National Engineers' Week Student Competitions

UAA Campus, Anchorage, AK

Saturday February 28, 2004; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Click here to get a PDF version of the Rubber Band Vehicle Rules.  This prints much better than the web page. 
The FREE Acobat Reader is required to view this file.

Great Rubber Band Vehicle Distance Competition:

NEW LOCATION: Parking Garage Spine (above entrance to parking garage).  This new location is carpeted.

Objective:  Make a vehicle powered by a single size 32 rubber band that travels the furthest distance in a straight line.  This competition requires you to make your vehicle BEFORE you come to the competition. 

Rules:

1.   Using one official rubber band for power, construct a vehicle of any size, weight or design. Winning entry will travel the furthest distance in contest. No limits for time or speed. Entries can be made by individuals or by teams. Begin constructing and perfecting you entry, now and bring it to complete on race day.

2.   Official rubber bands are size 32 and can be obtained from most office supply stores. Some rubber bands will be available the day of the competition.

3.   All components of your vehicle system must be integral; everything must travel together attached. Sling-shot type vehicles will not be allowed.

4.   Your vehicle must remain on the ground or within 1 inch of the surface at all times during its release and travel.

5.   No Parental Participation Please!! All vehicles MUST be 100% STUDENT DESIGNED and CONSTRUCTED. Teacher involvement and suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. 

6.   Grades 1-6: ANY NUMBER of WHEELS is ACCEPTABLE

Grades 7-12: ONE ROLLING SURFACE RULE. Only one wheel or belt, round or otherwise, is allowed to contact ground surface. WHEEL-LESS ENTRIES ARE ENCOURAGED

7.   The Official Contest Runway will be 8 feet wide by 100 feet long on a nominally level carpeted floor.

8.   On Contest day, entrants will be given 90 seconds to set-up and prepare their vehicle for operation. ONLY the Team Captain is permitted to operate the vehicle. In the event a vehicle breaks upon launch or during its run, the entrant will be allowed FIVE minutes to make repairs and attempt a repeat run. Reruns will be made at the end of the scheduled runs. No more than 2 repair reruns will be permitted. Vehicles must stay within the Runway borders during all travel. In the event a vehicle leaves the Runway, the Official travel distance will be reported as the point where leaving the Runway.

9.   Valid entries traveling the greatest distance will be declared winners.

10. The potential Winning Entries will be inspected (internally, if necessary) by Contest Judges immediately following their runs to insure compliance with the Official Rules.

11. All Rulings by the Judges on Contest Day will be final.

Click here to see a design for a simple vehicle.....