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SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Mission Possible –
Div. C 2009-2010
CeAnn Chalker
[email protected]
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What is Mission Possible?
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Students design, build, test &
document a Rube Goldberg-like
device
Device made of sequence/series of
consecutive tasks
Device must run autonomously
Specific Start and End task
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Safety
Requirements/Inspection
Students must wear safety
spectacles with side shields
 Items not allowed
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Computers or digital circuitry
 Remote controls or timing
 Liquids (except water)
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Other Potential Hazards not
Allowed
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Rat traps
Model rocket engines
Fireworks, explosives, lighters
Flammable substances, matches,
candles
Uncontrolled projectiles
Any other hazardous materials
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Allowed Items
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Simple electric DC motors
Factory sealed batteries
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No more than 10.0 volts per any single
electrical circuit (no lead-acid batteries)
Energy devices may be set/activated
prior to starting the device (flashlights
& mousetraps, not motors)
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Requirements
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Maximum Size of Machine (50 cm x 50
cm x 80 cm)
Task Sequence List
Ten tasks required to earn maximum
points must contribute to the
completion of the final task
No parallel sequence of tasks allowed
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Requirements –
Start Task – Task A
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Device must be started by:
 dropping a golf ball from above the
device
 that will trigger a mousetrap
 that will begin the chain of events
leading to the final task
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Requirements –
Final Task – Task J
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Raise a flagpole:
With rectangular school flag (fixed or
mobile) that is at least 5 cm x 10 cm
 The bottom of the flag must be at
least 30 cm higher than all original
parts of the device.
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Other Details
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Tasks between the Start Task and Final
Task may be in any order.
Additional non-listed devices, tasks, and
energy sources may be built into the
device between the listed tasks but will
not earn points.
Additional non-listed tasks must
contribute to the completion of the final
task.
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8 Other Required Tasks
(May be in any order)
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Activate a photocell providing power to
operate a motor.
Using a motor, turn a shaft that
continuously moves a mass for at least
10 seconds, mass must trigger next
action. (extra 10 points for each full
sec. over 10 secs., up to 40 secs.)(300
pts. possible)
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Other Required Tasks cont’d
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Block a light source, so that it stops
powering a photocell which is operating
an electromagnet which releases a
mass that activates the next step.
Use heat generated by the resistance in
an electrical wire to melt a monofilament line in two, so that a mass falls
and activates the next step.
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Other Required Tasks cont’d
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Use either pneumatics or hydraulics in
an enclosed system to operate the next
action in the chain.
Use any part of the device to raise a
golf ball vertically by at least 30 cm.
Pop a balloon.
Use a motor with a propeller that
generates a wind that activates the next
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step.
Task Sequence List
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Format
What is listed? (All tasks in operation sequence)
Numbering and Letter Labeling Tasks
Accuracy
Sequential vs. “dead ends” and “parallel paths”
When to turn in TSL
How many copies?
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Tournament Day
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Set up
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Only 30 mins. Before you plan or are
scheduled to run device
Be able to explain device to judges
Go through TSL
Run Device
Remove from testing location
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Device Operation - Timing
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Timing begins when Event Supervisor says, “Go”
Student drops golf ball into device to start
Clock does not stop until maximum time limit of 3
minutes
Tasks completed after 3 minutes will not be scored
Timing stops when:
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Device fails to operate
Or device completes final task
Or 3 minutes have elapsed
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Device Operation –
Ideal Operation Time
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The Ideal operation times will be
announced after impound
 Regional – 60 seconds
 State – from 60 – 90 seconds
 Nationals – 90 – 120 seconds
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Device Operation – Penalties
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Each touch or crossing of the imaginary box is a
penalty
Students may “adjust” device but will receive
penalty points
Stalling will lead to DQ
Points will not be awarded for task completion
when touches or adjustments lead to the task
completion
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Scoring
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2 pts - for each full second of operation up to the
“ideal” time. (max 120 at Regional)
100 pts - final task completed in 3 mins.
75 pts - Sequence Task List (STL) submitted on
time and correct format
25 pts - STL 100% accurate documentation of
device operations
50 pts – no more that 30 min. setup
25 pts – each successful required task (max 250)
Max. at Regionals – 620 pts.
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Penalties
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1 point for each second the device operates
over “ideal” time (Max 120 pts)
100 pts for each motor running at start
100 pts not starting with required 1st Task
50 pts, one time, for any object that leaves the
boundary of the device (except flag & pole)
15 points for each time the device is touched,
adjusted, or restarted
Tier 2 for construction violations, parallel
designs or “dead end” paths
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Things to Consider
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Avoid questionable components
that are too complex, too small, or
not clearly visible
Device may not be timed or
controlled by any remote method.
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More Things to Consider
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Final Task – the team may not
complete the task themselves or
make adjustments that lead directly
to task completion of the next
action.
Obvious stalling during
”adjustments” to gain time
advantage can result in a DQ
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Costs & Time Commitment
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Inexpensive available materials
Avoid the “Black Hole” theory
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Where does the money go?
Long term project approach
In your Classroom vs. in a student’s
garage or basement
Parent involvement
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Examples
Start Task A & Task B
Task B –
-String attached to mousetrap pulls light blocker
-Preset light source activates photocell
-Photocell powers a motor
Start Task –
Golf ball dropped
onto Mousetrap
Light blocker
Photocell
Golf ball
String
Mousetrap
Preset light source
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Examples
Tasks E & F
Task F –
-Chemical reaction increases air pressure
-Balloon inflates
- Inflated balloon displaces lever
- Mass moves
Task E –
- Inside jar
monofilament wire
heats up and breaks
- Container inside jar
falls
- empties contents
into bottom of jar
- Contents mixes
with water
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Examples
Tasks G & H
Task G –
- String attached to
weight goes through
series of pulleys.
Task H –
- Inflated balloon is
popped.
- Weight drops
- String lifts golf ball
- Rising golf ball
- activates micro
switch for next task.
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Example
Final Task
Hint – have string
attached to highest
point on the pole,
you get more lifting
power.
Weights or motors can
be used to pull flag up.
Lengths are important, if done by this method, the fulcrum must be higher (not at
the base of device) By this method the arm is too long!
5 cm (flag size) + 30 cm (above device) + 50 cm (one of max dimensions)= 85 cm (5 cm
longer than max device dimension)
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