Handbook Updates
The following changes have been made to this handbook from the 2024 version:
Handbook: The entire handbook has been revised for better clarity and readability.
Section 3.5.1. Chemical Reaction Components: Revised guidelines:
Teams should consider writing out the chemical equation to show that it is a chemical reaction, not a physical change.
Revised list of recommended ingredients: The chemical reaction should be simple and safe. Safe ingredients include baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, borax, glue, hydrogen peroxide (3% solution), yeast, baking powder, Alka-Seltzer tablets, lemon juice, dish soap, club soda, gelatin, acidic juices, and corn syrup.
Section 3.5.1 Electrical Components: New rule:
Defining Electronic vs. Electric Steps: Electric steps involve basic circuits, like turning a light on or off, without programming. They convert electrical energy into mechanical energy or light and do not
include programmable elements. Electronic steps require programming or advanced control, like microcontrollers or sensors. They automate parts of the machine beyond simple electrical tasks.
Limitation on Electronic Steps: Teams are limited to two electronic steps in their machines to maintain the focus on mechanical problem-solving and ensure fairness. This prevents reliance on high-tech solutions that could overshadow basic engineering and physics principles. Each step beyond the two step limit that relies on electronics will result in a 10-point penalty. Electronic components must be prominently visible and obvious to the judges and not hidden within the machine.
Section 3.9 Team Presentation: Added clarification on the presentation components.
Section 3.10 STEM Processes: Journal vs. Presentation: New sections to clarify the different points of emphasis between the journal and presentation, detail the STEM process, and explain how to effectively communicate these processes in both the journal and presentation, including examples.