must not begin any action without explicit direction of the event
supervisor. Anyone within 10 meters of a pressurized rocket must wear eye protection.
Contestants may not hold their rocket during pressurization. Only the coaches should
pressurize the rocket during practices.
4. Once a rocket has been pressurized it must be launched, In case of high winds, the
supervisors will launch the rocket as quickly as possible. It will be the supervisors’ decision
whether the flight should be considered as unofficial due to the weather conditions.
5. Timing begins when the rocket separates from the launcher.
6. Timing ends when any part of the rocket touches the ground, rests on an obstruction, or goes
out of sight.
Scoring:
1. Scores will be determined for the rocket by taking the average of the two event supervisors’
times for the duration of the rocket’s flight.
2. The watches will be started simultaneously to the launch and stopped when the rocket
touches the ground or any object in contact with the ground, trees, etc.
3. Flights of rockets whose parts do not remain attached together during the entire flight, or that
cannot be changed to meet the construction requirements, will be ranked, by their time aloft,
behind all flights of – rockets without construction violations and whose parts remain
attached.
4. Teams whose rockets cannot be launched for any reason will receive participation points
only.
5. The longest time aloft wins. Ties will be broken using the team’s lesser flight times. Teams
with two flights will win ties over teams with only one flight.
Example of Resources:
http://soinc.org/bottle_rocket_b