2000-2001 Parkland School Division Science Olympics Grade 4-6 Event: Get Crackin'

This is the first draft of the instructions for this event. This page will be updated as loopholes are identified, and the official rules of the competition will be posted to this address no later than February 1, 2001. No rule changes will be made between February 1, 2001 and the competition date (March 10, 2001).

In this event students will design and construct a device that has a mass no greater than 100 grams and will protect one Grade A Large Size egg from a fall as high as possible.

MATERIALS

1. Any supplies you deem necessary. The only limit is that the total mass of the device must be less than or equal to 100 grams (and, yes, we will be checking the mass it before your device is allowed into the competition).

RULES

1.  The device must have a mass less than or equal to 100 grams before the egg is placed in it or attached to it. The mass will include any attachment devices used.

2.  There are no size restrictions.

3.  The device must be able to hold one Grade A Large size egg.

4.  Students must have some idea of the safe starting height before the competition begins. The device will be carried up to a starting height designated by the team by a trained instructor on our climbing wall. The device will be released, and will be landing on a varnished hardwood gym floor, which will be covered with a blue plastic tarp.

5. If the egg survives the initial drop, students may select another height and try again. They can keep increasing the height until the egg breaks.

6. Teams receive only one egg.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1.  The winner of this event will be the team that builds a device that protects the egg from breakage when falling from the greatest height.

2. Eggs will be inspected by the event judges immediately after any drop.

3.  The egg is considered broken if, in the opinion of the event judges, any egg white is present on the outside of the egg's shell.

4. The height will be recorded as the maximum distance that the egg fell without breaking. If the egg breaks on the first drop, a result of 0.20 m will be recorded.

5. In case of a tie, the teams that are tied will be given a second egg, and allowed only one drop for the second egg.

© 2000 Parkland School Division.  All rights reserved.
Last Updated: October 19, 2000