3:00 PM Saturday, September 15 Winston Science Light Planetarium Lobby, Dallas Museum of Science & Nature, Fair Park [Grade Groups Do Apply] ["Contestant" is defined as a single individual] (Back to Competitions)

The purpose of this competition is to give the student an opportunity to re-engineer and build a model rocket. Emphasis is placed on good engineering, imagination, and overall quality of construction.
The Competition

(1) Students need to pick up a basic Estes Model Rocket from The Winston School no later than Friday, September 7, 2007. [Cost: $1.00 per rocket]

(2) Students will then re-engineer that rocket in any way that makes it more interesting or exciting. Of course good engineering principles should be followed, but this is the time to reach out for the extreme science fiction design.

(3) Any construction materials or glues can be used to re-engineer your model rocket.

(4) Under no circumstances will students be allowed to launch their re-engineered rocket at this competition. This is strictly a design-and-construction project this year.

(5) Participants need to arrive at the competition with a completed rocket.
Check-In

(1) On arrival at the competition, students need to check in with judges.
Evaluation

(1) Students will be asked to explain their engineering design. For instance, why was a particular structure added or deleted. What are the functions of various parts of the re-engineered rocket.

(2) Students will then be asked to point out the rocket's center of gravity. Use this web site as a reference:

Web Site Reference:

http://exploration.grc.nasa.gov/education/rocket/rktcg.html

(3) The Winner of the contest will be:

1. The student whose rocket represents the most interestingly re-engineered design.
2. The student who best explains the re-engineering of the rocket.

(4) With regard to re-engineering, the judges will look at the following criteria:

1. Quality of Construction
2. Adherence to established engineering principles
3. Imagination and creativity
4. Use of interesting materials in the project

(5) With regard to oral presentation, the judges will look at the following criteria:

1. Did the student have a well-thought out engineering plan?
2. Did the student clearly communicate that plan to the judges?
3. Did the student understand the principle of center-of-gravity?

(6) Awards will be presented 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.