Choose a scale that works for your city design. In engineering, scale is used to describe proportion. Proportion is how the size of one thing compares with another. There is no set scale for the model. The team decides the scale based on their design. They will need to create a scale key, such as, 1/4” = 1.0’.

Research Essay.  Be sure to include your team’s solution to the Fuel Your Future Research Essay in the model.

Remember to add at least one moving part. The moving part is an excellent opportunity to explore the physics of simple sources of power, such as:

• Rubber bands
• Heat
• Weights
• Springs
• Batteries and simple circuitry
• Pulleys
• Paper folded, pop-up constructions
• Light and/or solar power

Before building, think about shipping.

1. How can you protect the model from breaking during shipping and moving? (Put your design team to work thinking about this question before they actually build the model.)
2. What materials will we use to protect the model?
3. How much thickness and bulk will the packing materials add to the model? Note: If the team advances to National Finals shipping weight cannot exceed 75 pounds.
4. What is the maximum height, length, and width the finished model can be to accommodate the packing materials?
5. How will these measurements affect the scale of the model?

Collect recycled materials. You only have a $100 budget so think creatively about your building materials.

1. Flea markets and garage sales are excellent sources for old toys, bottles, tins, buttons.
2. Younger brothers and sisters may be persuaded to part with toys they have outgrown. Old toys are excellent sources for materials, such as Lego® pieces, gears, Tinker Toys®, and blocks. NOTE:  All these items have value and would need to be listed on the Competition Expense Form.
3. Offices and businesses may have recyclable waste paper, wire, etc.
4. Builders and plumbers may have discarded pieces of pipe, wire, wood, etc.
5. Home improvement companies and remodelers may be willing to part with obsolete materials from houses they are remodeling. Old parts from stoves, cabinets, and plumbing fixtures may be sources for moving parts and provide unusual shapes for your buildings.
6. Find somebody who has just moved into your community or who receives a lot of parcels. These are good sources for boxes, cardboard, and bubble wrap.

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