Grades K-adult

Body - 2011

Back again by popular demand will be the Chain Reaction Machine Challenge inspired by a similar event by the MIT Museum in Cambridge.

What is a Chain reaction machine and how does it work...? The pulling of a string at the beginning of your machine triggers a series of physical events. When these events are completed, your machine will pull the string of the next machine which after completing its series of events will pull the string and trigger the next machine and so on and so on. The resulting chain reaction continues until all the machines have, in turn, been activated. Your machine may have any number of physical events happen between the pulling of the strings at its start and finish.

Chain Reaction Machine Scenario
A string releases a wind-up toy that moves slowly along a small track and gently bumps into a golf ball that is perched at the top of a tube releasing the golf ball down the tube hitting a small R2-D2 toy on the head making it emit a sound that triggers a pitch sensor mounted on a programmable brick that drives a small robot vehicle backward which causes it to tug on the string of the next chain reaction machine. That string pulls up on a lever that flips a ball down a ramp and hits a wide tongue depressor that knocks over a series of dominoes that ends by falling on a touch sensor that is mounted on a robotic dog to cause the dog to lift its leg which pulls the string for the next chain reaction machine…and so on an so on….

Some guidelines:

1. Chain reaction machines should represent a team effort. A team should have a minimum of three people. One chain reaction machine entry per classroom is allowed. Multiple machines may be built in one classroom but then strung together to become the entry for that entire class.
2. Teams will have a choice at registration of having a half table space (30'' x 3') or a full table space (30" x 6') for their chain reaction machine.
3. All machines should be triggered left to right. Strings will be provided at the event.
4. The theme of the 2011 chain reaction machines will be "body" (or any variation of the words "body"). Teams are encouraged to think in terms of theme idioms such as "Body Double", "Body of Water", "Bath and Body", "Body Language", etc.
5. Each team should produce a handout or published piece for presentation to the judges and display or distribution to the public. This publication should explain in appropriate age level language, a detailed description of how their chain reaction machine works. The use of age appropriate scientific terms is encouraged.
6. Each machine should be identified by its theme ("Body" idiom), school or organization, grade level, teacher or coach. This should be displayed prominently. Team numbers will be assigned on competition day.
7. Machines should try to maintain activity for at least one minute. Machines which maintain interest and activity for more than 2 minutes but less than 4 minutes will be eligible for "The Survivor Award."
8. Specific safety guidelines for this activity have not been developed. Hopefully common sense will rule. If there are specific questions about safety issues, please mail that question to the list so that the group can share in such dialogue. For the time being (although these are overkill you can refer to the NSTA minimum safety guidelines at: https://www.nsta.org/main/pdfs/440.pdf).
9. Chain reaction machines will be displayed and demonstrated in an open space at Martin Middle School.
10. Chain reaction machines should be built to be somewhat transportable since they will have to be set-up at Robotic Park in about one - two hour's time. Keep this in mind as you build.
11. For each chain reaction event there should be no more than two designated chain reaction mechanics (students) present at each machine to troubleshoot its operation. The event will be run at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
12. AC outlets will not be available to operate these machines. Any power should be supplied by other means.
13. Other Robotic Park inventions may be incorporated into the overall design of your chain reaction machine. A simple example of this is using a robotic animal to trigger an event or to pull the string of the next machine.

Robotic Park Chain Reaction Award Categories

Award categories - 1st and 2nd places awards and Honorable Mentions may be awarded in the following categories.

The Judges Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that best exemplifies the spirit and theme of the Chain Reaction event. This team will demonstrate "age level" excellence in their understanding, design, operation and their oral and written presentation of their chain reaction machine.

The Whimsical Wonder Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that most delights, tickles and surprises the audience.

The Eclectic Energizer Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that shows creative use of a wide range of materials in its design.

The KISS Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that is effective but who in overall design have "kept it simple."

The Timex Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. (Robust design)

The Edison Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that is creative and undeniably inventive.

The Spizerinctum Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that is effective and who in overall design and use of materials has not "kept it simple." This could also be referred to as the Over-The-Top award.

The Survivor Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that have been creative and inventive in entertaining its audience from start to end for more than 2 minutes but less than 4 minutes. (Ongoing action is certainly part of this, but may not necessarily be the sole determining factor for this award)

Most Likely to be Patented Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine may have some usefulness and merit in the "real world."

The Hasbro Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that will make you want to stay and play all day.

Aesthetic Action Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that through the creative use of materials, design and movement is artistically pleasing.

Most Technically Challenging Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that demonstrates the highest level of "age appropriate" scientific and technical know-how.

The Theme Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that illustrates the theme most effectively.

The Out on the Limb Award - For the team that designs a chain reaction machine that is unique in its design and operation.

Fabulously Frugal Award - For the chain reaction machine that uses recycled materials well and profusely.

Best Presentation Award - For the team that can present their chain reaction machine most effectively (in both oral and written form).