Detector Building

Welcome to Detector Building! In this event, teams will build a durable Mass/Force Sensing Device that will accurately measure and display both voltage and actual masses of different solid samples ranging from 20 to 1,000 grams.

The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2023 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence. This event is generously supported by Texas Instruments.

Resources & Links

Detector Building Article from Texas Instruments - This article details changes to the event for 2022 as well offers some tips on preparing your device.
Detector Building Webinar Recording from Texas Instruments - Getting Started, Resources & How-to's
Detector Building Solution Instructions
Build It with TI: Science Olympiad blog post
Check out the TI STEM Projects website for Science Olympiad activities like Detector Building
Sample Activities from Texas Instruments
Info on Texas Instruments educator workshops
Information about Arduino microcontrollers
How to use breadboards
Information about LEDs

SO Store & Ward's Science Materials

Detector Building Digital Download DVD
2022 National Test Packet
Official Ward's Science Science Olympiad kit for Detector Building

Texas Instruments makes material available to Science Olympiad teams through their Educator Loan program. Teams interested in borrowing equipment to practice with learn more about this program here.