Gravity Vehicle
Division: Div C – High School
NC Essential Standards Alignment: Science as Inquiry, PSc.1.1., Phy.1.1, Phy.1.2
Event Rules: See the National rules manualEvent Score Sheet: 2020 Event Scoresheet
National Event Page: Here
Required Materials:
Each team must bring one vehicle, one ramp, alignment devices (if used), one practice log, and additional/spare parts as well as counterweights to secure the ramp. Teams may bring data, one stand-alone calculator of any type along with non-electric tools which do not need to be impounded.
Clarifications: None of our NC tournaments will use photo gate timers. We will continue to use multiple human beings with stopwatches, and take the median or average time, depending on the number of timers available. Rule 3-e states “An approximately 1/4″ diameter wooden dowel must be attached…” In NC, that will be interpreted as “a 1/4″ +/- 1/8″ diameter wooden dowel”
Ramps must have a protective covering on the bottom to prevent damage to any gym floor. Ramps without covering will not be allowed to impound or compete. This can be anything from a felt to cardboard. (updated 1/15/2019)
Description:
Teams must design, build, and test one vehicle and ramp, that uses the vehicle’s gravitational potential energy as its sole means of propulsion to reach a target as quickly and as accurately as possible.
Materials:
Each team must bring one vehicle, one ramp, alignment devices (if used), one practice log, and additional/spare parts as well as counterweights to secure the ramp. Teams may bring data, one stand-alone calculator of any type along with non-electric tools which do not need to be impounded.
Scoring:
Low score wins.
Common Mistakes:
– At any given tournament, approximately 1/3 of the vehicles are penalized for construction violations. This is something easy to avoid.
– Be sure to bring your practice log labeled correctly and measuring at least 4 parameters.
– This is an impound event! Anyone can impound the device for the competitors. Check your tournament schedule to see the times and places for impound.
Recommendations:
Event Resources
2019 Coaches Clinic Presentation (2020 Rules)
Media:
None