Wallace Scholars

Over the Brink Oxygenation

Wallace Mission

LEGO MindStorms Competition 2002

Contact Person for Questions:

Brenda Gile Laflin

(316) 978-6301

Story

While pollution is a problem on Earth, the devastation we see around us pales in comparison to that suffered by planets in other dimensions. In this specific one, society never developed an energy source other than coal. This led to crippling pollution. Government scientists have predicted that if nothing is done the planet’s supply of usable air will be used up in ten years. They recommend that forests be planted to produce more usable oxygen. However, pollution has greatly damaged the soil as well. The best remaining fertile soil is in a remote canyon. The canyon is virtually unassailable. The walls of the canyon make it useless for cities or buildings, hence they have been unaffected by the pollution of humans. The steep terrain also makes it very difficult to get into the canyon and plant forests. Therefore, scientists developed large concentrated pockets of oxygenated plant seeds that were dropped into the canyon. In order to spark the forests into rapid growth, “Igniter Packets” were also developed. When the “Igniter Packets” come in contact with the pockets of plant seed, they not only spread the seed in all directions, but incite a period of rapid plant growth. The successful deployment of these packets is crucial to the replenishment of forests and will increase the needed breathable air. The government has left it up to you to accomplish this mission. The future of life on this planet depends on your success. Good Luck!

Mission

Deliver the “Igniter Packets” into the canyon.

Conditions

The robot will traverse the canyon via a guide wire ( #12 insulated solid copper wire).
Four "Igniter Packets" will be given to each team, therefore there can be 4 attempts at the 3 targets.
For the initial attempt, teams will have one minute to place the robot on the guide wire.
In each of the three subsequent attempts, teams will have 45 seconds to place the robot on the guide wire.
The first target is two feet from the starting line, and is stationary.
The second target is shifting on a fault line (turn table), the center of rotation 3.5 feet from the starting line. The rotation is in a perfect circle, of radius 3 inches and the angular velocity is 33 1/3 rpm (rotations per minute).
The third target is stationary, and 6 feet from the starting line.
Each target is circular with a 2 inch radius. Distances are to the center of each target.
The center target is 8 inches off the ground ( on the turn table).
The "Igniter Packets" the robot is dropping are made out of ½” dowel rods, in 3 inch segments, with 1 inch diameter clay ball on the end.
Targets can only be fertilized (scored) once.

Scoring

1. First target 150 points.

2. Second target 500 points.

3. Third target 350 points.

3-D View of EC Mission

Side View with Dimensions

Top View with Dimensions