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. (This must fit into the allotted
3 x 4 space)
2. Tables for the Chain reaction machine at Robotic Park will be 3
feet wide and 8 feet long. Two chain reaction machines will occupy
one table therefore each Chain reaction machine will occupy a table
space of 3 feetwide by 4 feet long. They should be trigger able left
to right. Stringswill be provided at the event.
3. A thematic approach to designing and creating a machine and its
table space environment is encouraged.
4. Each team should publish a handout for distribution to the judges
and thepublic. This handout 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 also encouraged.
(Examples: use of the concepts of kinetic and potential energy, mechanical
energy, etc.)
5. Each machine should be identified by its name, names of the students,
school or organization, grade level, teacher or coach. This should
be displayed prominently.
6. 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."
7. 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 at: risf-L@ride.ri.net
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). These Chain Reaction machines
will be displayed and demonstrated in the hallway at Peace Dale School,
therefore the public will be very close by and that should be taken
into account as these are built.
8. Chain reaction machines should be built to be somewhat transportable
since they will have to be set-up at Robotic Park in about one hour's
time. Keep this in mind as you build.
9. For each Chain reaction event (I think we will run the Chain reaction
machines 2 or 3 times on April 6th.) Possibly at 11, 12:30 and 2 pm
(to be determined by registration) there should be one and only one
designated chain reaction mechanic (a student) present at each machine
to troubleshoot its operation.
10. AC outlets will not be available to operate these machines. Any
power should be supplied by other means.
11. 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 pull the string of the next machine.