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The task for the school year 2011 / 2012
Bionics is the combination of biology and technology. This is the research topic of the 2011 /
2012 competition. The students are encouraged to look to nature to find suggestions for technical
solutions.
The objective is to find innovative applications in the field of bionics, with focus on the
following points:
Task 1: Smart Structures
An empty half-litre PET bottle is to be kept 1 m above ground via a lightweight construction.
Evaluation is based, among other things, on weight, creativity and cost factor of the
solution.
Task 2: Smart Control
The construction or application of sensors, controls or actuators shall be based on biological
models. Examples are animal whiskers as tactile sensors or the eyes of flying insects as motion
detector.
Task 3: Smart Grip
Connection mechanisms used in the world of fauna and flora shall be examined and applied.
Examples are the hooves of mountain dwellers, wing connections or gripping elements on the legs of
spiders, insects or frogs.
The materials can be freely selected and adjusted to the technical solution aimed at. The
engineers of your partner company will be happy to assist you and your students with the selection
of suitable materials and questions on solving technical problems.
Competition criteria
The evaluation is based on established criteria on an evaluation form. The evaluation can be
subdivided into the aspects
- Project idea
- Presentation
- Project result
- Practical use
The quality of the presentation during the kick-off and final event is only included to a very
limited extent in the evaluation scheme.
Timetable
Phase 1: Preparation
In September 2011, the invitations will be sent to schools in North Rhine Westphalia and
neighbouring European countries. Deadline for entries is
October 21, 2011.
The teams can wait until after registration before choosing one of the three tasks.
An initial meeting will be held on
December 02, 2011 at 12.00 o'clock at Clyde Bergemann. During this kick-off event
in the Training and Conference Centre located on Emmelsumer Str. 219 in 46485 Wesel, all teams will
introduce their specific project plans in front of an audience in English.
Here the group will get to know their contact partners from the companies that will assist them
with any technical questions during the course of the competition. There also will be an
opportunity to tour the company facilities.
Phase 2: Implementation
After the kick-off event, the teams will work on the project in their respective school. Interim
project results will be documented. Johanna Schulze of Science on Stage Deutschland e.V. will be
available as contact partner via e-mail. Contact with the companies can be established via e-mail
exchange, but also in form of a visit and tour of the facility. If necessary, workshops can be
arranged in the company, in coordination with the supporting engineer.
Phase 3: Presentation
On
May 11, 2012, the results will be presented in public during the final event in
the Production and Logistics Centre of Lenord + Bauer, Heinrich-Hertz-Str. in 45966 Gladbeck, based
on prepared slides in English. The projects on the table will again be described in detail to a
jury; here the group has the option to answer the questions in English or German. The best projects
will be awarded prize money. Regardless of ranking, each student will receive a certificate of
attendance.
Phase 4: Follow-up
The results of the competition will be published so that other teachers can make use of the
projects as well. Cooperation between the schools, the companies and Science on Stage Deutschland
e.V. can continue.
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