Slow Moving Ball
Slow Moving Ball
Slow Moving Ball
Slowmo ball is a hands-on STEM competition where participants design and build a ball run using only paper and tape to slow down a ping pong ball. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4, it focuses on applying real-world physics concepts such as motion, friction, and energy to create an efficient and controlled pathway.
Age Categories
Junior Primary (7 - 9 years old)
High Primary (10 - 12 years old)
Junior Secondary (13 - 15 years old)
High Secondary (16 - 19 years old)
Adult (20+ years old)
Purpose
The Science & Engineering challenge is an advanced engineering competition designed to evaluate participants’ proficiency in structural design, kinetic control, and material optimization. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education), this challenge requires participants to master real-world physics to solve complex engineering problems.
Demo Video
Task/Mission
Time Limit: Participants are allowed exactly one hour (60 minutes) for the construction of the ball run before competition starts.
Material Limits:
Paper: Maximum of 29.4cm A4 size sheets of paper except for National and International competition where paper size might be shrink to smaller size for a bigger challenge & to declare during the competition only.
Tape: Only limited to a single 4cm wide and 15cm long tape.
Participants will design and construct a ball run using only paper and tape. The objective is to make the ping pong ball take as long as possible to travel from the entrance point to the exit point.
Participants must use uniform consumable materials. You are not allowed to use any additional materials beyond those specified.
Age Categories: The competition is open to students aged 7 to 18 years old.
Team Structure: Each competing unit may consist of up to two (2) participants.
Independent Work: Teams must operate independently. External communication with parents, coaches, or spectators during the competition period is strictly prohibited.
Field Procedures
Dimensions & Stability:
Entrance Height: Must be at least 29.4cm (a4 size) height the supporting surface.
Exit Height: Must be at least 3cm height above the supporting surface.
Structure Dimensions: Must be contain within a 1 meter by 1 meter square.
Support: The run must stand on a flat surface and cannot be supported by walls, furniture, or people.
Operation & Restarts:
The ball must be gently placed at the entrance with height of 30cm (rounded to nearest decimal, A4 size). No interference is allowed after release.
Failure occurs: If the ball drops out of the run or gets stuck for more than 10 seconds, the run is considered failed.
Restart Rule: Contestants are allowed to restart their run if a failure occurs, however, they will receive a -20 point penalty for that run.
Attempt Limit: Maximum of 3 total runs per participant (inclusive of the first attempt) to account for any failures or restarts.
Timer Reset: A restart will cause timer to reset if the ball drops, becomes stuck, or the run is interrupted.
Operational Protocol:
Ball Integrity: No modifications to the ping pong ball are permitted.
The Release: The ball must be placed gently at the entrance. Any interference (shaking, blowing, or pushing) after release is prohibited.
Stability: The structure must be free-standing. Support from walls, furniture, or people is strictly forbidden.
Scoring Framework
Scoring Card | Science & Engineering - Slowmo Ball | Category: Primary/Secondary | ||
Team Name: | ||||
Participant 1 Name: | ||||
Participant 2 Name: | ||||
Category | Description | Points | Final Score | |
Scoring | ||||
Time Score | Total duration of the ball in motion from starting point to end point. (4 points per second) | 4/second | ||
Total Points: | ||||
Deduction | ||||
Material Consumption | Total amount of paper used. (maximum of 30-point deduction) | 1/pcs | ||
Restart Penalty | Number of resets. (maximum three attempts) | 20/restart | ||
Total Deductions: | ||||
FINAL SCORE (Total Points - Total Deductions): | ||||
Additional Remarks | ||||
Scoring Framework
Objection
Referee decisions are not subject to teams' objections. In case of disagreements or opposing opinions, the referees have the final say in cooperation with the Headjudges and the Organizing Committee.
In the event that a specific competition category or round is conducted over multiple days or involves multiple attempts, the Organizer reserves the absolute right to determine the most appropriate scoring methodology to identify the winner(s).
Should there be any grievances, participants are directed to: contact@bestemready.com or Whatsapp at 012-391 8681.
Rule Zero
RULE ZERO – Zero Tolerance & Common Sense
In all CIPTR1X competition, Rule ZERO applies, which states:
➤ "If you are not sure whether something is allowed, then it is probably NOT allowed."
All rules are based on common sense, the spirit of the sport, and the safety of all participants.
Any deliberate misinterpretation, violation of the meaning of the rules, or attempt to exploit gray areas for unfair advantage will not be tolerated and may lead to team disqualification from the competition.