Requirements:

1. In the first 9 weeks you are to complete a design and document the physics involved in your design choices for a vehicle which will roll down a hill and up a mound. The vehicle must try to get a close as possible to the center of the mound. 

2. In the second 9 weeks you will construct your design and compete against other members of the class. A final design brochure will document your final design features.

Strategy:

1. Design for repeatability in ending at the desired location.

2. Design to defend against attack.

3. Consider attacking other vehicles.

4. Design for easy repair. Multiple competitions will occur the same day.

5. Design for the incorporation of new ideas quickly. Use of other peoples ideas is encouraged.

The Mound:

1. Actual mound dimensions must be measured in class. Some changes to the mound surface may occur prior to competition.

2. A general idea of the course is supplied below:

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Teams:

1. All individuals must compete as individuals with their own vehicles.

2. Teams may form to assist each other, but they may have to face one another in competition.

The Vehicle:

1. The vehicle must be self contained with no external controls or controlling devices. No external wires, strings, or remote control devices are permitted.

2. The vehicle may be powered mechanically, electrically, or a combination of both. No chemicals are permitted!

3. The vehicle mass may not exceed 1 kg.

4. The volume of the vehicle at the start of completion must not exceed the volume of a cube that is 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm. Attacking devices may extend beyond this limit once activated, but cannot be activated before the start of competition. The activation device must be from the vehicle itself, as no external activation is permitted.

5. The vehicle must run within the width of the track. It cannot run on the guide rails.

6. The total cost of purchased parts must not exceed $25.

7. Purchased vehicles may be used for parts, but cannot be used in their initial condition. All vehicles must be constructed on their own original chassis.

Report:

Your first design report needs to be in typeface. It should be about 5-6 pages in length and detail the following: Design Requirements Course Considerations Previous Design Solutions Your Designs Analysis of Designs (using physics) Final Design Choice (Including detailed sketches and justifications)

Competition:

1. Opposing vehicles will begin at the top of each ramp and release upon a signal from the instructor. The vehicle closest to the line after 10 seconds will be judged the winner.

2. Winning vehicles receive 25 points. There will be a total of 6 competitions (Usually 3 races on 2 days).

3. The Faculty reserves the right to amend the rules as necessary at any time.

Grade

1.  For the first 9 weeks the grade will be based on the project proposal, or report of the vehicle's design,  The grade will carry the weight of one PAK grade and one LAB grade.

2.  For the second nine weeks, completion of a vehicle and presentation of the vehicle at the designated day of competition will result in a grade of 75.  Each win in competition will add 5 points to this grade.  The grade will have the weight of one PAK and one Lab grade. 

3.  "Regular" students completing a project proposal or competition vehicle will be rewarded with "extra" credit.