FAQ

Registration for The Tech Challenge 2024 is now open. You can register your team today!

Register Here

Yes.

No. The Tech Challenge is designed for students in Grades 4-12 and is not age-appropriate for younger students. Teams that do not follow the division rules will be disqualified from the Challenge.

Yes, teams can have members from different grade levels. However, you will compete at the level of the team’s highest grade level. For instance, even though you are in sixth grade, your team will compete in the high school competition.

A team must be made up of 2-6 students.

No. Human power can only be used to aim, load, and trigger the launcher. For safety reasons, only clamps or weights may be used to hold down the launcher on the launch platform.  Teams can bring their own appropriate clamps / weights. The Tech will provide a few basic clamps during Test Trials and Showcase day.

No. The size limit is for EACH payload. The maximum size of each payload prior to launch is 25 cm x 30 cm x 38 cm (10 in x 12 in x 15 in).

No. The weight limit is for EACH payload. The maximum weight of each payload, including one standard tennis ball, is 454 g (1 lb).

No, the rules state that “the base of the launcher must fit within the launch platform”.  This means that the base of the launcher needs to be no larger than the launch platform without any overhang. This is a size constraint on the base of your launcher.  See the images below.  The launch platform is beige and the launcher bases are blue.

Follows the rule:	Doesn’t follow the rule:

Assuming the launcher base fits the size limits in the rules (i.e., no larger than the launch platform), moving the launcher during performance, so that base overhangs the launch platform, is not prohibited as long as the launcher placement is safe.

No.  Due to potential safety concerns, teams may not include lasers in their Tech Challenge solutions.

Registration opens Feb. 1.

It’s better to fail at a trial than at the showcase! There will be judges at test trials to answer questions. Test trials are a great way to troubleshoot and refine your solution. There will be several test trial events, so take full advantage!

Come to as many test trials as you can, even if you don’t have a device ready to test. The head judges will be able to answer your questions and give your team feedback. Have the team talk about their experience after each trial. Ask what worked and what didn’t. Remember to document your thoughts in your engineering journal.

• Engineering design process: Judges will talk with your team about how it arrived at a solution. 
• Engineering journal: Your team will turn in its journal in PDF format. Don’t forget to make it clear which design is your final solution. Your team won’t be around to answer questions during this part of the judging.
• Device performance: Your team will demonstrate its solution and judges will evaluate how well your design meets the challenge.  

Sure. When looking for sponsors, consider two things: what you need and who you know. Think about businesses that have the materials you are looking for and ask for donations. Or talk to friends, family, neighbors or anyone else who might want to help you. You’ll want to prepare a presentation before you approach potential sponsors. Describe the competition and why you are participating. Explain where you are in the design process and how their assistance will help you. Take things for them to look at, The Tech Challenge poster, your latest device sketch, etc. Respect their time and keep it brief.

You can get together with anyone to create a team. The only rule is that every participant must be in Grades 4-12 somewhere — not necessarily in your class or school.

Yes! If your team has members that need special considerations, please contact us at challenge@thetech.org.

No. Parents, advisers and teachers of participants are not permitted to serve as judge.

We cannot enter volunteer information from a spreadsheet or other document. We recommend that your company/organization appoint a lead person to register volunteers.

You must be at least 18 and a high school graduate to be a judge at the Showcase. All other volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

Absolutely! Spouses and significant others are encouraged to volunteer.