Created By Harry Glinos
2/23/00

The last rocket to leave your planet's surface is within three minutes of launch. As one of the four surviving alien life forms, your mission is to save your species by escaping from the planet. To do this, you must use a remotely operated vehicle to break into the blast-zone surrounding the rocket to attach your ball-like escape pods to the rocket. Different areas of the rocket have better expected survival rates, so choose your placement wisely. Alternatively, a limited duration life-support area exists just outside the blast-zone. Your remotely operated vehicle can also place the escape pods in this area where they will await a future rescue. The chances of future rescue will be enhanced if the cylindrical-shaped escape pod of one of your leaders can be placed on the rocket. In addition, a power grid capable of recharging escape pods may be used for a limited number of pods. Survival of your species is the primary goal, but you can also help the other species to survive by placing them in your life-support area, or by allowing them to recharge in your power grid. Good luck with your escape.

The Objective

This year's game is one of strategy, speed, and agility. The objective is for students to design and build a remotely controlled device to move game pieces from their initial locations to one of three scoring areas. Multiple scoring strategies are possible since a special game piece can be used to multiply the value of game pieces placed in the lowest scoring area. Games will be played with four teams at once. Points will be awarded for achieving the specified objectives. The team with the most points will be declared the winner. Student eligibility is left to each individual school.

The Playing Field

(click to enlarge)