Scholastic

"The future of today is in the minds of tomorrow."
Technology need not always be about futuristic objects, complicated circuits and abstract theorems. Often the beauty or at times even the simplicity with which the basic fundamentals of science work to run this world does not fail to mesmerize people.
Techfest 2010 brings the very same astonishingly simple world of Science and Technology in "Techfest Scholastic" - the competition for young minds.
It is an experience of its own to imagine and be amazed at the possibilities science holds for us without going into the intricacies. So, all the young geniuses let your mind wander into the fantasy world and design catapults in a first of its kind competition for grades 7th to 10th.

1.1 Problem Statement

Construct a machine which can launch the provided projectile in order to hit the target.

View the Rules »

2.1 Game Rules

1. Machine cannot be constructed using readymade Lego kits or any readymade mechanism can not be used.
2. The object can't be hand launched.
3. No form of explosive materials should be used to launch the object.
4. Catapult must be launched from a stationery position. while you are launching the object the machine must be at rest.
5. The distance of the target will vary from 5-8 meters from the launching line and given on the competition day.
6. Sufficient Time will be provided to the Participants for adjusting their machines according to the target distance but no addition or subtraction of components can be done during the event.
7. The machine must be behind the launching line. There should not be any part of machine which is ahead of the launching line during the competition.
8. Target will be pile of small cans almost similar to standard small pepsi cans.
9. Each team will be provided 3 launch opportunities in one chance and a maximum of 2 chances will be given to a team.
10. The machine should fit in a box of size 60cm x 60cm x 60cm at any point of time during the competition.
11. During the competition anyone who is not in the team is not allowed to touch the machine.
12. The machine can move only in one direction which is parallel to the launching line.
13. The maximum height of the target pile will be 3ft.

2.2 General Rules

1. This competition is open to all students from 7th-10th standard with a valid identity card of their respective educational institutes.
2. Maximum of 3 students are allowed to form a team.
3. Students from different schools are eligible to form a team.
4. No Accommodation will be for the competition.
5. Judges decision shall be treated as final and binding on all.
6. The organizers reserve the rights to change any or all of the above criteria as they deem fit. Changes, if any will be highlighted on the website.

View the Competition Details »

3.1 Judging Criteria

• Total Points Awarded = N*10.
  N = No. of cans fell in one chance.
  Note: For each blank shot 10 points will be deducted.
• Winner will be decided from the best of two scores.
• In case of a tie the average score will be considered.

3.2 Certficate Policy

1. Top three teams will be given excellence certificate.
2. All entries selected for the competition would be given participation certificate.

3.3 Writeup Submission

The participants has to submit their writeups which should explain the following points.

1. Launching mechanism and basic law behind that mechanism.
2. Explain all the important componants in the launching mechanism and their use in the mechanism.
3. Mechanism which is used to make the machine flexible for the target distance.
4. Materials used to make the machine should be explained.

Note: Selection of final teams which will be invited for the competition would be done on the basis of the writeups.

3.4 Registration Process

To register for the competition you have to send a email to scholastic@techfest.org. The email should have the follwing things:

1. Names of students.
2. School Name.
3. Contact Number.
4. Address.
5. Writeup.