1. Mission Possible – Div. C 2009-2010 CeAnn Chalker ceann@chalker.org
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
Mission Possible – Div. C
CeAnn Chalker

2. What is Mission Possible?
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

3. Safety Requirements/Inspection
Students must wear safety spectacles with side shields
Items not allowed
Computers or digital circuitry
Remote controls or timing
Liquids (except water)

4. Other Potential Hazards not Allowed
Rat traps
Model rocket engines
Fireworks, explosives, lighters
Flammable substances, matches, candles
Uncontrolled projectiles
Any other hazardous materials

5. Allowed Items Simple electric DC motors Factory sealed batteries
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)

6. Requirements 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

7. Requirements – Start Task – Task A
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

8. Requirements – Final Task – Task J
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.

9. Other Details
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.

10. 8 Other Required Tasks (May be in any order)
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)

11. Other Required Tasks cont’d
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 mono-filament line in two, so that a mass falls and activates the next step.

12. Other Required Tasks cont’d
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 step.

13. Task Sequence List 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?

14. Tournament Day Set up Be able to explain device to judges
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

15. Device Operation - Timing
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:
Device fails to operate
Or device completes final task
Or 3 minutes have elapsed

16. Device Operation – Ideal Operation Time
The Ideal operation times will be announced after impound
Regional – 60 seconds
State – from 60 – 90 seconds
Nationals – 90 – 120 seconds

17. Device Operation – Penalties
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

18. Scoring
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.

19. Penalties
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

20. Things to Consider
Avoid questionable components that are too complex, too small, or not clearly visible
Device may not be timed or controlled by any remote method.

21. More Things to Consider
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

22. Costs & Time Commitment
Inexpensive available materials
Avoid the “Black Hole” theory
Where does the money go?
Long term project approach
In your Classroom vs. in a student’s garage or basement
Parent involvement

23. Examples Start Task A & 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
Preset light source
Mousetrap

24. Examples Tasks E & F Task E –
Inside jar monofilament wire heats up and breaks
Container inside jar falls
empties contents into bottom of jar
Contents mixes with water
Task F –
Chemical reaction increases air pressure
Balloon inflates
Inflated balloon displaces lever
Mass moves

25. Examples Tasks G & H Task H – Task G – - Inflated balloon is popped.
- Weight drops
Task G –
String attached to
weight goes through
series of pulleys.
String lifts golf ball
Rising golf ball
- activates micro switch for next task.

26. Example Final Task Weights or motors can be used to pull flag up.
Hint – have string attached to highest point on the pole, you get more lifting power.
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)