Tower
Event Description:
Type: Build Event
Topic: Life Sciences
Team: Three Individuals
This event mainly focuses on teams constructing the lightest and tallest tower to carry the maximum standard load. The opening, in most years, has been 20cm x 20cm and the load should be supported at minimum height. Event parameters and dimension specifications can change throughout years. The best wood used in past years is bass and balsa, bass being heavier and denser while much stronger compared to its balsa counterpart. Balsa is a lighter wood type, mainly used as a substitute to decrease weight. Generally, the legs are bass, while the bracing is balsa (but it can be changed and it is never set). An adhesive is best usually glue, any type should work as it is not overused. A general rule of thumb is to make a design before construction to ensure a concise and clear build. Prioritize a straighter tower because if the tower isn’t straight, weight won’t be evenly distributed throughout the tower. In past years, an 8 cm diameter ring will be passed through the tower and be set at the base to see if the gauge is resting at an accepted height. Build will also be weighed and measured to ensure build fits within competition parameters. Scoring is done by dividing the load held (g), by the build weight (g) to get the score.
(All information is subject to change in next year's rules manual.)