New Cardboard Armor Competition 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 22, 2008 West Entrance, Centennial Building, Fair Park, Dallas [Grade Groups do Apply] [“Contestant” is defined as a team of two students] (Back to Competitions) (Printable Version)

Purpose

The purpose of this competition is to simulate the engineering used by medieval craftsman to build suits of armor.

Construction

(1) Teams will build their suit of armor prior to arriving at the competition.

(2) Team are limited to the use of cardboard, string, and duct tape to build their armor. The cardboard may be decorated or painted with designs to enhance the effect.

(3) Teams should attempt to craft a full suit of armor that will allow the wearer to move as freely as possible.

(4) Teams will not be allowed to make or bring a weapon of any kind.

The Competition

(1) On arrival at the Centennial Building, one member of the team will put on the cardboard suit of armor, assisted by the other team member. Both team members must be present.

(2) The cardboard knight will be asked to perform certain tasks to test the flexibility and durability of the armor. Tasks may include:

1. Reaching down to the ground to pick up an object, such as a cup or coin.
2. Twisting and turning at the waist to reach an object.
3. Raising arms over the head.
4. Kneeling to be “knighted”

Evaluation

(1) Teams will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Quality of construction
2. Functionality of engineering
3. Freedom of movement
4. Ability to accomplish tasks

(2) The winner of the competition is the team that meets the criteria and fulfills the spirit of the competition.

For additional information about Winston Science, contact Dr. Lehman Marks, Event Director. Copyright © 2009 Lehman Marks. All Rights Reserved.