Power-Ups

After your score has been established based on the project rubric, you may receive bonus credit for meeting several specific criteria which go above and beyond the minimum standards.

Needless to say, these will be assessed very stringently: no extra credit will be given if goal has been met in a half-hearted or lackadaisical way or if the step in question doesn't work.

Give Your Machine a Theme +2

your design and implementation decisions must be driven by some central, thematic idea
no fewer than five specific decorative elements based on the theme must be included
the action of at least 4 steps, including at least two of the specified simple-machine steps, must be specifically based on the theme

Separate The Cause-And-Effect Chain Into Two Distinct Paths +2

each path must include no fewer than three unique steps
the sequence of steps in each path must execute simultaneously
the two paths must come back together to enable and/or execute a single step
the ultimate success of the machine must require the successful execution of both paths

Use a Three-Step Compound Machine +1

three simple machines must pass energy directly from one to another with no intermediate steps
each of the steps must have been hand-built by your team - for example, while a pair of scissors is a compound machine, they could not be used to earn this power-up
(Two additional simple machine steps, as part of a continuing compound machine, can be added for additional half point each - up to a total Compound Machine bonus of +2.)

Use A Multi Sheave Block and Tackle +1

while a single pully being used with an IMA of one can be counted as a simple machine, this power-up requires that you use a combination of several pulleys to create a block and tackle with an IMA greater or less than one

Create a Web Site for Your Machine +2

the website must look appealing and expand and illuminate the paper describing your machine while explaining its features

the site should include links or other interactive content

(Approach your instructor to work out the details for hosting and mounting your website prior to the project due date.)

As the name suggests, these power-ups should only be pursued after all of the other requirements of the project have been met. No extra consideration will be given if some other aspect of your project goes poorly because you were perusing Power-Up points.

Power-Up points can not be used to raise your project grade above 100%.

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