Problem Solving Contest
Event Coordinator: Dr. Jerianne Taylor
Appalachian State University
taylorjs@appstate.edu
DESCRIPTION:
The problem solving competition is designed for teams of college students from TECA affiliated chapters. The competing teams will receive contest details, tools, and materials necessary to develop a solution to a specific problem. Each team is responsible for bringing along the tools and materials noted on the enclosed list.
TEAM:
Team members MUST be members of an affiliated TECA college or university. Teams may have a max of seven members. The team may not be composed of over 40% graduate students. One team member should be designated as the team leader.
PROCEDURES:
1. All members of a team must be present at the announced location and time for the start of the competition.
2. Each team will receive contest details, tools, supplies, and related materials necessary for a problem to be solved specifically for the competition. The solution to the problem must be created using the materials provided.
3. Each team will develop a solution to the problem by:
a. Brainstorming the problem and developing a list of possible solutions.
b. Identifying the solution that has the best potential for solving the problem.
c. Preparing a sketch of the device that is part of the selected solution.
d. Constructing the device / mechanism that is part of the selected solution.
e. Testing and evaluating the device that is part of the selected solution.
f. Describing how the device solved the problem.
4. Each team will work in a designated area. All construction work must be done in the assigned area with the materials provided. Also, appropriate safety procedures must be followed during the construction and testing phases.
5. Forms for sketches and procedures will be provided and are to be turned-in for evaluation at the end of the contest (yet prior to the demonstration of the device for the judging team).
6. The solution to the problem, as completed and tested within the time announced for the activity, will be demonstrated for the judging team.
7. Judges will evaluate the completed device / mechanism, sketches and forms, and will witness a demonstration of the device solving the problem.
TOOL / MATERIAL LIST:
Basic Kit:
A basic materials kit will be provided to each team by the national TECA contest officials. The contents of the kit may vary by competition or site, usually depending upon the design challenge. The “typical” kit will include items such as:
- Ping-pong balls
- Straight pins
- Balloons
- Golf balls
- Nails
- Velcro
- Popsicle sticks
- Thumb tacks
- String
- Mouse traps
- Index cards
- Soda straws
- Steel washers
- Skewers
- Pipe cleaners
- Paper clips
- Contact paper
On-Site Supplies
The local TECA Contest Coordinator, depending on the specific challenge, will provide on-site items to each team.
Examples of these materials are listed below:
- ¾” or 1″ 12″ x 24″ foam insulation board
- bond paper or cardstock (8-10 sheets)
- 1/4 ” and 3/8″ dowel rods (2 each)
- 8, 10, or 16 oz cups (5-8 each)
- Pieces of corrugated board (3-5 each)
- Additional components as appropriate
Team Tools & Supplies
The following items must be provided by each team and includes the only tools that may be used during the event. Note: This is the same list as used for the TECA transportation contest, so schools should only need one set of materials at each event.
- Utility knife
- Calculator
- Coping saw
- Hot glue gun & glue sticks
- Needle nose pliers
- Portable drill & drill bits
- Rulers
- Masking tape (3/4″ or 1″ wide roll)
- Triangles (30° / 60° & 45°)
- Clear Tape (1/2″ or ¾” wide roll)
- Sander (with abrasives)
- Tape rule
- Scissors
- Stapler
- Pencils
- Hot wire (Styrofoam) cutter
- White glue
- Cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA), other fast-setting glue
- Optional: Computer w/ printer
