Miniature Hovercraft Competition
3:30 PM, Saturday, November 22, 2008
Centennial Building, Fair Park, Dallas

[Competition is open to students in Grades 7-12]
[“Contestant” is defined as a team of up to four students]

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(Printable Version)

Purpose

The purpose of this competition is to encourage students to explore the science and engineering associated with hovercrafts.

Reference Web Site:
Http://www.eng.uab.edu/me/faculty/amcclain/Hovercraft_intro_Spring2004.pdf

Construction

(1) Build a hovercraft that has a diameter of less than 18 inches.

(2) Any materials can be used in the construction.

(3) The unit can be powered by a 12-volt battery tethered to the hovercraft by a power cable.



The Competition

(1) There will be three competitions:

  1. Beauty Contest
  2. Lift Competition
  3. Racing Competition

(2) Beauty Contest – the hovercraft with the greatest “style” will be declared the winner.

(3) The Lift Competition – the hovercraft that can lift the greatest weight and still overcome friction will be declared the winner.

(4) The Racing Competition – the hovercraft that can move the fastest down a 10 foot ramp [See reference web site] wins. Deductions will be made for course corrections.