Coaches Clarifications:

Bottle Rockets: Here are some questions that have been posed for clarification. Perhaps the responses will be of interest to all of you... On the bottle rockets can we use parts from the Estees model rockets, such as nose cones or fins, on our rocket? In rule number 1 it is clearly stated, “No commercially finished or model rockets may be used.” The traditional interpretation involves parts thereof as well. In other words any parts that were commercially built, sold or manufactured as rocket parts would be included in this rule and thus not be allowed. Are we using the same rocket launch system that we used last year? We will be using the same launch pad as we did last year. It is also the same launch pad that will be available for use at state. We anticipate having two launchers that will be of the same design and manufacturer. I would recommend that this launcher be used if at all possible when practicing. The launcher is available for purchase at http://www.nerdsinc.com. If you are in Science Olympiad for the long haul, you should think seriously about purchasing one for your school. Can a bottle with a capacity less than 1 liter be used for the 1-liter portion of this competition? Yes. A bottle with less than the prescribed 1-liter capacity is fine as long as it can be launched from a standard launch pad. You may also contact the event captain, Pat Hayhurst, at p.Hayhurst@www.westside.k12.ca.us