University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Department of Industrial Studies
Technology Challenge
April 3, 2008
Crumple Zone and Freeway Barrier Competition
The Crumple Zone and Freeway Barrier Competition is a team problem solving event.
Each team will attempt to solve the following problem:
Each team shall construct a freeway barrier capable of stopping a truck
preventing the breakage of one USDA large egg.
Teams may use only:
- one (1) sheet of 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of 20 lb. paper
- one (1) one inch strip of scotch tape
Competition guidelines:
- Each team shall consist of 2-3 students.
- Items listed above are THE ONLY materials permitted to solve problem.
- Teams will be provided paper and tape upon arriving at UWP.
- Each team is to fashion a suitable freeway barrier out of paper that successfully
brings truck to a complete stop without its cargo (egg) falling off cradle.
- Truck will be rolled down a ramp appoximately 7-1/2" wide by 48" long.
- Ramp rise will be approximately 3-1/2" over 48".
- No tissue, rubber bands, foam or other material may be used.
- Teams will be given three attempts to demonstrate that barrier
successfully brings truck to a complete stop without breaking egg.
- Eggs remaining in cradle will be measured for forward movement.
- Team with the least egg movement over three attempts will be declared winner.
- In case of ties (three successful stops by more than one team)
ramp will be raised one inch and runs repeated until one team has
the least movement with egg remaining in cradle.
All participants must complete, sign, have parents sign "Hold-Harmless
forms and submit prior to participating in Technology Challenge 2008.
Participants must bring/wear safety glasses during competition. |
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E-mail inquiries, contact Dr. Steck