9:00 AM, Saturday, November 17 South Concourse, Centennial Building, Fair Park [Grade Groups Do Apply] ["Contestant" is defined as a team of from six to eight students] (Back to Competitions)

The purpose of this competition is to provide an opportunity for contestants to better understand how paleontologists assemble and mechanically support a large dinosaur.

The project focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, concepts of scale, mechanical engineering, multiple tasking, commitment, and endurance!

The instructions are drafted in broad terms to facilitate the greatest amount of creativity on the part of each contestant.
(1) Assemble a team of from six to eight students who can devote 9 hours to a project. Schools can have more than one team.

(2) The team will meet at the Centennial Building (Fair Park) at 9:00 AM on Saturday, November 17th, and begin the construction of a life-size dinosaur skeleton using cardboard and duct tape. Event organizers will provide large sheets of cardboard, cardboard-cutting shears, small wooden dinosaur models, and markers. Teams are not permitted to bring any materials for construction.

(3)Overhead projectors to facilitate enlarging the model to life size must be supplied by each school. It might be a good idea to bring an extra light bulb.

(4) Students will have 9 hours to complete their project. The project will be evaluated at 6:00 PM.

(5) Supervision & Conduct

1. Winston Science staff will help supervise the event.
2. Each team must have two chaperones that will stay for the entire event with their students.
3. Dallas Police Officers will provide complete security for the event.
4. Any lack of good conduct or good sportsmanship will result in immediate expulsion from the project.
5. No personal displays of affection will be tolerated.
6. Emergency medical personnel will be available in the event of illness.

   (6) New This Year

   1. This year's dinosaur assemblage must have a theme.
   2. Students can choose their own theme. This theme must be clearly set out for the judges and spectators.
   3. Examples of a themes:
      • A Dinosaur Eating
      • A Dinosaur Fighting
      • A Dinosaur Defending Itself
      • A Dinosaur Protecting Its Young
      • Humorous Theme
      • Etc.
   
   Judging

   (1) The judges will use the following criteria to evaluate the project:

   1. Does the team have a standing Dinosaur?
   2. Completeness of the dinosaur
   3. Accuracy of assembly
   4. Neatness
   5. Does the team’s display have a clear, imaginative, well prepared theme.

   (2) Trophies and prizes will be awarded at the end of the competition.

   For additional information about Winston Science, contact Dr. Lehman Marks, Event Director. Copyright (c) 2007 Lehman Marks/The Winston School. All Rights Reserved.