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University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Department of Industrial Studies
Technology Challenge
April 3, 2008

Team Problem Solving Challenge

Technology Challenge is a team problem solving event.
Teams will solve a given problem under the following circumstances:

Teams shall consist of no fewer than 3 and no more than 5 students.
Each team receives a kit with the exact same common household items.
Items in kit are THE ONLY materials team may use to solve problem.
Teams will be given 30 minutes to analyze problem, design solution,
construct and test artifact.
No person outside of team members may participate or contribute to solution.
Judges will announce the time every five minutes until time has expired.
When judges announce time has expired, all work must cease immediately.
When called by the judge, teams will give a brief oral explanation of the design,
construction and testing of artifact.
Judges will instruct team on how to apply/test their solution.
Teams will be given 5 minutes to make three attempts.
A team that can not demonstrate that solution works within the time/number
of attempts will be disqualified.
Team members must have a "Hold Harmless Form" signed, signed by parents/guardians, and on file before competition.
Decision of judges will be based upon following rubric:

Excellent	Very Good	Meets Minimum Requirements	Fails to meet minimum requirements
Solution successfully fulfills requirements; design works multiple times	Solution successful; meets most requirements; works several times	Solution successful once; met requirements but does not hold up repeated attempts	Was not successful in any attempt

The problem solving event will consist of one of the following:

Straw Bridge--design/construct a 12" bridge from drinking straws.
Paper Beam--design/construct a paper beam able to support 30 lbs.
Cargo Flotation Device--design/construct a floation device out of foil to support golf balls.
Ping Pong Ball Shooter--design/construct a device capable of shooting ping pong balls 15 ft.

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