Build events are events that include YOU and your partners building something. At the competition, coaches will be testing your device and see how well it performs its task. These events include: Bungee Drop, Electric Vehicle, Helicopter, Robot Tour, and Tower.
The Bungee Drop event in the Science Olympiad challenges teams to design an elastic cord to drop a mass as close to the ground as possible without touching it. Teams build the cord from various materials, ensuring the bottom meter passes an elasticity test. The mass is dropped from heights of 2 to 10 meters, and scoring is based on how close the mass gets to the ground without making contact.
The Electric Vehicle event in Science Olympiad challenges teams to design, build, and test a vehicle powered solely by electrical energy. The vehicle must travel a specified distance as quickly as possible and stop close to a target point. It must fit within specific dimensions and can use components like motors, gears, and sensors. Performance is measured by the time it takes to travel the distance and its stopping accuracy. Scoring is based on speed, accuracy, and rule adherence. Practicing with various designs and understanding electric propulsion principles is key to success in this event.
The Helicopter event in Science Olympiad involves designing, building, and testing rubber-powered helicopters for the longest flight time. Teams construct the helicopter before the tournament, using balsa wood and a rubber band motor. During the competition, the helicopter is wound up and released indoors to measure its flight duration. Scoring is based on flight duration, with longer flights earning higher scores. Practicing different designs and understanding aerodynamic principles are essential for achieving success in this event.
The Robot Tour event in Science Olympiad involves designing, building, programming, and testing a robotic vehicle to navigate a track and reach a target accurately and efficiently. Teams construct a programmable robot powered by up to six AA or AAA batteries, using various sensors and programming techniques. During the competition, the robot must navigate the track, make decisions at intersections, travel between gates, and stop at a designated target point within a set time. Scoring is based on accuracy, efficiency, and rule adherence. Practicing with different track designs and refining programming skills is crucial for success in this event.
The Tower event in the Science Olympiad involves designing and building a lightweight tower that supports a significant load. Teams use specific materials like wood and glue. During the competition, towers are tested by loading them with sand until they fail. Efficiency is calculated based on the tower's weight and the load it can support. The goal is to achieve the highest structural efficiency.