STEM
Find out about deadlines, requirements and resources for the STEM Challenge.
The theme of the 2024 South Dakota 4-H STEM Challenge is Speedy Delivery! Neither sleet nor snow nor an overly complicated machine will prevent the mail from being delivered.
Important Deadlines:
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August 13th: Registration ends.
Leval 1 Machines
Should be created by teams that are in their first or second year of creating a multi-step machine.
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Each team will need to create a machine that completes the task of delivering a package to a mailbox in the final step.
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Completion of the task is NOT a step. There should be a minimum of 7 steps leading up to this task. â–¸ One of the steps must be a mechanical engineering (simple machine) step.
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Completion is scored based on how well the machine operates under specified constraints as well as human interventions. Human interventions include any assistance the machine requires (not including its start) to complete the task. For example if a step does not trigger the next step and youth step in to start the next step.
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The package will be provided by the team and should measure at least five inches long, two inches wide, and one Page 4 inch tall (5”x 2”x 1”). It can be a pre-existing item or can be constructed by the team.
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The team will determine what will be used for a mailbox in the final step, however it should be apparent to the judges and the public that it is a mailbox (so something more than just a plain cardboard box or a plain ice cream bucket)
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Eligibility
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Teams must have at least two members with a max of 3.
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Teams may consist of youth from different counties.
Level 2 Machines
A level 2 machine should be created by teams that have experience with creating basic multi-step machines and are ready for more of a challenge.
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Each team will need to create a machine that completes the task of delivering a package to a mailbox in the final step.
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There will also be the optional task of indicating the successful delivery of the package. This is not a mandatory part of the task but will result in bonus points if completed successfully. â–¸ An indication of a successful delivery could be symbolized by a flashing light, a flag popping up, creating applause, a sound being played, etc. The indication of the delivery must be a part of the machine steps and not a human response to the machines (ie, team members applauding).
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Completion of the task is NOT a step. There should be a minimum of 10 steps leading up to this task. â–¸ Two of the steps must be mechanical engineering (simple machine) steps. â–¸ One of the steps must be an electrical engineering step. • See Appendix A for more information about these requirements. Page 5
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Completion is scored based on how well the machine operates under specified constraints as well as human interventions. Human interventions include any assistance the machine requires (not including its start) to complete the task. For example if a step does not trigger the next step and youth step in to start the next step.
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The package will be provided by the team and should measure at least five inches long, two inches wide, and one inch tall (5”x 2”x 1”). It can be a pre-existing item or can be constructed by the team.
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The team will determine what will be used for a mailbox in the final step, however it should be apparent to the judges and the public that it is a mailbox (so something more than just a plain cardboard box or a plain ice cream bucket).
Resources
Resources