General Discussion

[dragonfly]

I appreciate the input on the calculations because, upon seeing the rules, I was (and I guess still am) a bit anxious to see the general ratio with the increase of mass with new heights and how the designs will be changed (because I'm sure that the most effective way of creating the chimney might not actually just be a doubling of the previous chimney design). However, I am indeed looking forward to the extra emphasis put on construction skill; while construction matters greatly with lower structure masses, I'm sure we've all frequently seen a moderately-massive tower built only slightly off-kilter explode, so I think it's nice that people will need to further perfect their building techniques in that regard (and to start, that first means that everyone's templates have to be that much more accurate! )

Excited to get building? I am.

[iYOA]

Interesting, but notice the exact wording (use within the middle school). The fact it is publicly available is probably a big issue. Regardless, those are rules from 5 years ago.

I think its kind of assumed that any online copy would have to be contained within a school or something or else it would defeat the purpose of giving permission to make a copy in the first place. The original poster probably shouldnt have made it available on scioly but as you mentioned, the rules are 5 years old anyways.

[Fossil Freak 25]

Yea It is in favor of the tallest tower. i personally think it is ridiculous because it would be almost impossible to have it as a carry-on if you were flying. and i don't want to check it in or ship it through UPS or likewise. Does anybody have any ideas for shipping if i make it to Orlando?

I have to admit we didn't even think about the carry on dimensions for airlines for this. However I think you'll be ok. A quick search online shows that the typical carry-over size limit is either 45" or 51" (linear length, i.e. add the 3 dimensions together). Let's assume your tower is 70cm x 15cm x 15cm (cause everyone puts it on the base at a 45 degree angle essentially), that's 100cm linear length = 39.3". Which gives you several inches to play with for padding and a box.

So if I have a 60-70 inch tower that leaves it to big. so basically the teams that are driving have a huge advantage

[hpfananu]

Yea It is in favor of the tallest tower. i personally think it is ridiculous because it would be almost impossible to have it as a carry-on if you were flying. and i don't want to check it in or ship it through UPS or likewise. Does anybody have any ideas for shipping if i make it to Orlando?

I have to admit we didn't even think about the carry on dimensions for airlines for this. However I think you'll be ok. A quick search online shows that the typical carry-over size limit is either 45" or 51" (linear length, i.e. add the 3 dimensions together). Let's assume your tower is 70cm x 15cm x 15cm (cause everyone puts it on the base at a 45 degree angle essentially), that's 100cm linear length = 39.3". Which gives you several inches to play with for padding and a box.

So if I have a 60-70 inch tower that leaves it to big. so basically the teams that are driving have a huge advantage

Well, actually, your tower shouldn't be 60-70 inches. It would actually be 60-70 centimeters which is approx 30inches in height at most.

[Fossil Freak 25]

I have to admit we didn't even think about the carry on dimensions for airlines for this. However I think you'll be ok. A quick search online shows that the typical carry-over size limit is either 45" or 51" (linear length, i.e. add the 3 dimensions together). Let's assume your tower is 70cm x 15cm x 15cm (cause everyone puts it on the base at a 45 degree angle essentially), that's 100cm linear length = 39.3". Which gives you several inches to play with for padding and a box.[/quote]
So if I have a 60-70 inch tower that leaves it to big. so basically the teams that are driving have a huge advantage[/quote]
Well, actually, your tower shouldn't be 60-70 inches. It would actually be 60-70 centimeters which is approx 30inches in height at most.[/quote]
oh hahaha lol your right

[fleet130]

The fact it is publicly available is probably a big issue. Regardless, those are rules from 5 years ago.

Permission is given in the rule book for a school to copy the rules for use WITHIN the school. Putting them on a website is probably not an issue as long as they are accessible only to teachers, coaches, students etc. from that school. Making them accessible to the general public is an issue! Just be sure they are password protected and don't give the password to anyone from outside the school and you should be OK.

Outdated rules on the internet is a big issue. In the past, they have caused problems when unsuspecting teams viewed them and attempted to apply them to current tournaments. This is one reasons given for not putting the rules on the internet.

In past years, some event sponsors (Such as CDC & The Groundwater Foundation) were given permission to post the rules. For several years, Science Olympiad, itself, posted the rules for a few events on their website.

For years many people have lobbied for making all the rules available on the Science Olympiad website, but, to date, their efforts have been unsuccessful. If you find rules on the internet, they are most likely in violation of the copyright.

All of this doesn't mean you can't quote the rules. Quotes should be only a statement or two (enough to illustrate your point, not the entire paragraph/page)!.

[illusionist]

RULES ARE ON THE SO WEBSITE THIS YEAR?!?!

[chalker]

Permission is given in the rule book for a school to copy the rules for use WITHIN the school. Putting them on a website is probably not an issue as long as they are accessible only to teachers, coaches, students etc. from that school. Making them accessible to the general public is an issue! Just be sure they are password protected and don't give the password to anyone from outside the school and you should be OK..

If you read the copyright statement at the bottom of the table of contents, it explicitly says they can not be placed on ANY website, so technically what you suggested is a violation.

[chalker]

RULES ARE ON THE SO WEBSITE THIS YEAR?!?!

No they aren't.

[illusionist]

aw. what was that discussion earlier about then?