Hello all KSC Senior entrants.  Please keep checking this page.  New content may be added as we receive new questions.

See you on event day!

Dr. T. Sato                                                                                                                                                                                  Last update: Sept 23, 2025

Kwantlen Science Challenge - Senior Design 2025 FAQs

Question 1:  I understand we are allowed two attempts.  Do we get new batteries for the second attempt?

  • Sorry, no.

Question 2: Is the 200 cm size limit oriented vertically or horizontally?

  • It's up to you!  Orientation is your team's choice.

Question 3: Is the mass allowed to go above 200cm?  Can it go outside the 200 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm zone?

  • No (although the rule states "The system must fit within a space 50cm x 50cm x 200cm when testing begins," the intent is not just at the start but "at any time" after the start.  For example, you don't have to bring your system in a nice compact package and pieces might hang out of place, but when the competition is on, that's the space to work within.)

Question 4: Is it OK if the lifted mass fall down?

  • No, the lifted mass must stay lifted for at least about a minute.  It can't just fall down and you can't just toss the mass into the air, only to fall right back down.

Question 5: Is an "on/off" switch allowed?

  • Yes

Question 6: If there's a platform or a basket for holding the mass, will the mass of the platform also count?

  • Yes, but we have to be able to measure its mass.  If it's removable, that's easy.

Question 7: What if our mass goes up and down many times? Do you count it each time and add them up?

  • No, we masure the net gain in gravitational potential energy, so the (final height) - (initial height) is what counts

Question 8: Can our device use a counterweight?

  • No.  Although it's a solid design principle, in this competition, we're after the net gain in gravitational potential energy, so if a counterweight moves down, that counts negatively.
  • Put another way, the potential energy released by the falling counterweight is an energy source in addition to the batteries.  Under this interpretation, a device using a counterweight would simply be disallowed.

Question 9: Is there a maximum mass that is allowed?

  • No, there is not maximum (or minimum).  That's your design choice.  BUT, if it's going to be more than about 2kg (or less than 10mg) I would appreciate advance notice so I can have an appropriate measuring device on hand.

     

Update

  • Oct 30.  Batteries have been ordered.  These are Panasonic's alkaline batteries in non-retail packaging.  We get them this way because we can get them in bulk at a good price.  I imagine they're not any different inside from what you can buy in stores.  (FYI - these are the same ones we got last year)  https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/panasonic-energy/LR6XWA-BXU/2043737

  • Nov 18.  The batteries are here.  See photo.  Three for every team.

    100 batteries