3:00PM Sunday, November 18 Center, Centennial Building, Fair Park [Grade Groups Do NOT Apply] ["Contestant" is defined as a team composed of two, three, or four students] (Back to Competitions)

(1) Build a machine that will allow a marble to roll freely and continuously for 2 minutes in translational motion.

(2) The entire machine must be attached to a plywood base no larger than 80 cm x 80 cm.

(3) The machine and base must fit within the following dimensions:

1. LENGTH: 80 cm
2. WIDTH: 80 cm
3. HEIGHT: 100 cm

(4) The Captain’s name and school must be prominently displayed on the plywood base.

(5) The marble machine must be powered solely by the force of gravity; however, the builder may incorporate such other machines into the overall work product to either speed-up or slow-down the motion of the ball.

(6) The marble must roll in a prepared track that has a definite beginning and a definite ending point. The end of the track must stop the forward motion of the marble.

(7) The marble must be visible to the judges at all times.

(8) The track may wind freely within the area defined by the plywood base.

(9) No machine or device (positioned along or at the end of the track) may be used to re-start the motion of the marble. No device can pick up or reposition the marble once it is in motion.

(10) Each contestant will have two chances to demonstrate their machine. The best time will be recorded. The contestant should verify that the recorded time is properly set down on the record sheet.

(11) Contestants must be positioned at the marble machine at the time of the judging. The contestant, not the judge, is responsible for starting the marble’s motion. Once the marble is set in motion, the marble machine cannot be touched until the marble stops.

(12)No oils, sand, or other viscous solutions may be used in this competition.

(13)Contestants are encouraged to develop a theme. In the event of a tie, the contestant with the most creative theme will be declared the winner.

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