1. Purpose

The competition aims to inspire and challenge participants through a hands-on, problem-solving experience that empowers essential STEM skills and encourages creative innovation. By engaging with projectile physics and mechanical design, the competition contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Specifically, the competition is designed to:

• Develop Mechanical Engineering and Ballistics Skills: By constructing functional launchers from raw materials, participants gain practical experience in energy transfer (elastic or pneumatic), friction, and trajectory. They will learn to optimize their designs for muzzle velocity, shot consistency, and foam dart stability.

• Innovative Problem Solving: The challenge of creating a reliable firing mechanism from everyday items—without the use of pre-made toy components—encourages critical thinking. Participants must analyze the 3D structure of their device, plan for repeatable firing, and troubleshoot why a dart might jam or veer off-course.

• Cultivate a Passion for STEM: Building and competing with DIY shooting devices connects theoretical physics with practical, high-energy application. This focus on resourcefulness promotes SDG 12 by encouraging participants to utilize recycled materials and rethink the potential of household items like PVC, rubber bands, and cardboard.

• Empower Future Problem Solvers: Young innovators will gain the confidence to tackle complex mechanical challenges, learning to iterate on designs through trial and error—essential skills for success in any technical or creative field.

Task/Mission

Embrace the thrill of on-the-spot innovation! You will be provided with a variety of DIY materials—ranging from PVC pipes and elastic tubing to recycled containers and springs—and tasked with building a precision shooting device on-site.

This isn’t just a construction task; it’s an engineering race. You must design, build, and refine a launcher capable of firing standard foam darts (Nerf-style) at a designated target with high accuracy. Participants must determine how to create a stable "barrel" and a consistent "trigger" or release system to ensure victory.

Competition Field

• Firing Range: 5 to 8 meters.

• Target: A tiered scoring board with concentric circles or a series of knock-down targets.

Device Requirements

• Power Source: The device must be powered purely by mechanical energy (elastic tension, air pressure from a manual pump, or spring-loaded mechanisms). No pre-built Nerf internals or motors permitted.

• Ammunition: Standard 7.2cm foam darts will be provided on-site. The device must be able to load and fire these without damaging the dart.

• Size Limits: The launcher must be portable and operated by a maximum of two people.

Competition Regulations

State Competition (Video Submission)

Participants will submit a video showcasing the accuracy and range of their DIY launcher.

• Evaluation: The primary criterion is the Total Accuracy Score from a sequence of 5 shots.

• Transparency: A physical timer must be visible, and the video must show the loading and firing process in a single, unedited take to ensure no external aids are used.

National Competition (On-Site)

• The Build Phase: Participants have a 1-hour construction period. You may bring your own blueprints, but all parts must be assembled on-site using the provided "treasure trove" of materials.

• Testing & Calibration: Participants are encouraged to run "test fires" during the construction period to adjust their sights or tension.

• Lockdown: Once the 1-hour period ends, all devices must be placed in the "Lockdown Zone." No further modifications are allowed until the official scoring begins.

Scoring & Tie-Breakers

• Accuracy (Primary): Points are awarded based on the target zone hit (e.g., 50 points for the center, 20 for the outer ring).

• Reliability: In some rounds, participants may be asked to fire 3 shots in under 30 seconds to test the device’s reload speed and durability.

• Tie-breaker (Creativity & Engineering): If scores are tied, judges will evaluate the "Innovation of Mechanism." This rewards participants who created a unique trigger or propulsion system that goes beyond a simple slingshot design.

Regulations & Safety

• Ammunition Integrity: Participants may not modify the provided foam darts (no adding weights, needles, or adhesives).

• Safety Gear: All participants must wear provided safety goggles during the testing and competition phases.

• Material Restrictions: Only provided materials or approved "junk" (recycled items) can be used. No pre-assembled launching units are allowed.