3rd Grade: Air Rockets

Q1: On page 10 in the event rule document, it says "the target will be 3 to 5 meters" but the diagram below says "distance to target: 3 to 9 meters". Could you please clarify which one is correct?

A1: A target of 9 meters is too far for little lungs.

Q2: Regarding 1M penalty, should it be added to the distance of one test flight or the average distance of two flights? To be specific, let's assume that 2M and 5M and the line of flight is 4M away. So, should the final distance is (2+1{penalty}+5)/2 or (2+5)/2 + 1{penalty}?

A2: The penalty is added to the individual flight.

Q3: When do students take written test for the air rocket event? Will it be on the same event day or the day when online written tests are held?

A3: The written test is a part of the building process.

Q4:Also, could you please clarify a little bit more about the contents in the box right below Part 1 - Written Test on page 9 in the rule book? Specifically, "rockets" in the first bullet point mean the rockets they're going to build on the event day so it means basically students are measuring how long the rockets they built are flying?

A4: Yes, Students will estimate the distance on the day of the competition.

Q5:And what's "a practice rocket" in the second bullet point? Those two bullet points are very hard to understand so I'd appreciate it if you could clarify more about them.

A5: As a part of the competition teams must practice with paper rockets, they make before the competition.

Q6: Are students allowed to build multiple rockets and choose one for scoring? I'd appreciate it if you could help me to understand more on the rules. Many thanks in advance!

A6: Since this is an event for two team members, they have the option of building and testing two paper rockets. It is their decision to choose which they fly for the competition.

Q7: The rule says that a team chart showing testing results for a minimum of 2 rocket designs with 10 test flights per design is needed. Is this chart should be a blank chart with nothing written on it? Can the chart could be different from one team to another?

A7: The chart must be made ahead of time and must include the 20 required test flights. Each team may create a chart that makes sense to them and as long as it includes the parameters from the rules. 

Q8: The team is supposed to bring a chart with results for 2 designs and 10 flights and also make a chart during the written test for 5 launches and estimations. So two different charts? Is this correct?

A8: The rule listed in Part 1 is incorrect. Teams need to bring a chart for 2 designs with 10 flights each. You will not be making a chart during the written test. 

Q9: Should the launch estimates be written in meters, feet or inches?

A9: The rules do not specify, but when you become a Division B or C competitor you must use metrics. I suggest you start early with this thought in mind. 

Q10: What is the content of the written test for Air Rockets?

A10: The test on the principles of rocket flight. We do not give out specific information about tests and would rather you follow your own path to finding out about rockets.