Winston Science - Build-An-Insulator Competition

[Grade Groups do apply]
2:00 PM Sunday, November 12
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

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(Printable Version)

The The objective of the competition is to build a box that will insulate an ice cube from the rays of an artificial heat source. The team that builds an insulating box that protects the ice cube the longest will be declared the winner.

(1) Teams of up to four students can assemble to build a box that will act as an insulator. The insulating box must be built prior to the competition.

(2) Teams will check-in their insulator box with Winston Science Staff no later than 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 12th. No insulating boxes will be accepted after this time. Teams will receive a competition stub recognizing that they entered the competition.

(3) The insulating box will be no larger than 15cm x 15cm x 15cm.

(4) At least one side of the box must be removable (or hinged) to allow the placement of an ice cube within the insulating box.

(5) At least one side of the box must be clear (glass, plastic, clear film, etc.) so that the judges can observe the ice cube within the box at all times.

(6) Teams will write the following information on the top of the box:

Name of the Captain
Home phone of the Captain
Grade Group
School attending

(7) Teams will be supplied an ice cube by the Winston Science Staff. Teams must provide sufficient space within the insulating box for positioning the ice cube. Remember, the ice cube must be visible to the judges at all times.

(8) Winston Science Staff will provide the heat source for each team. The heat source will not physically touch the insulating box.

(9) Teams must take into consideration that certain good insulating materials have a low kindling temperature. If the judges determine that the insulating box creates a fire hazard, it will not be allowed to compete.

(10) The team that builds an insulating box that protects the ice cube from melting for the longest period of time will be declared the winner.

(11) Since this competition may take a considerable period of time, the winner will be notified by telephone. The awards will be presented at a special reception at 7:30 PM on Monday, September 20th at The Winston School.