Rules

1. Teams: Each team consists of 2 to 6 members, who may be students from different grade levels or schools. Students in grades 5-12 are eligible. There will be separate competitions for grades 5-6, 7-8, and 9-12. Your team will compete at the level of the highest-grade member on the team. There can be only one entry or device per team.

Team Leader: Pick a person from your team to serve as the main contact between your team and The Tech.

Advisor: Invite an adult (parent, teacher, college student, etc.) to advise the team. Advisors guide and support your team in preparing for, but not participating in, the Tech Challenge. Advisors are optional, but strongly recommended.

2. The spirit of The Tech Challenge is exemplified by a team that produces a device that closely simulates the real-world application of the Challenge. Considerations for 2004:

a. People power - Currently, the collecting and trapping of pike requires the help of many people. Can you think of an alternative solution that would require less people power?

b. Environment - If a full-scale version of your device was built, how well would it operate in Lake Davis? How well is the Lake Davis ecosystem preserved? (Draining or pumping water is not allowed as a possible solution for the people in Sierra County.)

3. Test rig: Mock up of Lake Davis - Our Lake Davis shore area is 4' x 3'. The volume of the lake is 8' x 3' x 4".

a. Spectator viewing - There will be an 8' x 17' area outside of which all spectators, advisors and family members may stand.

b. Test and start area - The test rig will be in the center of an 8' x 17' space. Inside this testing space is a 6.5' x 8' starting area on the shore side, which will be the only place your team may stand during the operation of your device.

c. "Fish start" - All fish will start in an 18" diameter circle.

d. "FIN-ish" - You will have completed the challenge once the northern pike is the only fish placed in this 10" diameter circle.

4. The "Extra Challenge" - Teams can choose between two challenge levels. (See The Challenge.) On The Big Day, the team can only compete at one challenge level and once throughout the day. Teams will be scored in different categories depending on the challenge level.

5. Device Test and Timing

a. Getting ready - When your team arrives at the testing area with your device, let the judge know whether or not you are taking the extra challenge. (See The Challenge.)

b. Setup - You have 2 minutes to prepare before placing your device on "shore."

c. Operation and timing - You will have 3 minutes to operate your device. The clock starts once your team places the device on "shore." The clock will stop when only the northern pike is placed in the FIN-ish area. For teams who are not successful in operating their devices on their first attempt, multiple attempts will be allowed within the three minutes. Teams will not be able to switch challenge levels during the 3-minute testing period.

6. Weight and Size Limits: The entire device must be able to rest on "shore" without having any pieces extending beyond the rim. Your invention's total weight, including the batteries, must be less than 20 lbs, and it must be less than 6 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 4 feet long. (Team members must be able to transport the device without the help of an adult.)

7. Radio Control (RC) is allowed, but not recommended because of possible interference from others. Direct wiring is recommended. Strive to create an autonomous device!

8. Damage Control: The device must not damage, alter, or leave residues on the test rig or its related parts including the fish. No load is allowed on the plexiglass edge, as it will cause harm to our mock up of the lake. There is no sitting or climbing on the test rig at any time.

9. Safety: No device may use flammable or combustible materials, or containers of compressed gas. No device can operate on 120 volts AC. The maximum battery voltage is 24 volts and the maximum battery weight is 11 lbs (5 kg). No car or motorcycle batteries may be used. No live animals are allowed. No untethered projectiles are allowed. No explosives, spears or fish hooks. The judges will stop any device that appears dangerous or that may be a safety risk.

10. Judging: The decision of the judges is final in all matters of interpreting the rules before, during and after the Challenge. Judges will base their decisions on the technological and scientific merit of each device and the requirements specified above, as well as the spirit and intent of The Tech Challenge.