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FAQ's
FAQ's
 
All Competitions
 
Q: The task is not clear. Can you please clarify what type of hammer, nail, wood we need in order to complete the task? 
A: Defining the problem is an exciting part of the "Ask" stage of the engineering design process. Part of the challenge is to define the task in a way that your team believes will impress the judges. For example, if the task were to pour water into a cup, which would be more impressive: putting several drops of water into a cup or filling the cup completely? 

Q: Our team would like to know if we drive our nail into our object then that object sets off lights would that count as two steps?
Also is it ok that the lights come on when the nail is driven, or the nail have to be the absolute last step?
A: Any steps that occur after the task has been completed do not count (meaning that lights do not count as a step). However, you are free to have as many steps after the nail as driven, even though they do not count toward your total number of steps.

Q: Are we allowed to use a remote controlled car or truck?
A: Remote controlled cars are allowed, but only if both the remote control and the car are within the 6' x 6' area. You may not control the car from outside the boundaries of the machine. 

Q: May dry ice be used as part of the machine? 
A: Yes, as long as it is handled safely. 

Q: Would an “explosion” include diet coke and mentos or vinegar and baking soda?
A: No, this rule refers to explosions related to fire.

Q: Can the machine include simple and complex machines?
A: The machine can contain any type of machines that you want as long as they fit within the rules.


HS and Collegiate RGMC

Q: What does the following rule mean: "The machine will have a minimum twenty (20) minute reset time" 
A: The contest allows for teams to have at least 20 minutes to reset their machines between runs. Teams do not have to use all of this time. 
 
 
International Online RGMC for ages 11 - 14

Q: Is there a cutoff date for age eligibility? 
A: Students are eligible to participate if they are between the ages of 11 and 14 during the same school year as the contest. The spirit of the age rule in the US context is to include students in middle school/junior high (through 8th grade). 


Q: How many teams can enter from the same school? 
A: There is no limit to the number of teams that can enter from the same school, as long as students are not on more than one team.