Welcome to the website of the University of Toronto Space Design Contest. From May 12-15, 2011, we will be hosting some of the brightest high school students from across North America to compete for the winning design proposal.
 |
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is it? What do we as an organization do? How do we get involved? Who do I talk to for more information? The Design Contest When is it? What can I win? Are there different categories for the contest? How long should the report be? How does the judging work? Is there any example of a similar project that we can see so we understand exactly what it is we need to do? Having trouble with your design? Do you have specific questions about the design challenge's RFP? Design Fair and Conference Where will the Design Fair and Conference be? Where will I be staying during the three nights? Could I stay home during the nights of the conference? What if my parents or staff advisor wants to stay with us? Registration How do I register? How do we make the payments? How much will it cost? Do you have to register through a school? General Questions
What is it?
The University of Toronto Space Design Contest is an annual contest for high school students. A different space-related design challenge is proposed every year, for which participating students are required to design an innovative solution.
What do we as an organization do?
Our mandate is to promote the benefits of social and commercial development in space, while providing a creative and innovative design challenge to all students of the high school level. Through events and conferences we run throughout the year we hope to further the understanding and appreciation of space development to all involved.
How do we get involved?
We welcome any kind of participation, whether you are forming a team, volunteering, judging or sponsoring. Please navigate to the appropriate sections of the website to find out more about the different ways to participate. If you would like to compete in this year's competition, please scroll down to the "Registration" section of the FAQ. If you would like to volunteer, judge, promote this event to your school/organization, or if you have more specific questions, please feel free to contact us through our Contact Page.
Who do I talk to for more information?
Feel free to ask us any questions. You can send us an email using our Contact Page, and the appropriate member in the organizing committee will be addressing your questions shortly.
The Design Contest
When is it?
The contest will run through most of the school year. Registration is ongoing and will continue through to January 15, 2011. Teams will work on their designs and then submit a short report to us by March 28, 2011. The design fair and conference is a 4 day 3 night event that will be held on the St. George campus from May 12-15, 2011. We recommend that you register early and start planning a design as soon as you can.
What can I win?
All teams that participate will receive a certificate of participation. The top three teams of each category will receive individual medals and team plaques. Additional prizes will be disclosed in the future.
Are there different categories for the contest?
How long should the report be?
The report you submit should be approximately 10 pages, and no more than 20 pages long. Diagrams are encouraged along with relevant calculations. The
more viable and thought out your design is, the better. For more information on report formatting, please see the contest information page.
How does the judging work?
Three panels of judges will evaluate each team. The first panel consists of faculty, professors and alumni who have a background in relevant fields. They will mainly critique the technical merit of the design. The second panel is multidisciplinary group of undergraduate students, and the third panel will be representatives from the business community. Judges will be evaluating teams based on, but not limited to the creativity of the design, technical merit, artistic merit, presentation and communication. Detailed breakdown of the method of evaluation will be provided upon registration.
Is there any example of a similar project that we can see so we understand exactly what it is we need to do?
Various resources and examples will be put on this site as the year progresses. Example works from previous winners will be added to this website soon.
Having trouble with your design? Do you have specific questions about the design challenge's RFP?
If you encounter a logical problem in your design process, try first talking to your science teachers as they will likely give you good advice. If you have questions regarding the feasibility and/or justification of your design, you may also receive assistance from us by contacting judging@utspace.com. There is a design workshop which takes place on February 19, 2011, which is a great opportunity for all participants to receive feedbacks from industrial professionals on their initial design.judging@utspace.com.
Design Fair and Conference
Where will the Design Fair and Conference be?
The design fair and conference will be held on the St. George campus of the University of Toronto, which is located in the core of Toronto, Canada.
Where will I be staying during the three nights?
Accommodations are provided to all participants of the contest. Accommodations in the past have been in New College of the University of Toronto, which may or may not be the same for this year's contest. Participants will be put into either single or double rooms, and participants from the same team will have their rooms next to each other's. A don will be in charge of the needs of approximately 10 students during the accommodations. More details will be provided closer to the date of the conference.
Could I stay home during the nights of the conference?
Yes, you could, but the registration fee will remain the same. To do that, your parents should provide us with a signed letter or note stating that they are aware of this fact that you are not staying with us.
What if my parents or staff advisor wants to stay with us?
If you have a staff advisor or parent who wishes to stay in residence with you and your team, please send us a detailed email message, and we will provide information regarding overnight room bookings with the summer residence program at the University of Toronto.
How do I register?
You can register using our online registration form here.
How do we make the payments?
You have two options:
How much will it cost?
The registration fee is $90 per contestant before December 13, 2010 and $100 afterwards. This fee includes all transportations, admissions, meals and accommodations for all three nights during the Design Fair and Conference.
Do you have to register through a school?
While recommended, registering through a school is not mandatory. However, there must be a contact person our organization can reach should the need arise and who can vouch that the report is entirely the work of the team.
|
