ARE YOU UP FOR A DoS STEMM CHALLENGE?
Lotus STEMM has a task for you! This year, your challenge is to build a Goldberg machine, which is a complicated machine that uses a lot of different steps or tools to do a really simple task (like flipping a page). Submit an uncut video clip of your machine accomplishing your task. There are no restraints on creativity - the more (steps), the merrier!
Prizes!
Three (3) winners will be selected. Prizes to be announced soon!
Introduction
Think about something very simple that you do everyday - it can be pushing a button, flipping a switch, opening a door, to name a few. We are challenging you to make these simple tasks more exciting by building a Rube Goldberg machine!
This machine is a collection of different steps that are activated consecutively in a domino-like effect. To set off the machine, you can initially touch the system, but after that, the entire machine has to work without any user input.
As a simple example, you could roll a ball, which then knocks over a block, which finally presses a button. To showcase more a slightly more complex machine, here is a video:
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Before getting started, you can look at the graphics below to understand the different types of forces and energy that you will encounter during your project. This can provide some background information, and inspire you to be more creative with your ideas.
Be sure to reuse materials from around your house!
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Please note: To claim prizes, winners will be contacted at the email address used to submit their videos.
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*please read full terms and conditions below
Example video
Judging
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Eligible videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges from Lotus STEMM.
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Submissions will be judged based on the following criteria.
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One point will be awarded for each step of the machine (for a maximum of 10 points)
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One point will be awarded for each different type of energy transfer and/ or transformation* (for a maximum of 5 points)
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The design of the machine and the sustainability of the materials used will be scored (10 points)
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Three (3) winners will be selected.
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Judges’ decisions are final.
*see the attached slides for more background information explaining these topics
Rules
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Videos must not be edited and should be a continuous shot of your working machine. Video length should not exceed 1 minute. Videos longer than 1 minute will be disqualified.
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You may not include any copyrighted or trademarked materials (music, logos etc.) in your videos.
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Let the STEM challenge be the highlight of your video! However, when recording or editing your video, please ensure that your face not appear on camera.
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Video submissions must be in English.
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Submit your video to stem.competition@lotusstemm.org.
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In the email subject line, please type "DoS Competition Entry - Goldberg Machine".
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In the body of the email, please include your:
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First and last name
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Age
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What you learned the most from participating in the challenge. You can also mention this in your video too.
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Please note: To claim prizes, winners will be contacted at the email address used to submit their videos.
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*please read full terms and conditions below
Eligibility
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Anyone may take part in the video challenge! However, the competition is open only to conference registrants between the ages of 10-15 years old.
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The Degrees of Success video competition is not open to immediate family members of employees or volunteers working for Lotus STEMM.
Deadline
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The video contest closes on Saturday August 2nd, 2021 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. Submissions received after this time will not be considered.
Terms and Conditions
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​Avoid copyrighted and trademarked materials. Use of logos, trademarks, designs, copyrighted music, or other intellectual property or commercial property are strictly prohibited in your video submission. Videos may not be used for commercial solicitation or other promotional material, advertisements or personal solicitations.
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Please be kind and inclusive! No offensive or sensitive content will be tolerated. Religious or anti- religious, racist, political, obscene, violent, or pornographic content will be automatically disqualified.
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Be honest, submit only your work. You must only submit video that you have worked on yourself. If you submit someone else’s work without permission your submission will be automatically disqualified.
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Lotus STEMM will have the right to include your submission on marketing materials. By submitting your video entry to this Competition, you grant the Lotus STEMM a royalty-free, perpetual, non- exclusive right and license to copy, distribute, and display each submitted entry, in any media including posting in an online gallery, publication(s), and various marketing materials, and with right to use, copy, modify, edit, and create derivative works therefrom, and agree to execute documents confirming such right and license at the Organizers’ reasonable request. By entering or permitting your child to enter, you understand that your/their entry (or portion thereof) may be (re)posted online, in Lotus STEMM’s sole discretion, to be viewed by members of the general public.
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Waiver. By participating in the Degrees of Success Video Competition, you agree that the Lotus STEMM, CAGIS, Mining Matters, Indus Space, and their contractors will have no liability whatsoever (jointly and severally) for, and will be held harmless from any bodily injury, violation of personality or personal data, loss, cost or damages of any kind, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from your creation, use, or intended use of your entry, participation in this Competition, and the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of the prize.