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Frequently Asked Questions
Division B Events

Division B Events

Reveal Questions

Questions must be directed toward the rules. We cannot pre-judge your device by answering questions on whether it complies.

Earth & Space Science
- Dynamic Planet - Div B
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: x / Line: 1)
    
    12/31/2019
    
    Line x. says Division C only: etc....Is that only applicable to Line x or does that apply to Line x. and everything after it/below it?
    
    Division C Only refers to just "x". All subsequent sub-paragraphs are for both Div. B & Div. C.
- Fossils - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Shouldn't Limestone on the Fossils List read "Limestone (chalk/fossiliferous limestone)" instead of "Limestone (chalk/fossil limestone)" (which fits with how Rocks and Minerals names it)?
    
    "Limestone (chalk/fossil limestone)" is equally acceptable to "Limestone (chalk/fossiliferous limestone)". Either term may be used.
- Meteorology
- Reach for the Stars
  - (Section: B40 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: 2a / Line: 7)
    
    10/24/2019
    
    Are pictures and illustrations allowed on the 2 sheets of notes in Reach for the Stars and can we ID them? We don't know what no labels means.
    
    Yes, pictures and illustrations are allowed and can be captioned or labelled. What is not permitted is the addition of anything to the surface of the sheet, such as but not limited to adhesive labels, tags, stickers, or Post-It Notes, which add surface area and space to the sheet of paper.
- Road Scholar
Inquiry & Nature of Science
- Experimental Design - Div B
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    In the checklist section H, do the raw and condensed data tables need to be distinct, with the "raw table" containing measurements and the "condensed table" containing derived values?
    
    Yes, the raw and condensed data tables are two separate tables.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    01/05/2020
    
    On the Experimental Design Checklist does Statistics Claim refer to claiming what the statistics are, or what you are deducing from the statistics, or choosing which statistics to base your trend and interpretation of the data?
    
    A claim is an assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt. You will then provide evidence, in this case statistics, that back up your claim. In the reasoning section, you will explain how the statistics back up your claim.
  - (Section: G. / Line: 1)
    
    01/03/2020
    
    On the top of the table, what is meant by "Before" and "After" for Procedure and Results?
    
    As for your question about the meaning of “Before” and “After” on the Experimental Design Report Form this section is looking for participants to make observations about their procedure and approach to the experiment (e.g.; spills, limitations on measurements/accuracy, compromises for efficiency) and then make observations about the results they obtained (e.g.; trends in the data, relationships between variables/constant). The blank space asking for a results observation Before conducting the actual experiment is an error. New a form that clearly show the box shouldn’t have any information is posted on the Event Page at soinc.org.
- Game On
  - (Section: 5 / Line: 2)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    For this year will there be different point ranges given for particular types of games, is it expected to make combination game types for higher score?
    
    No, there is no requirement of game type in this year’s rules.
- Ping-Pong Parachute
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    "Parachutes must be attached to ping pong balls with tape only." Can a team tape a ping pong ball to string and tape the string to the parachute?
    
    Yes, this does not violate the rules as stated in rule 2b. The strings that are attached to the canopy are called shroud lines and they are part of the parachute. The shroud lines may be taped to the ping pong ball.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Sub-Paragraph: ? / Line: 1)
    
    01/26/2020
    
    Can a weight like a washer or a glob of clay be taped to the ping pong ball. Not glued, but taped so it can be removed. Is this considered altering the ping pong ball? Is this legal?
    
    No, a weight of any kind may not be added to the ping pong ball.
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: e, f / Line: 1)
    
    10/23/2019
    
    Can other parts separate from the rocket other than the parachute payload system? For instance, can a cone covering the parachute land off to the side separated from the rocket and payload system and not be tiered?
    
    Yes. Parts separating from the rocket/payload assembly will not cause the rocket to be "tiered." The parachute / ping pong flight time is what accounts for the score. No part of the rocket / parachute assembly can come in contact with the ceiling.
  - (Section: 3 / Line: 2)
    
    01/28/2020
    
    Construction Parameter 3.d states Metal of any type is prohibited anywhere on the parachute payload system. Does this mean aluminium foil or similar material cannot be used as part of parachute canopy?
    
    Correct, aluminum foil, metallic Mylar, or similar material cannot be used as part of the parachute canopy.
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 1)
    
    01/08/2020
    
    Does anyone know this? To practice at school: Is it possible/safe to use a bottle rocket launcher that has been used in previous years--when the rockets contained water?
    
    Yes, it is possible to use launchers from previous years as long as the launcher has been inspected and determined to be safe by your coach/adult supervisor. You should also make sure that the launcher will launch rockets that fit the construction parameters. Depending on the launch pad you have you will need to insure that it does not damage the floor when being used.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 2)
    
    01/28/2020
    
    Does the label have to be on the bottle (not removed), or can it be taken off prior to building and presented to the event supervisor at a competition?
    
    The label may be removed and presented to the Event Supervisor at competition.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    Is glue allowed on the actual parachute itself? In other words, as long as the only thing directly holding the parachute to the ping pong ball is tape, is it legal?
    
    Yes, glue is allowed on the parachute. It is not allowed on the pressurized bottle.
  - (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
    
    01/28/2020
    
    Is lubrication of the launcher nipple O-rings allowed or are they to be dry which leads to the question, can the inner surface of the bottles nozzle be lubricated and if so, with what?
    
    The event supervisor would be in charge of lubricating the launcher o-rings. The inner surface of the bottle may not lubricated or have anything applied to it that would leave a residue on the launcher.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/24/2019
    
    Is the nose required to fit partway into a bottle cap?
    
    No, the nose of the rocket is not allowed to be able to touch the inside top of the cap. It is not required to fit partway into the cap.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    May multiple parachutes be combined into a single parachute payload system and attached to a single ping pong ball?
    
    Yes. Multiple parachute systems can be used as long as they are attached to the ping pong ball. The parachute(s) ping pong ballflight time is what accounts for the score.
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 1)
    
    01/26/2020
    
    The rule states that teams must provide up to two rockets, two unaltered standard ping pong balls, and two parachutes. If they come with one rocket and one parachute, do they get to launch it twice?
    
    Yes, teams may launch the same rocket twice per rule 5.b.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: C / Line: 1)
    
    01/08/2020
    
    What classifies as a blunt or rounded top?
    
    Blunt and rounded are two separate issues. If the nose of the rocket comes to a point, the point must be rounded so that it fulfills the requirements of rule 3.c. This is specifically shown in Figure 1 in the rules. If the nose of the rocket is not pointed, the leading edge of the rocket must be blunt. Blunt means that the edge must not be sharp and still fulfill the requirements of rule 3.c. No part of the edge can fit into bottle cap as defined in rule 3.c.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/23/2019
    
    What qualifies as a parachute?
    
    This is the definition of a parachute we will be using: parachute - a device for slowing the descent of an object through the air that consists of a canopy beneath which the object is suspended
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 1)
    
    10/09/2019
    
    What's the maximum psi?
    
    Please see the posted Rules Clarification which says that at no time should the pressure vessel (bottle) be pressurized beyond 65 psi. ~~Due to the variation in the sites where the ping pong parachutes will be held, there can not be one max psi that is published.~~ Teams will be placed in Tier 3 per rule 5.g. if any part of their rocket or parachute hits the ceiling or any part connected to the ceiling.
- Write It Do It - Div B
Life, Personal & Social Science
- Disease Detectives - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
- Anatomy and Physiology - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: vi / Line: 2)
    
    03/04/2020
    
    in 2020 Science Olympiad Major Skeletal Muscle List, under "Head and Neck" it lists FRONTALIS and OCCIPITOFRONTALIS. Aren't these the same muscle where occipitofrontalis has a frontal belly and an occipital belly?
    
    They should be treated as two separate muscles for the purposes of competitions.
- Heredity
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
- Ornithology
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    Are bird eggs eligible content?
    
    Yes
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 2)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Under Order Strigiformes, the screech owl is listed, but I believe that is a genus that doesn't pertain to a singular species. Should this be specified to a certain species (Eastern screech owl), or should this remain as a genus?
    
    Remain as a genus and be familiar with species within the Genus.
  - (Section: List / Line: 40)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Under the list, it says “Clapper rail” with the scientific name of Rallus Longirostris. However, Rallus Longirostris is actually the Mangrove rail, which is not in the rules. Which one should participants study?
    
    Use the taxonomy as listed on the Official National Bird List.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: c / Line: 2)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Will a separate National Ornithology list that is annotated be allowed to be taken out of the binder?
    
    No, an annotated Bird List must remain in the binder if the event is run as a series of stations per rules 2.b. and 2.c.
- Water Quality - Div B
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i= / Line: 1)
    
    11/24/2019
    
    Are participants expected to differentiate between multiple species of the same organism?
    
    No, the students will just need to recognize all variations as a particular species.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 5)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    What is meant by "recently killed coral?"
    
    Coral that has been recently killed (died) can be used as a global indicator of coral reef health. Questions could include topics like what causes coral to die and what kind of information recently killed coral could tell us about the ecosystem health.
Physical Science & Chemistry
- Chemistry
  - Crime Busters
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: b / Line: 3)
      
      02/01/2020
      
      "Teams not bringing these items will be at a disadvantage, as they are not provided." Does this mean that event supervisors are not permitted to provide items on the equipment list? Or that ES is not required to provide those those items?
      
      The rules are written to reflect that we can not predict what laboratory equipment will be available at the over 450 different sites which host Science Olympiad tournaments. If you are able to provide equipment at your regional tournament you are free to do so but you cannot require teams use your equipment if it is also listed in their equipment kits.
    - 10/03/2019
      
      Can skinny jeans be a universal exception to the "loose-fitting" pants rule for chemistry events?
      
      From the rules: Pants should be loose fitting; if the host has more specific guidelines they will notify teams in advance of the tournament. In chemistry events, any tight-fitting pants do not provide the loose-fitting safety margin necessary should a hazardous chemical be spilled on the clothing to prevent the skin from sustaining a chemical burn.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
      
      10/08/2019
      
      For both the Chemistry events, the rules say “each participant may bring one 8.5” by 11” sheet of paper.” Does this mean each team is allowed two pieces of paper, or does “participant” mean team?
      
      If a team has two participants in these events it is allowed two reference sheets; one for each participant. If for some reason the team only has a single participant in the event then that team is allowed a single reference sheet for that participant. If two sheets are used the content does not have to be exactly the same on both sheets.
  - Food Science
    - 10/03/2019
      
      Can skinny jeans be a universal exception to the "loose-fitting" pants rule for chemistry events?
      
      From the rules: Pants should be loose fitting; if the host has more specific guidelines they will notify teams in advance of the tournament. In chemistry events, any tight-fitting pants do not provide the loose-fitting safety margin necessary should a hazardous chemical be spilled on the clothing to prevent the skin from sustaining a chemical burn.
    - (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
      
      10/24/2019
      
      FDA is in the process of changing the nutrition label format. Which format will SO be using? Old, new or both?
      
      Study the differences between the old and new nutritional label format, as well as, the laws regarding nutritional labeling that have not changed.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
      
      10/08/2019
      
      For both the Chemistry events, the rules say “each participant may bring one 8.5” by 11” sheet of paper.” Does this mean each team is allowed two pieces of paper, or does “participant” mean team?
      
      If a team has two participants in these events it is allowed two reference sheets; one for each participant. If for some reason the team only has a single participant in the event then that team is allowed a single reference sheet for that participant. If two sheets are used the content does not have to be exactly the same on both sheets.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: vii. / Line: 1)
      
      10/29/2019
      
      For the nutrition labeling regulations, are the questions supposed to be about the nutrition label of fermented food types only or all food types?
      
      Students should be able to read any food label and answer questions about the information on the label.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
      
      10/09/2019
      
      I do not know how to find the % moisture in a pickle without using dehydration & volume (before and after) or through commercial equipment. How are students supposed to be able to do this?
      
      There are multiple methods that will allow the approximate percent moisture of a pickle to be determine. Complete dehydration is one. An approximation of the percent moisture can be determined by massing the pickle in a container then doing something to the pickle (i.e., crushing it) to release the moisture. The moisture released can then be removed and the pickle remnants and container can be remassed.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Is the salinometer required to be mechanical? Can it be electrical or electronic, as long as it is built and can be explained by the team?
      
      Yes, it can be electrical.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2)
      
      10/24/2019
      
      It states in the rules that "to operate within a standard 500 mL beaker...," however 500 mL is not a standard Griffith beaker size. Should this read 400 - 600 mL?
      
      Yes, a beaker size between 400-600 ml is fine.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: xi / Line: 1)
      
      10/09/2019
      
      There are quite a few yeast and bacteria out there. Can we get a list of which ones the students will need to know?
      
      These are common examples but event supervisors may use bacteria or yeasts that are regionally appropriate. Yeast-fungus-the most common type used in fermenting is Saccharomyces cerevisiae - Can grow aerobically or anaerobically on sugars - Most commonly used for production of ethanol in fermentation Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus, Homolactic-used for making Yogurt, souring vegetables, making sausage Leuconostoc, Heterolactic-used to sour vegetables Streptococcus, thermophiles, Homolactic-used for making Yogurt Acetobactor, Acetic Acid Bacteria -used in the production of chocolate & wine. Bacilus, spp., spore producing bacteria – used in the production of chocolate.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: A / Sub-Paragraph: X / Line: 1)
      
      01/12/2020
      
      We have to know the production of chemical feedstocks, but this is very broad. What will we need to know about this topic?
      
      The students are generally to understand broad categories of chemicals that can be fermented from feedstock, such as bio-gas, biodiesel, plastics, etc.
- Physics
  - Circuit Lab - Div B
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Are capacitors valid components that may be present in Division B Circuit Lab tests?
      
      No, but electrical capacitance may be included as a theory discussion for electric fields. RC circuits were removed as a topic.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Can I bring an auto-ranging multimeter (like Fluke 23 Series II) in place of the provided ones?
      
      As for Circuit lab competition in general, the rule is not clear on what constitutes a basic multi-meter. But it is the discretion of event supervisor. Some hands on stations will require the student to use the provided equipment.
  - Density Lab
  - Machines
    - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Are related topics that are neither specified nor prohibited (such as history, work, and conservation of energy) included in the scope of the event?
      
      The only topics to be tested are those listed in 4.Part I.c. as they relate to the simple machines listed in 4. Part I.d. For example, questions that ask trivial questions regarding historical figures, dates or publications, are prohibited. As a reminder, topics listed in 4.Part I.e are prohibited.
    - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Can you provide a definitive answer to Event Supervisors about the required length to use for IMA?
      
      IMA of a wedge is defined as 1/tan(angle of wedge). The angle of the wedge can be calculated from either the length of the base and height or the length of the slope and height, depending on which specific formula you use.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: C / Line: 1)
      
      10/23/2019
      
      Does connecting the levers by a string satisfy the requirement that they be "connected directly?"
      
      Yes, if the strings are used to cause a movement in one lever to induce a movement in the other lever, then the levers are “connected directly”.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      10/29/2019
      
      How accurate must the measurement of the ratio be (should the answer be only a whole number, one decimal place, two decimal places, etc.)?
      
      Students may give their answer to any number of decimal places. Their answer will be compared to the ES's calculation of the ratio, which will be calculated by using the maximal precision of the scales and observing rules of significant figures.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 3)
      
      10/10/2019
      
      Must all masses simultaneously fit inside a 15x15x20cm box or must each mass separately be able to fit inside the box?
      
      Each mass must fit within the 15 x 15 x 20cm box individually.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Rules specify maximum beam lengths of 80.0 cm (B) and 40.0 cm (C). What is the definition of Beam Length?
      
      The “length of the beam” is the physical length of the single beam, including any permanently affixed non-movable fixtures extending off the physical end of the beam. If either attachment point (or the fulcrum) extends beyond the physical end of the beam, the distance between the attachment point (or the fulcrum) and the end of the beam is included in the “length of the beam”.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      What is the desired format for the mass ratios?
      
      That will be up to the individual event supervisor to specify. Any equivalent format (decimal, fraction, table format) will be accepted. However, fractions must not be complex fractions (i.e. having a decimal or fraction in the numerator or denominator). Note the official scoresheet expects it to be entered as a decimal value, but the supervisor can easily convert a fraction to a decimal if they desire.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      What is the desired format for the mass ratios?
      
      That will be up to the individual event supervisor to specify. Any equivalent format (decimal, fraction, table format) will be accepted. However, fractions must not be complex fractions (i.e. having a decimal or fraction in the numerator or denominator). Note the official scoresheet expects it to be entered as a decimal value, but the supervisor can easily convert a fraction to a decimal if they desire.
    - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: e / Line: 1)
      
      12/31/2019
      
      What type of kinetic energy question might be asked that does not violate the prohibition on Dynamic calculations?
      
      The definition of " dynamic calculations" refers to the acceleration, in other words, the velocity changes as a function of time. Any kinetic energy calculations will be based on having constant speed. Kinetic energy equations requiring calculus would not be permissible.
Technology & Engineering Design
- Mission Possible
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    ". . .the golf ball. . . initiates the next action." The ball may only be tied, per 3.a.viii. If the string tied around the ball hits something to initiate the next action, does that qualify?
    
    No, the surface of the golf ball must make the contact to initiate the next action.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: xii / Line: 1)
    
    02/03/2020
    
    "Start a pendulum clock. . ." Is a device that includes a pendulum and escapement mechanism sufficient to qualify as a "clock"? or must it also have hands and dials which indicate passage of time to satisfy this action?
    
    The pendulum clock is not required to have "hands". It uses up time, but does have to tell the time or the amount of time passed. The clock is started by the device, operates for the required time, then initiates the next action.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    "a 3:1 rato gear system. . ." Does this mean output teeth/input teeth = 3, or the other way around? Thanks.
    
    The rules don't specify the direction it must go.
  - (Section: Compet / Paragraph: C / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    Can any of the scorable unique actions also be used for the timer?
    
    One of the unique tasks or the pendulum timer may count as a timer as long as all other rules are met. The task that allows the use of electricity is not allowed as a timer.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Can the wingnut have rotational motion (i.e. the wingnut rotates with the rotating screw) or must it only have linear motion (i.e. the rotating screw only pushes the wingnut along its threads)?
    
    The wing nut needs to move linearly. The threaded wing nut must move along a threaded rod or screw.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
    
    12/31/2019
    
    Can we use commercially available Mexican Train Dominos? These have up to 24 dots per side. Other dominos of similar size have a maximum of 12 dots per side.
    
    Yes, Mexican Train Dominos are fine.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Can we use salt water for Mission Possible?
    
    No, the water that is added to the container may not be salt water.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 2)
    
    12/31/2019
    
    Does 'original resting position' mean the first location where the ball is stopped after the Starting Action or the last such point before the start of the Final Action?
    
    The "original resting position" means the first location where the ball is stopped after the Start Action.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    If the Tee Holder is mounted onto the wall or base of the Device, does the wall and base count as part of the device and subject to the 10cm clearance requirement of the rule?
    
    The wall or base may be considered as part of the "tee holder" and would not be subject to the 10cm clearance requirement. However, the top of the tee must still be at least 2.5 cm above any part of the "tee holder".
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    02/01/2020
    
    If the golf ball which is raised for one of the other tasks were to fall into a cup to become a counterweight for the pulley task (3.c.vii), would that be considered as "being utilized by more than one assigned action" under 3.a.iv?
    
    Yes, it would be considered being utilized by more than one task if the second task wouldn't work without the golf ball being the counterweight there.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 2)
    
    12/31/2019
    
    May part of the 10cm distance around the golf ball be outside of the outer dimensions of the device?
    
    Yes.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 3)
    
    01/08/2020
    
    Says.."They may be tied but must not be glued or taped".Is it acceptable to have the golf ball inside a transparent plastic wrapper (sandwich wrap) and the wrapper has a noose which is then tied and/or taped
    
    No. Wrapping the ball would be considered modifying the ball.
  - (Section: 3. / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: xii / Line: 1)
    
    01/05/2020
    
    Start a pendulum clock so that after running for at least 10 seconds, it initiates the next action.What part of the pendulum clock initiates the next action - can it be the weight or does it have to be the pendulum itself?
    
    The rules do not specify which part must start the next action.
- Boomilever - Div B
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1)
    
    03/04/2020
    
    Do the two Contact width lines extend from the height of the mounting hook to the contact depth line?
    
    Yes, they contact width lines are vertical lines on the Testing Wall that run vertically to the Contact Depth Line at a distance of 4.0 cm to the right and left side of the center of the hole for the Mounting Hook.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    03/04/2020
    
    If the loading assembly is disassembled & reassembled, should the hook be supported by the loading block & the loading block supported by the boomilever?We have seen the hook supported by the nut & not the block, but the block was loose on the hook.
    
    Rule 4.Part II.c allows the the Loading Assembly to be disassembled but it must be reassembled before testing. The Loading Block must be held captive on the eyebolt by the wing nut. The rules require that the 1/4" threaded eyebolt be placed through the hole in the Loading Block (5.b.i.) and the S-hook be suspended from the eyebolt (5.b.iii.).
  - (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Line: 3)
    
    02/01/2020
    
    In order to receive the 5000 point bonus, does the Boomilever have to remain in one piece while supporting the 15 kilograms?
    
    No, the Boomilever does not need to stay completely in tact. An incidental piece may loosen or break during loading as long as the Boomilever complies fully to rule 4.Part II.g
  - (Section: 6 / Sub-Paragraph: i, ii / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    Is the score rounded up or down to nearest whole number?
    
    No, the Score should not be rounded to the nearest whole number, and as many digits as possible should be used for comparing scores. The scoring example in the rules follows proper significant figures.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
    
    03/04/2020
    
    Per rule 3d, no part of the boomilever may touch the contact wall before and throughout loading. Rule 4.II.g states loading stops when the boomilever touches the testing wall within the contact width lines, will they receive a construction violation?
    
    If the Boomilever touches between the Contact Width Lines only after loading has started, loading stops and the Boomilever is scored without additional violations. However, if the Boomilever touches the Contact Width Lines before loading has started, it will be scored with a construction violation.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    The loading point must be between 40-45cm away from the wall, can the boomilever extend past the 45cm mark or must the loading assembly sit on the end of the boomilever?
    
    There is no length restriction for the boomilever.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    03/04/2020
    
    We'd like to confirm that it is allowed (tier1) to have wingnut (threaded to eyebolt) contacting boomilever directly and to place loading block on top of the wingnut to meet competition requirement.We saw teams done this at 2019 Nationals with t...
    
    The entire loading assembly must be used. The rules do not prohibit the Boomilever from contacting the wing nut nor do they prohibit placing the loading block on top of the wing nut.
- Elastic Launched Gliders
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: d / Line: 2)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Is there a maximum Chord length/wing span and/or wing area for the fore wing/horizontal stablizer?
    
    No, but as stated in para 3.j, the horizontal stabilizer must be in front of and smaller than the main wing to meet the canard bonus. Span and chord both. There is specifically no limit on the horizontal stabilizer this year, be it behind the main wing, or in front to meet the criteria for the canard bonus. The largest horizontal surface will be considered the wing. As already stated, largest by BOTH span and chord. The next largest horizontal surface will be considered the horizontal stabilizer. There should be no significant third horizontal surface. Fuselage, so long as it does not contribute significant lifting surface will be disregarded.
- Mousetrap Vehicle
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 2)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    can the drive string be pre-wrapped around the drive axle?
    
    Yes, as long as all of the energy that propels the vehicle comes from the single mousetrap.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: a / Line: 2)
    
    01/12/2020
    
    what does "No part of the jaw/hammer may extend 1.0cm beyond the base"?
    
    The base of the mousetrap is usually the wooden/plastic rectangular block. The jaw/hammer should not be larger (or extend past) the edge of the base more than 1.0cm.

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