Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many categories were there for the prizes?
A: Prizes were given to the best overall projects, however recognition was also given in the following categories:
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Highest Average Temperature
Best Overall Binder
Most Cost Efficient
Most Efficient
Best Presentation
Best Prototype
Q: What were some benefits of participating in the S.Y.nergy Challenge 2007?
A: A few reasons come to mind:
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Hands on learning experience
Explorer the possibilities of solar power
Contribute to the development of renewable energy technology
Get some experience with engineering design
Learn some management skills for better work efficiency
Opportunity to work with a mentor
Win money prizes or certificates
Get out of class on final competition day!
Q: What is a breakdown of what teams were marked on, and certain points of the breakdown that you were looking at?
A: The most important thing we are looking at is the performance of the finished product, as this will ultimately be what matters to the users of the design. More details here.
Q: What does innovation mean? Is that just how the prototype looks?
A: The innovation criterion isn’t only about the appearance of the prototype. It's about the materials that were used, how they were used, the ideas you have had and how you implemented them.
Innovation is creativity with purpose. If you paint your prototype blue just “because,” then that isn't innovation; however, if you’ve discovered during your research that due to light spectrums and absorption, painting the prototype vermillion makes it more efficient, then that would be innovative. We don’t know if this is actually the case, (bracing ourselves for a dozen vermillion prototypes). Of course, an innovative idea that doesn’t exactly work the way you expect would still get you some points, provided there was scientific reasoning behind the idea. You must be able to explain your reasoning or thought process to the judges in order for them to merit innovation.
Q: Regarding the size of the prototype at the end, I’ve heard two things. Is it 1m x 1m x 1m or is it 1m cubed?
A: Sorry for the confusion. The prototype must be able to be contained within a 1m x 1m x 1m volume. However it does not have to do so laying “flat” on the ground. For instance, a thin prototype that is the length of root 3 meters (the length of the diagonal of the 1x1x1 cube) is acceptable.
Q: What is the best way of contacting the S.Y.nergy Team?
A: Great, we’d love to talk to you! There are many ways to get in touch with us:
Email the team at synergy.challenge@gmail.com. We check this inbox as often as we can, but will often discuss your question among the team before sending back a reply. We do this to ensure we are giving you the best possible response. On the downside, it may take a few days to get that response.
Alternatively, you can post your comments on the S.Y.nergy forum. Someone from the S.Y.nergy team will address your concern, and you may also garner input from teachers, other participating students, UWO mentors and engineers, and TVDSB representatives.
The quickest way to get in touch with us is to give us a call. Every school is paired with a S.Y.nergy organizer, and we would be more than happy to get out of class to answer a question. More than happy. The only downside is that conversations over the phone do not allow us to organize our thoughts or check in with the rest of our team, so for questions requiring deliberation it may be best to email us, again at synergy.challenge@gmail.com.
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