TABLE OF CONTENTS. General Information 3. Engineering Design (Mousetrap Car) Competition 6. VEX Robotics Competition 17

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page # General Information 3 Engineering Design (Mousetrap Car) Competition 6 VEX Robotics Competition 17 Internet Science Fair (ISTF) 19 Water Rocket Design Competition 20 Essay Competition 42 Banner Competition 51 Competition Grievance Form 54 Frequently Asked Questions 55 SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 2 of 56

3 SECME NATIONAL STUDENT COMPETITIONS IGNITING MINDS THROUGH STEM EDUCATION GENERAL INFORMATION SECME is pleased to announce the National Student Competitions. Activities and Competitions at the State/Regional Competition is at the discretion of the Member University or Host Sponsor. We encourage participation at all levels or divisions (elementary, middle and high schools). 1. Engineering Design [All Divisions Team entry: 3 students required] 2. Vex Robotics [H.S. Team only are eligible for National Competition: 3 students required] 3. ISTF [All Divisions Team entry] 4. Water Rocketry [All Divisions Team entry: 3 students required] 5. Essay [All Divisions - Individual entry: 1 student] 6. Banner [SECME School Team Entry] PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW CAREFULLY ALL COMPETITION GUIDELINES Only students active in a local SECME program are eligible to enter competitions Data must be entered electronically into the SECME National database prior to your State/Regional Competition. School Coordinators should select a teacher/counselor as its competition coordinator. SECME Member Universities, Program Directors and School Coordinators are asked to distribute (or reference) these Guidelines to all (educators, parents, business/industry partners, graduate and undergraduate students) who will help prepare students for this year s competitions or serve as mentors or judges. It is important that all fully understand the judging criteria for each Competition and their division. All entries are expected to be neat, original, and completed by the students. Elementary, Middle/Junior High, and High School students each will compete only with other students at their respective levels. Unsportsmanlike behavior will result in disqualification of a team. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 3 of 56

4 Only the 1 st place State/Regional winning student or student competition teams, as identified in these guidelines, will be eligible to compete in and/or attend SECME National Competitions Finals. Only the 1 st place Middle School and High School Mousetrap and High School Vex Robotics State/Regional winning teams travel to the National Student Competition Finals to compete. All others are recognized as National Student Competition Winners. SECME school coordinators should identify a chaperone (one per team) to accompany their State/Regional first-place winning teams to the National Student Competition Finals Mousetrap Car (Middle and High School) and Vex Robotics (High School). SECME Member Universities (or Sponsors) that host a State/Regional competition: Deadline Friday, April 30, 2010, for electronic submission of the Certification of State/Regional Competition Winners. State/Regional winning essays must be submitted electronically not later than this date as well. Financial responsibilities for SECME Student Competitions are as follows: a. SCHOOLS/SCHOOL DISTRICTS are Responsible for covering all expenses involved in conducting competitions at the school/school district level. b. MEMBER UNIVERSITIES are responsible for: 1) all expenses of conducting state/regional competitions (including awards); 2) Travel to National Competition Finals: round-trip travel, including transportation to/from the airport to for up to 12-1st place Middle and High Engineering Design (Mousetrap Car) student teams of three each division), plus one chaperone per team and, if applicable, 1 st place High School Vex Robotics student team of three and one chaperone. 3) If school district laws require an additional chaperone, the Member University or Host Sponsor will cover those costs. Additionally, the SECME National Office is asking that a letter be submitted to us (via ) on official school letterhead informing us that an additional chaperone is required. c. Summer Institute Host University for National Competition Finals Is responsible for: Meals and lodging for student teams and chaperones competing at the SECME National Student Competition Finals Trophies to the winning student teams. Middle and High School Mousetrap Car Team (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd place individual members); High School Vex Robotics Team (1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd place individual members); and Banner competition 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd place winner school trophy award only). Approximately 30 trophies in total. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 4 of 56

5 SECME NATIONAL COMPETITION DATES AND DEADLINES April 30, 2010 State/Regional Winner Certification Forms and First Place Winning Essays (both processes are electronic submissions) May 17, 2010 ALL National winners will be notified SECME/ISTF Water Rocketry Mousetrap Car (Elementary only) Essay Location and Date for the 2010 SECME National Student Competition Finals will be announced at a later date. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 5 of 56

6 GUIDELINES FOR SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION (MOUSETRAP CAR: CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION) ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS: (Any entry not meeting the following requirements will be disqualified.) 1. The Engineering Design Competition requires participation in these four areas: a. Mousetrap Car Construction and Run b. Design Drawing of Mousetrap Car (not required for elementary) c. Technical Report on Mousetrap Car d. Team Interview with Judges 2. This is a team competition and should reflect the coordinated efforts of all members. Three (3) students must be on each team. Members must remain the same at all levels of competition (school, state/regional, and national finals). 4. Each team member is expected to be able to serve as a spokesperson and be fully involved with all aspects of the entry. 5. A standard mousetrap--usually about 4.5 X 10 centimeters and weighing about 25 grams must be used to build the car. 6. Components of the mousetrap are: base (on which other components are mounted), spring, bail, locking lever, and bait hook (see component sketch on next page). 7. The mousetrap spring must be the sole source of power. (You may NOT use rubber bands, CO 2 boosters, or any other agent or element for extra power). 8. In design and construction of the car, the original mousetrap spring and wood base MUST remain intact. These two components may NOT be cut or altered in any way physically, chemically, or thermally. Only the locking lever and bait holder may be removed from the base, if desired. The bail may be straightened but NOT cut (shortened), added on to, or reinforced. It must remain as a component of the completed car. 9. The spring must be visible and/or accessible to the judges for inspection. 10. The car must have a minimum of three wheels and can be made as long or short as desired as long as requirement #8 above is met. 11. Cars will be tested on a smooth flat surface. Distance is measured from the starting line to the farthest point of travel, utilizing a straight line to connect the two points. 12. There will be two runs for each car; the better run will be used for final scoring of the mousetrap car s performance. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 6 of 56

7 SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 7 of 56

8 13. Two formulas are used to calculate the Performance score for the car run: w D N X and W L 2 N F X 100 N L where: N...is the score. To ensure that cars actually perform and not just be small and light, N=0 if D is LESS than 300 centimeters (for middle school/junior high teams) N=0 if D is LESS than 600 centimeters (for high school teams) w...is the mass of the original mousetrap (always taken as 25 grams). NOTE: At all competitions, this standard value will be used in calculating the Performance score. W...is the total mass of the completed car in grams. D...is distance measured in a straight line from the starting point to the stopping point in centimeters. D=2,500 if the car travels 2,500 centimeters or more. L...is the car s longest measurement along one of the three basic dimensions length, width, or height in centimeters, measured with the bail extended or retracted, whichever is greater.* N L...is the highest Performance score at the competition site. F...is the final Performance score (to be combined with scores for the Design Drawing, Technical Report, and Team Interview). *Judges will measure L (see illustration on following page) and W prior to the mousetrap car Performance runs. These measurements, together with D (determined by the car s run), are used to calculate N in the formula above. 14. Overall Team Score in competition is sum of: 1) Performance (car run) as calculated above (max. 100 points); 2) Design Drawing (max. 50 points); 3) Technical Report (max. 50 points); and 4) Team Interview (max. 50 points). Thus the maximum total is 250 points. 15. See pages that follow for guidelines and evaluation sheets on each component of the Engineering Design (Mousetrap Car) Competition. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 8 of 56

9 Measurement of L, the Mousetrap Car s Longest Dimension In Any Direction Length, Width, or Height SCALE 1.0:1.38 cm 16.7 cm L is the car s longest measurement along one of the three basic dimensions length, width, or height in centimeters, measured with the bail extended or retracted, whichever is greater. The length of the car is defined as the distance from the farthest point at the rear of the car to the farthest point at the front. Likewise, the width of the car is defined as the distance from the farthest point on one side to the furthest point on the other. The height of the car is defined as the distance from the travel surface to the highest point of the car. L (for this example) = 16.4 cm SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 9 of 56

10 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION: MOUSETRAP CAR CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION (Evaluation Sheet) Please Check: Elementary School Middle School High School Team Name School Name District Student Name #1 Student Name #2 Student Name #3 State Grade Grade Grade Judge s Name Regional Sponsor Distance First Run Second Run Date N w W 2 D X L N F X 100 N L w = 25 Grams W = L = D = N = N L = [Measured weight, in grams] [Longest dimension length, width, or height in centimeters] [Maximum D=2,500 if measured distance is more than 2,500 cm] [N=0, if D is LESS than 300 centimeters for middle school teams if D is LESS than 600 centimeters for high school teams] [Highest Performance score at competition site] Mousetrap Car Performance Point Score: F= (Note: F is combined with scores for Design Drawing, Technical Report, and Team Interview to arrive at Overall Team Score in competition.) SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 10 of 56

11 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR DRAWING As a part of the Engineering Design Competition, each team is required to prepare a scaled drawing depicting the car that they have designed and built. MOUSETRAP CAR DRAWING REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES: (Any entry not meeting the following requirements will be automatically disqualified.) 1. The Mousetrap Car Drawing entry is required to illustrate the actual mousetrap car built by the team (photographs and computer generated drawings will NOT be allowed). 2. The size of the engineering paper is required to be the standard 18" X 24" (plain, nongrid, (17-pound vellum) sheet. (Allowing for the required 1" border on all sides, the actual drawing is to cover an exposed area of 16" X 22" of the paper.) NO MOUNTING, NO FRAMES ALLOWED. BUT DRAWING MAY BE LAMINATED FOR PROTECTION IF DESIRED. 3. All dimensions are required to be illustrated on the drawing. 4. The scale and the units are required to be indicated on the drawing. 5. The team's Mousetrap Car Drawing is required to show front, side, and top views. 6. All parts of the car are required to be labeled. 7. Ink pens, pencils or markers may be used. 8. A title legend is to be drawn in the bottom left corner of the drawing inside the 1 border with the following information is required: Team name School Name School District Team Members' Names and Grade Levels School Coordinator s Name Date of Competition AT ALL COMPETITIONS, THE MOUSETRAP CAR DRAWING WILL BE JUDGED ON: RESEMBLANCE (Between the actual mousetrap car and drawing) SCALE NAMING/LABELING (Of all of the parts used) APPEARANCE/NEATNESS SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 11 of 56

12 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR DRAWING (Evaluation Sheet) Please Check: Elementary School Middle School High School Team Name School Name District Student Name #1 Student Name #2 Student Name #3 State Grade Grade Grade Judge s Name Date State/Regional Sponsor Requirements Check: 18" x 24" Engineering Paper 1" Border (All Sides) 17lb Vellum Paper Title legend If requirement checks are NOT met: Five (5) points from each of the 4 areas above will be deducted from the total score in this category. Maximum number of points for the Engineering Design Competition Mousetrap Car Drawing is 50. Please score each of the following four categories: EVALUATION CATEGORIES POINTS I. RESEMBLANCE The accuracy to which the Mousetrap Car Drawing Illustrates the actual Mousetrap Car designed and built by the team. (1-15 points) II. SCALE The proportions in the Drawing correctly relate to and represent the team's actual Mousetrap Car. (1-15 points) III. NAMING/LABELING The correctness of the names/labels of all of the parts in the Drawing of the Mousetrap Car. (1-10 points) IV. APPEARANCE/NEATNESS The quality of the visual presentation of the Mousetrap Car Drawing entry (1-10 points) TOTAL (The highest possible score is 50) Requirement check points deducted TOTAL SCORE IN DRAWING CATEGORY SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 12 of 56

13 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR WRITTEN TECHNICAL REPORT As a part of the Design Competition, the team is required to write a Technical Report describing the design, construction, and operation of the Mousetrap Car. The Technical Report should be a computer printed/typed document, double-spaced, on 8½" X 11" white paper with one-inch borders at the top, bottom, and on each side. Use 12 pt. type in a standard legible text font. The main body of the report Introduction, 5. Design Construction, 6. Construction Procedure, and 7. Operation of the Mousetrap Car--should be a maximum of 5 pages total. Drawings, sketches, and tables may be included in an Appendix if desired but this is optional and not required. (Entries not meeting these requirements will automatically be disqualified). TECHNICAL REPORT REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES: (Any entry submitted without a cover page containing all of the required information will automatically be disqualified). 1. COVER PAGE a. Title of the Technical Report b. Name, addresses, grades of team members c. Team's school name and address d. School System name e. School Coordinator's name f. Date 2. ABSTRACT One-half to one-page summary of Technical Report. 3. CONTENTS One page 4. INTRODUCTION 5. DESIGN 6. CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURE 7. OPERATION OF THE MOUSETRAP CAR 8. CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS 9. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (Optional) 10. APPENDIX (The Appendix may contain sketches, tables, and charts.) AT ALL COMPETITIONS, THE MOUSETRAP CAR TECHNICAL REPORT WILL BE JUDGED ON: OUTLINE ORGANIZATION PRECISION SENTENCE FORMATION MECHANICS SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 13 of 56

14 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR WRITTEN TECHNICAL REPORT (Evaluation Sheet) Please Check: Elementary School Middle School High School Team Name School Name District Student Name #1 Student Name #2 Student Name #3 State Grade Grade Grade Judge s Name Date Regional Sponsor Requirements Check: Cover page with required information 12 pt. Type/Standard Font Double-spaced Text 1" Borders White paper If requirement checks are NOT met: Five (5) points from each of the 5 areas above will be deducted from the total score in this category. The maximum number of points for the Engineering Design Competition Mousetrap Car Technical Report is 50. Please score each of the following five categories: EVALUATION CATEGORIES POINTS I. OUTLINE Structure of Technical Report is complete, correct, and consistent with guidelines. (1-10 points) II. III. IV. ORGANIZATION Technical Report follows a logical written description from design to final product. (1-10 points) PRECISION Procedures and steps followed are explained with clarity and exactness (1-10 points) SENTENCE FORMATION Sentences are complete with appropriate coordination and subordination. (1-10 points) V. MECHANICS Correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are evident throughout report (1-10 points) TOTAL (The highest possible score is 50) Requirement check points deducted TOTAL SCORE IN DRAWING CATEGORY SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 14 of 56

15 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR TEAM INTERVIEW WITH JUDGES As a part of the Engineering Design (Mousetrap Car) Competition, each student team will be interviewed by a panel of judges. This 5-10 minute discussion will cover details of the car s design and testing as well as the Design Drawing and Technical Report. TEAM INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES: 1. Team members are interviewed as a group. 2. Each member is expected to be able to serve as a spokesperson in response to questions from the judges. 3. The team interview will be conducted apart from the car run and scoring of its performance. 4. Interviews normally will take place after judges have received and scored the Design Drawing and Technical Report and completed the inspection and measurements (size, weight) that precede the car s run and scoring of its performance. 5. The team interview will be one element along with Performance (car run), Design Drawing, and Technical Report--in arriving at the overall score in competition. AT ALL COMPETITIONS, THE MOUSETRAP CAR TEAM INTERVIEW WILL BE JUDGED ON: TEAMWORK APPLICATION OF TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES KNOWLEDGE OF DESIGN ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 15 of 56

16 SECME ENGINEERING DESIGN COMPETITION GUIDELINES: MOUSETRAP CAR TEAM INTERVIEW WITH JUDGES (Evaluation Sheet) Please Check: Elementary School Middle School High School Team Name School Name District Student Name #1 Student Name #2 Student Name #3 State Grade Grade Grade Judge s Name Date Regional Sponsor Requirements Check: All three members present Each responds to questions Work is students own True team effort is evident If requirement checks are NOT met: Five (5) points from each of the 4 areas above will be deducted from the total score in this category. The maximum number of points for the Mousetrap Car Team Interview with Judges is 50. Please score each of the following four categories: EVALUATION CATEGORIES POINTS I. TEAMWORK All three members contributed with identifiable individual roles in final products and preparing car to run in competition. (1-10 points) II. APPLICATION OF TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES Team members analyzed requirements for car to perform and efficient means to transfer energy from spring to propel car (1-10 points) III. KNOWLEDGE OF DESIGN The design reflects knowledge of the formula used to judge performance and systematic efforts to maximize score (1-20 points) IV. ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS Team members each can speak clearly to the basis for their car s design and how that was applied in construction and testing. (1-10 points) TOTAL (The highest possible score is 50) Requirement check points deducted TOTAL SCORE IN DRAWING CATEGORY SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 16 of 56

17 VEX ROBOTICS COMPETITION The VEX Robotics Design System offers students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities spanning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). These are just a few of the many fields students can explore by creating with VEX Robotics technology. Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership and problem solving among groups. It also allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the level of students abilities. The affordable VEX platform is expanding rapidly and is now found in middle schools, high schools and university labs around the globe. Robotics hobbyists also appreciate the advanced capabilities of the VEX System. Since 2008, VEX Robotics is a SECME National Student Competition. Please follow the instructions below to participate in the SECME/VEX Competition. 1. You are encouraged to register your team with VEXRobotics $75 for the first team, $25 for each additional team at a school. You DO NOT Have to register to participate in SECME only events. Registration gets you access to the official VRC Competitions and gets you a welcome kit that includes: - Sample Game Pieces, - Robot License Tags - Robot Flags - Some other promotional items Registration also get's you plugged into the system and gets you access to resources. 2. Robot Hardware - If you already have a robot kit - reuse it, you don't need to spend money buying another one! If you need VEX parts, consider getting a quote from Learning Labs, Inc They are a vex reseller - costs you nothing extra, but gets you their local support If you don't have a Learning Labs near you, then go to: 3. Mini Grants - Contact SECME about Grants to start a Robotics Team! 4. This years Challenge is CLEAN SWEEP A deceptively simple game Game description and rules are here. 5. Field elements You can purchase sample field elements here $49 >> 10- small balls, 4 medium balls, 1 large ball 6. Practice Field - Want to build your own? Check this out: All field documentation is here SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 17 of 56

18 7. Need ideas? Check out some early scrimmage videos from New Zealand These robots were built the day before the event! Sunday, August 9, Scrimmage (Driver only, no autonomous) Quarter Finals 1-1 Quarter Finals 1-2 Quarter Finals 2-2 Quarter Finals 3-1 Quarter Finals 3-2 Quarter Finals 4-1 SemiFinals 1-1 SemiFinals 1-2 Finals-1 Finals-2 8. VRC Competitions - to register for the official VEX Qualifiers in your area (or just see what is available) Go to Click on VEX Competitions Events are typically $25 to $75 to enter (fees pay for facilities, trophies, etc) 9. Be sure to check out the VEX Forums - VERY helpful to get a feel for what is going on. Also a valuable resource when you need help! 10. Member Universities and Competition Host Sponsors. Vex Robotics Competition is held at the National Student Competition Finals. We encourage incorporating Vex Robotics as part of your State/Regional Competition. Your Regional VEX Robotics Support person is: Rick Folea rfolea@vexrobotics.com Contact him if you have any questions, or need any help. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 18 of 56

19 SECME/Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) The University of Central Florida (UCF) has teamed with the SECME Program to bring their Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) to all SECME students. The Internet Science and Technology Fair (ISTF) competition is a national technology literacy program that enables student teams--from the elementary to high school level--to research the application of critical technologies to real world problems. Students work as teams, adhere to guidelines based on national science content standards and locate/work with on-line scientists and engineers as team technical advisors. They present their four-month research projects in a website format for preliminary and national rounds of judging. ISTF national winning teams receive certificate awards from the National Medal of Technology and Innovation at the US Department of Commerce. SECME and ISTF are working together to challenge SECME student teams to participate in the ISTF competition. SECME/ISTF student teams that make it to the ISTF Finals and/or that advance from the preliminary round of judging to the final round of judging will be entered into in to SECME/ISTF National Competition Finals. SECME/ISTF winners will not attend the National Student Competition Finals. They will receive awards and be recognized as NATIONAL SECME/ISTF Winners. Please visit the ISTF website for all official ISTF competition details and schedules. SECME/ISTF on-line training and orientation sessions have been scheduled for Thursday s at 4:00 p.m. (est): 9/17, 9/24, 10/1 and 10/8. Please visit the SECME website to register for one or more of these sessions. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 19 of 56

20 WATER ROCKET COMPETITION GUIDELINES THE MISSION: The mission is to design a Water Rocket Vehicle capable of reaching the highest altitude possible given specific launch criteria to achieve the longest hangtime. The objective of the contest is for each rocket contestant to design and construct a water rocket using a 2-liter bottle as the pressure vessel that is propelled by water and air which will be launched at approximately a 90 degree angle to reach the maximum height possible and maintain the longest hangtime The rocket must be capable of launching from the SECME Water Rocket Launcher given the specific launch criteria. The contestant s complete success will be judged on rocket s performance. MISSION SUCCESS and Safe Flying!! DESIGN AND CONTEST GUIDELINES: 1. On the day of competition, but, prior to launch each actual operating rocket entry must pass a visual inspection and height requirement in order to be eligible to compete. Entries that fail inspection will be given ONE opportunity to make modifications to pass inspection, prior to the beginning of the water rocket launching competition. 2. An overall winner will be judged upon the Hang Time of Rocket. 3. The objective of the contest is for each team to launch a rocket propelled by water and air and reaches a maximum height. The launch angle, which can be adjusted from approximately 90 degrees, will be kept the SAME for all rockets launching during a particular competition. Each rocket will be launched using 12 ounces of water and at 60 psi of air pressure. The hangtime of the rocket will be measured using a stopwatch. The hangtime is defined as the time from when the rocket leaves the launch pad until the time it reaches the ground or strikes an object. This measurement will be taken by at least three qualified judges; the average of the judges times will be used as the final hangtime. The final score for hang time will be calculated based on the maximum hangtime recorded during the competition, using the following formula: SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 20 of 56

21 CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION REQUIREMENT 1. The pressure vessel must be ONE clear 2 liter bottle (i.e. NO TINTED or COLOR bottles will be allowed but must be inspected for use as pressure vessel), see Diagram Water and air pressure will be the sole source of propellant. At check-in, the water volume (12 oz.) will be measured and placed in the rocket fuel chamber (pressure vessel). 3. Do not use metal, glass, fiberglass, hard plastics or spikes to construct the rocket. Use of these materials will automatically disqualify the contestant from the competition. 4. On the bottom of the rocket, leave 7.5 cm from the throat of the exit plane clear of any coverings (paint, markings, drawings, etc.), see Diagram 1. What is the mission? The mission is to design a Water Rocket 5. Maximum Vehicle total capable height of of rocket reaching 76.0 cm, the highest see Diagram altitude 1. possible given specific launch criteria. 6. Nose-cone tip must have a minimum radius of 1.5 cm, see Diagram Fins must While start promoting 10.0 cm from Space throat Propulsion exit plane, Awareness, see Diagram the 2. Water Note: Bottle no forward swept type of Rocket fins are Competition allowed to be serves used on to the familiarize rocket. students with the basic principles of rocketry, design engineering, and manufacturing 8. The maximum fin width distance from the bottle is 10.0 cm (or 16.5 cm from center of bottle axis). engineering. See Diagram Students 3. will design and manufacture a water rocket using a 2-Liter bottle as the pressure vessel. The rocket must be 9. The use capable of parachutes of launching is NOT from allowed. the SECME Water Rocket Launcher given specific launch criteria. Additionally, each team will develop a patch design, technical report, and technical drawing. The team s complete success will not solely be judged on rocket performance, but the combined effort of the team. MISSION SUCCESS and Safe Flying!! *** Remember you will never be a winner unless you try and if you try your best, you have already made it to the bullseye :-) *** (Refer to Rules & Guidelines and How to Build Rockets manual for detailed information.) SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 21 of 56

22 FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL ONLY 1. Maximum number of 5 teams per school, each team consisting Nose 3 students. Cone(Note: Only 2 teams are allowed to enter in the District Olympiad and1 team is allowed to enter in the Regional Olympiad per school.) Bottle 2. Each Height team is required to submit a completed entry form, technical paper, and (max. patch 76.0 design, cm) no later than two weeks prior to competition date to qualify for the competition. Have your school SECME coordinator mail all entries from Pressure your school Vessel (maximum of two team entries) to the district office. (Clear 2 Liter Bottle) 3. On the day of competition, but, prior to launch an actual operating rocket with its corresponding technical drawing must be submitted in order to compete in the competition. Note: At Fin this time each entry must pass a visual inspection and height Fin requirement in order to be eligible to compete. Entries that fail inspection will be given ONE opportunity to make modifications to pass inspection, prior to the beginning of the water rocket launching competition. 4. An overall winner will be judged upon the following criteria (based on 100%): Fins Start Bottle Throat Hang Rocket Time of Clear Rocket of Any 45 % (min cm) Patch Coverings Design (min. 7.5 cm) 15 % Throat Exit Plane Technical Paper 25 % Technical Drawing 15 % SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 22 of 56

23 FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ONLY 1. Maximum number of 5 teams per school, each team consisting 3 students. (Note: Only 2 teams are allowed to enter in the District Olympiad and1 team is allowed to enter in the Regional Olympiad per school. THIS APPLIES ONLY TO AREAS THAT HAVE DISTRICT AND REGIONAL OLYMPIADS) 2. Each team is required to submit a completed entry form and patch design, no later than two weeks prior to competition date to qualify for the competition. Have your school SECME coordinator mail all entries from your District s SECME Office. (maximum of four team entries) to your 3. On the day of competition, but, prior to launch an actual operating rocket with its corresponding technical drawing must be submitted in order to compete in the competition. Note: At this time each entry must pass a visual inspection and height requirement in order to be eligible to compete. Entries that fail inspection will be given ONE opportunity to make modifications to pass inspection, prior to the beginning of the water rocket launching competition. 4. An overall winner will be judged upon the following criteria (based on 100%): Hang Time of Rocket 70 % Patch Design 30 % SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 23 of 56

24 DIAGRAM 2 Nose Cone Diagram Cone Tip R Min Cone Radius = 1.5 cm ALL GRADES 5. The objective of the contest is for each team to launch a rocket propelled by water and air and reach a maximum height. The launch angle which can be adjusted from approximately 90 degrees, will be kept the SAME for all rockets launching during a particular competition. Each rocket will be launched using 12 ounces of water and at 70 psi of air pressure. The hang time of the rocket will be measured using a stopwatch. The hang time is defined as the time from when the rocket leaves the launch pad until the time it reaches the ground or DIAGRAM strikes an 3 object. Fin Diagram This measurement will be taken by at least three qualified judges; the average of the judges times will be used as the final hang time. The final score for hang time will be calculated based on the maximum hang time recorded during the competition, using the following formula: hangtime max hangtime max 16.5 cm X100 max 10.0 cm SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 24 of 56

25 1. The pressure vessel must be ONE clear 2 liter bottle (i.e. NO tinted bottles allowed for use as pressure vessel), see Diagram Water and air pressure will be the sole source of propellant. 3. Do not use metal, glass, hard plastics, styrofoam, or spikes to construct the rocket. *Use of these materials will automatically disqualify the team from the competition.* 4. On the bottom of the rocket, leave 7.5 cm from the throat of the exit plane clear of any coverings (paint, markings, drawings, etc.), see Diagram Maximum total height of rocket is 76.0 cm, see Diagram Nose-cone tip must have a minimum radius of 1.5 cm, see Diagram Fins may extend to throat exit plane, see Diagram 2. Note: no forward swept type of fins are allowed to be used on the rocket. 8. The maximum fin width distance from the bottle is 10.0 cm (or 16.5 cm from center of bottle axis). See Diagram The use of parachutes is NOT allowed. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 25 of 56

26 HOW TO BUILD THE WATER ROCKET Materials and Tools Needed 1. Pressure Vessel ( Clear 2-Liter Bottle) 2. Note: Be certain that your clear, 2-liter bottle is free of scratches, nicks, dents, and discoloration. 3. Adhesive, Caution Hot Glue Guns weaken walls of Pressure Vessel. 4. Foam mounting tape (approximately 1/16 thick, 2-sided adhesive) 5. Carpet tape (thin 2-sided adhesive) 6. Clear packing tape is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR CONSTRUCTING ROCKETS 7. Use adhesive to bond fins, nose cone, and other allowed materials onto the water rocket 8. Cutting utensils (Scissors, Hacksaw Blade, Utility Knife, etc.) 9. Markers, spray paint, stickers, etc for decoration of the rocket (No water color paint). 10. Safety First: Children should be supervised at all times while constructing their Water Rockets 11. For Fin Construction: Balsa and Bass Wood, Plastic, Foam Board, 1/4 to 1/2 thick Styrofoam & Etha Foam, Plastic Plates, and/or PE (2L) Bottle Material BEFORE AFTER Step 2: Add ballast (weight) to shift your rocket s center of mass forward. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 26 of 56

27 Water Rocket Assembly Method Step 1: Cut the bottom off of a 2L Bottle (discard bottom). Step 3: Carefully align top portion of bottle on the 2L bottle to be used for the pressure vessel. Step 4: Rotate and observe your water rocket from several angles to ensure good alignment. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 27 of 56

28 Step 5: Tape/secure the joint between the nose cone stage and the pressure vessel. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 28 of 56

29 Off-limit Materials The following list of materials should NOT be used in any form in the construction of the water rocket. They are dangerous and could cause harm to the operator and those in the presence of the water rocket launch. Metal Glass Spikes and Antennas of any kind. Hard Plastics / Rocks Nose Cone Design and Construction 1. Determine what material you want to use. 2. Pattern the nose cone and cut it out. 3. Attach the nose cone to the top of the rocket by using some recommended adhesives. 4. Note: Remember use only the material recommended and maintain a nose radius of 0.5 inch or greater. a) Alternative Example of Nose Cone Construction Step 1: Cut a Circle out of thick stock paper or thin poster material (Using 16 or larger diameter). Step 2: Cut a line along the radius as shown. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 29 of 56

30 Uniform Fit All- Around Here Step 3: Rotate the paper into a cone. Next Tape or Glue the seam to maintain the cone s shape. You can adjust the angle of the cone with more rotation. Step 4: If needed trim the base of cone as required so that it has a uniform fit with the diameter of a 2L bottle. Step 5: Uniformly trim top of paper nose cone to accept a craft foam or Styrofoam ball or cone. Step 6: Add the foam ball or cone to create a 0.5 or larger nose cone radius. Step 7: Secure the resulting nose cone to the pressure vessel using an adhesive like tape, glue, velcro etc... SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 30 of 56

31 Fin Design and Construction 1. Determine a fin pattern from your analytic design or trial and error. 2. Use the recommended materials, however we encourage you to be creative. Keep in mind not to use the off-limit materials. 3. Cut fins out of the material you choose. 4. You can use as many fins as you feel are needed. 5. Attach the fins to the lower section of the rocket using glue, Velcro, tape, or other adhesives. 6. Tip: It is easier to attach fins to a bottle that is slightly pressurized. You can pressurize the bottle by placing the bottle with its top off in a freezer for 2-3 hours. Next, take it out of the freezer and put the top on very tight, eventually, the air inside warms and the bottle will become slightly pressurized. 7. Tip: Using a Low melt glue gun is an excellent way to quickly bond fins. First clearly mark desired locations on the bottle prior to bonding. Try applying glue to a fin; then apply the fin to one of the marked locations on your bottle. This technique will aid in preventing your pressure vessel (ie. bottle) from deforming due to the initially very warm temperature of the glue. 8. Fin design examples: SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 31 of 56

32 Diagram 1 Rocket Identification Nose Cone Bottle Height (max cm) Pressure Vessel (Clear 2 Liter Bottle) Fin Fin Rocket Clear of Any Coverings (min. 7.5 cm) Bottle Throat Throat Exit Plane Fins may extend To Throat Exit Plane SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 32 of 56

33 Diagram 2 Cone Tip Nose Cone Diagram R Min Cone Radius = 1.5 cm Diagram 3 Fin Diagram max 16.5 cm max 10.0 cm SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 33 of 56

34 What is a Patch? It is a creative display that reflects the dedication and mission of the team. This symbolic picture must comply with the following rules: Each entry is to be prepared and submitted by the SECME School Teams who will be participating in the Water Rocket Design Competition. Patch designs must be submitted on 13 X 13 poster board. All entries must contain the team name and follow the theme of this year s SECME competition. All teams participating in the Water Rocket Competition must be prepared to display their patch prior to the launch of their rocket. Patches must be hand-made original work. Ink pens, pencils, markers or paint may be used. A short (less than 1-page) explanation of the symbols of the patch should be included on the back of the patch. See page 45. AT THE COMPETITION, THE PATCH DESIGN WILL BE JUDGED ON: ORIGINALITY - Innovativeness of the design. 30 CREATIVITY - Uniqueness of the information depicted 30 APPEARANCE - The attractiveness and neatness of the presentation 20 CONTENT - Design representation of the Team s name and SECME theme SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 34 of 56

35 Here is an Example... Explanation of Patch The propelled rocket represents the school system, supported by the educators and students, following a path towards excellence. The radiant five 4-point stars symbolize the enrichment of Science, Engineering, Communication, and Mathematics. Where as, the seven 8-point stars represent for the seven Universities that founded SECME. The three distinct contrails steaming behind the rocket, symbolize the support offered through SECME, Universities, and Industry partners. The ring before the rocket depicts the student s path through the SECME program, returning full circle to support the efforts of the program. As we have entered the new millennium, the sun over the horizon symbolizes of the induction of the new Water Rocket Design Competition into the SECME Programs. Accuracy, the focus of the contest, is represented by the target created by the outer ring, deep space, and the earth. The border is supported on the left and right by symbols, respectively, for water and compressed air, which are the fluids used to propel the rockets. SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 35 of

36 SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 36 of 56

37 SECME WATER ROCKET COMPETITION Evaluation Sheet Please check: Middle School High School School name: Team name: Coordinator's name: Student name: Student name: Student name: EVALUATION CATEGORIES: Hang Time of Rocket (45%) Patch Design (15%) Technical Report (25%) Technical Drawing (15%) Total Score Rank SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 37 of 56

38 SECME WATER ROCKET TECHNICAL REPORT Evaluation Sheet Please check: Middle School High School School name: District name: Team name: Coordinator's name: The maximum points for the Water Rocket Technical Report are 100. EVALUATION CATEGORIES: POINTS: Abstract (1-10 points) Design Background (1-15 points) Paper Structure (1-5 points) Calculations (1-40 points) Conclusion/Recommandations (1-20 points) Grammar and Internal and External Citations for all references. All middle and high schools should use a standard MLA or APA style for all references(1-10 points) TOTAL (ATTACH TECHNICAL REPORT TO EVALUATION SHEET) SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 38 of 56

39 SECME WATER ROCKET TECHNICAL DRAWING Evaluation Sheet Please check: Middle School High School School name: District name: Team name: Coordinator's name: NOTE: Drawing requirements are 22 x 34 or 34 x 36 size paper. The maximum points for the Water Rocket Technical Drawing are 100. EVALUATION CATEGORIES: POINTS: Paper size (1-5 points) Resemblance (between the actual drawing and rocket) (1-45 points) Scale (1-20 points) Naming/labeling of all parts used (1-10 points) Appearance/Neatness (1-20 points) TOTAL (ATTACH TECHNICAL DRAWING TO EVALUATION SHEET) SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 39 of 56

40 SECME WATER ROCKET PATCH Evaluation Sheet Please check: Elementary School Middle School High School School name: District name: Team name: Coordinator's name: The maximum points for the Water Rocket Patch Design are 100. EVALUATION CATEGORIES: POINTS: Originality - Innovativeness of the design (1-30 points) Creativity - Uniqueness of the information depicted (1-30 points) Appearance - Attractiveness/neatness of the presentation (1-20 points) Content - Representation of the team's name and SECME theme (1-20 points) TOTAL IGNITING MINDS THROUGH STEM EDUCATION (ATTACH PATCH DESIGN TO EVALUATION SHEET) SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 40 of 56

41 Water Rocket Vehicle Competition Construction and Operation Evaluation Worksheet Check one: Elementary (K-5) Middle (grade 6-8) High (grade 9-12) School Name: District Name: Rocket Name: Date: Launch Site: Student Name (Mission Captain): Student Name (Mission Specialist): (Optional) Student Name (Mission Specialist): (Optional) EVALUATION CATEGORIES: Overall Height: max cm Fin Width Distance: max cm Fin-Base Distance from Throat Exit: min. 10 cm Nose Cone Tip Radius: min. 1.5 cm Throat Exit Clearance: min. 7.5 cm Measurement SCORING: JUDGE #1: JUDGE #2: JUDGE #3: HANGTIME (SEC) AVERAGE HANGTIME (SEC): FINAL SCORE: Average Hangtime (sec) Maximum Hangtime (sec) X 100 = SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 41 of 56

42 SECME Student Web Quest and 2010 Essay Competition GUIDELINES Each entry is open to ALL SECME students and is to be prepared and submitted by an individual student (not a team). INTRODUCTION: What Ignites Your Mind? What makes you smile, gets you excited, makes you want to do something? What SECME activities do find to be fun? Why are they fun for you? How can you make a living doing what you enjoy? What kinds of jobs are there? What kind of education do you need to prepare you for these jobs? COMPETITION TASK: Your competition mission if you choose to accept it is to use your SECME detection skills to carefully research, plan, and deliver a well-written essay that reflects your personal answers these questions Only the brave should choose to find the answers to these questions! You must be prepared to have fortitude while you gather your information, resolve as you structure your essay and diligence as you make your essay the best it can be. You will do battle with grammar and punctuation ogres that are waiting to snare you in every sentence. You must tread carefully with a keen eye to avoid traps as you work to keep your writing creative as work from rough draft through to final, polished essay. PROCESS: Prepare for a mission that will take you to places far, far away. Prepare for a mission that will broaden your world of possibilities. Prepare for a mission that will require you to think about your future. Prepare for a mission that will ask you to explain your point of view. Your mission will be divided into five phases. Your essay will be proof that your mission was successful. Phase 1: Interest Inventory Phase 2: Career Search Phase 3: Education Search Phase 4: Persuasion Phase 5: Essay Checklist, Form Completion, and Submission SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 42 of 56

43 If you choose to accept this assignment, you must be vigilant to follow all instructions. Only those entries that have been attentive to the SECME Essay Competition Guidelines will be considered for awards. WHAT DO YOU NEED? A willingness to discover, access to the Internet, an Explorer s Journal to write down all the information you find, and your imagination! Are you ready? SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 43 of 56

44 SECME Web Quest and 2010 Student Essay Phase 1: Interest Inventory It s all about YOU! (and science, technology, engineering, and math ) What ignites your imagination? What SECME experiences are fun? Do you enjoy working with a team to build mousetrap cars? Balsawood Bridges? Water Bottle Rockets? Do you enjoy creating the engineering drawing that shows the design that was used? Do you like the challenge of figuring out ways to build a better car or bridge or water bottle rocket? Do you like to do research on interesting topics? Do you like to plan big projects? Do you love the roar of engines? Do you think you d like the quiet of outer space? 1. Get out your Explorer s Journal and answer these questions for yourself. Take some time! Don t worry about going fast. Really search your memories and write down your thoughts 2. Now, talk to your friends, your teachers, your relatives ask them what they think you enjoy and write down their answers in your Journal (you might be surprised by what they say!). 3. Then do some Internet research. Below are some interesting links, but you are not limited to just these! Ask your teacher for help finding other sites to visit. Don t have the Internet at home? No problem! Go to your local public library and be sure to tell the librarian that you are doing research and ask for help! Take your time and have fun! Don t forget to use your Explorer s Journal to write down information use as many pages as you want. You never know what you might need for the next phases of your mission dnts.htm stdnts%202.htm SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 44 of 56

45 SECME Webquest and 2010 Student Essay Phase 2: Career Search It s all about YOU! (and science, technology, engineering, and math ) On this next leg of your mission, it s time to find out what career just might be right for you! Let yourself be surprised by what you might find that you never even knew was a job! The links below are just a beginning. Ask for help to find other good Internet sites. And don t forget to use your Explorer s Journal to log all the places you go! You never know when you might want to check your Journal as you move through the next phases of you mission! 1. First visit the SECME Website. On the homepage, find the Partnership and Alliances link and click on it. You will see the five corporations that help to sponsor SECME. Click on each one and visit their Website have fun looking at all the cool things they do! 2. Now visit some Websites that tell you about different careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. There are several listed below you can go to, but don t stop there! Get some help to find other information. And, of course, don t forget to use your Explorer s Journal to keep a record of all the interesting information you find! ult.php hm/default.php mer/default.php SECME National Student Competition Guidelines Page 45 of 56