2000-2001 Parkland School Division Science Olympics Grade 10-12 Event: Peculiar Par 3

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 propels a regular golf ball through a peculiar par 3 golf course which will be one metre in length. The only source of power for the device will be a standard rubber band provided on site (its specifications will be posted here shortly).

MATERIALS

1. Your device

2. One regular golf ball (brand to be posted when we purchase the golf balls)

3. One standard rubber band (brand and size to be posted when we purchase the rubber bands)

RULES

1.  The golf ball is to put in motion by being struck once by something powered solely by the rubber band.

2. The golf ball must put out a burning candle (stroke 1). The candle will be approximately 2.5 cm in diameter and approximately 10 cm in height.

3. The golf ball must set off a "Victor" brand mouse trap (stroke 2).

4. The golf ball must land and stay in the cup (stroke 3). The cup will be a regular sized styrofoam coffee cup.

5. Students may place the candle and mouse trap wherever they like on the course. The tee box and hole (styrofoam cup) will remain in the same place for the duration of the match.

6. Students will have a maximum of two minutes from being called to the tee box to when the device strikes the golf ball. Any longer will be a time violation, and will result in a loss of turn.

7. Students will be given a maximum of three tee times.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1.  The winner of this event will be the team that builds a device that completes the par 3 course provided as quickly and accurately as possible.

2. 10 points will be awarded for each of puts out candle, sets off mouse trap, travels a minimum of one metre, and stays in the hole. 

3. 10 points will be given for doing all tasks on the first tee off; 5 for doing all three on the second, and zero points for doing all three on the third.

4. In case of a tie, the event judges will award a higher placing to he device that, in their opinion, is the more elegant design.

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