Hello all KSC Senior entrants.  Please keep checking this page.  New content may be added as we receive new questions.

See you on event day!

Dr. T. Sato                                                                                                                                                                                  Last update: Nov 22, 2024

Kwantlen Science Challenge - Senior Design 2024 FAQs

Question 1:  This there a size limit for cars?

  • Yes, cars should fit inside a box 75cm x 75cm x 75cm

Question 2:  Can the Coke cans be compromised in any way?

  • No.  They must be pristine, indistinguishable from new.
  • (could you return the Coke to a store for a refund?  Not just empty can deposit.  No scratches, dents...)
box of batteries

Question 3:  What brand of batteries will be handed out at the event?

Question 4:  Will the track have walls?

  • Yes, we plan to make them with 2x2 lumber. 
  • Note: they are really just lane markers, not steering guides.  The cars must steer straight on their own.  
  • It's OK if the cars accidentally touch the walls.  Please try not to crash into the car on the next track.  That would be bad manners and you could be relegated.

Question 5: Are external controllers such as remote controls allowed

  • Yes
  • Please note: the controller in your hand may have its own power, but the receiver unit on the car must be powered with the batteries handed out.  No additional power source.

Question 6: Are we allowed to use other, non-electrical power sources, such as an elastic, chemical, or mechanical wind up energy?

  • Yes, BUT… those have to be ultimately be powered by the batteries we give out.  For example, the car can use the battery power to wind up a mechanism, which, in turn, runs the car.  Also, please note that said winding up can only start after the start gun. 
  • Gravitation potential energy is the same idea.  No pre-charging before the start signal.

Question 7: Are hydraulics allowed?

  • Yes, but if powered, you can only use the power of the assigned batteries

Question 8: Can the car jetison parts along the way?

  • No.  All parts of the car/device must cross the start line and the finish line
    • no major parts should fall off.
    • cannot eject water out the back for propulsion
    • OK to use a fan as a propeller on ambient air, but cannot use pre-charged compressed air
    • cannot push against a launch platform
    • cannot lay a guide-track to follow

Question 9: May we intentionally damage a competitor's car?

  • No

Question 10: Can the wheels of the car be hollow cylinders that could be used to house the cans of coke?

  • Yes, but you need to make sure the cans are not damaged, per FAQ #2

Question 11:  Can the Coke cans be rolled or pushed by the car?

  • No, they must be "carried" as stated in the rules.  Also, make sure the cans are not damaged.

Question 12: How much time is a team given from the moment they receive the Coke cans to the start of the race?

  • A couple of minutes

Question 13: Can we use a solid rocket engine? Liquid rocket fuel?

  • No.  

Question 14: Can we put solar cells on the car and shine an externally powered lamp at it?

  • No

Question 15: Can we push the car with an externally powered leaf blower?

  • No

 

Nobody has yet asked but...

flats of Coke
  • The cans of Coke are here.  We have regular, and Coke Zero.  Please plan to return the cans in good shape for the next competitors.
  • Is there a time limit?  Just for practical reasons, when teams are called up, they must be ready to start within a couple of minutes.  Once the start signal goes, we expect the race will be over in a few seconds, but if after 5 minutes neither car has crossed the finish line, the race will be called by the judges.