Senior Engineering

The Engineering competition demonstrates creative ability, collaboration and attention to detail to construct an invention in the spirit of Rube Goldberg. Teams use items from a specified list and will be given an invention prompt at the beginning of the competition. The invention must have at least five steps. A step is defined as a power - whatever force causes the next reaction to take place. Teams will write an explanation to communicate the elements of the invention and creative concepts. Teams will be required to interact with judges.

No spectators allowed during or following the competition.

Time Limit: 2 Hours

Competition Guidelines

• Each club may enter one team of three to five students.
• Teams will be given two hours to construct the invention.
• The invention must be constructed on a piece of plywood 24" by 48". This piece of plywood will be separate from the materials container.
• The invention may have parts that suspend beyond the board but cannot be braced/tethered/supported by anything (i.e. wall or floor) other than the board.
• The team must use ONLY the items from the specified list and materials must fit into a closed 18 gallon plastic storage container with a lid.
• Power tools do not have to be placed in the container. Tools must be battery operated.
• All construction must be done on-site. No steps can be preassembled, construction pieces must be separate, and the board must be free of any writing, marking, stickers, etc.
• During the competition, objects may be attached to the board and/or to each other using adhesives (including battery operated glue gun(s), thumb tacks, nails, screws, wire, or string.
• The team gets one free touch to activate the invention.
• Electricity/outlet and internet will not be provided.
• Liquids, sand, glitter, or other substances that would leave a mess may not be used in any form of the challenge.
• SAFETY - Protective eyewear is required for each team member. Teams will not be allowed to participate without protective eyewear.  Safety glasses must be worn over prescription glasses.
• SAFETY - Tools cannot have a knife, box cutter, or any type of blade.
• SAFETY - Participants using a battery powered glue gun MUST use silicone finger protectors or wear gloves when using the glue gun. 

Approved Materials List

The following items must be included in the team’s container of approved materials and used in the build: dominoes, balls (plastic or rubber),  pulleys, springs, cups, nails, wheels, wire, dried beans and zip ties.

The team must use ONLY the items from the specified list of materials below. Materials must fit into a closed 18 gallon container with lid. Teams will be responsible for all materials and the plywood needed for the build.

Protective eyewear is required and must be furnished by the competing teams. The container may not be used as part of the build.