Great Ball Contraption: Answer Key

Overview & requirementsAnswer Key

1. What is GBC?

2. What are the size requirements for a contraption?

3. What is the base unit of height/width used in building a contraption?

4. Know the GBC standard rules & regulations used in a show.

5. Define the key components of the contraption:

5a. In-basket

5b. Lift mechanism

5c. Output

6. How are Technic™ pieces different from standard LEGO®? How are Technic axle and beam sizes measured?

7. Demonstrate your knowledge by either drawing or showing an example of the following pieces/parts:

7a. Beam

7b. Axle

7c. Pin

7d. Bush (1/2 or whole)

8. Define and give examples of the following pieces used in a contraption:

8a. Gear

8ai

Rack and Pinion

8aii

Worm

8aiii

Cam

8b. Motor

8c. Connector

8d. Beam

8e. Power Bank

9. Define and give examples of the different methods to move the ball.

10. Why is it critical that you test your contraption during the construction process, rather than waiting until the end?

11. Discuss standard building strategies:

11a. Make sure all the bricks are fully connected/seated.

11b. Make sure connectors/gears are not connected tightly.

12. Build a GBC from a kit or published instructions. It should have at least a 90% success rate (successfully move 27 out of 30 balls in and out of the contraption).

13. In a group, put together a connected collection of at least five modules, which must use at least three different lift mechanisms. Successfully transfer 27 out of 30 balls through the entire collection of individual modules.

References

Adapted from AY Honors/Great Ball Contraption/Answer Key on the Pathfinder Wiki, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. See the original page's history for its authors.
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