Design Category

3D Bridge Main Event:

In this event, teams of 2-4 students will design a bridge, virtually test it, and then print it on a 3D printer. Teams will then bring their bridges to the tournament to see which will have the highest structural efficiency. Teams will also submit a Design Document outlining some of the key aspects of the process.

Design Documents must be converted to a PDF file before uploading to the TOT Project Submission Portal no later than 10:00 pm, March 14, 2025.

Common Core Standards and 4 C’s:

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently. Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.

Designing and Creating your Project (Online Portion):

The process of creating your project should take on the following steps:

• Research different bridge structures to help design your bridge.
• Use West Point Bridge Design program to design and virtually test your bridge.
• Use a 3D program such as SketchupMake or TinkerCAD to create a 3D model of your bridge.
• Each middle school has at least one 3D printer for you to print your bridge. 
• Test your bridge, make adjustments, and reprint (may repeat multiple times).
• Bring your bridge to the tournament to see how it stack up against the other bridge submissions.

Technical Requirements and Specifications:

• The bridge must be completely drafted by the students. Bridges will be designed and printed before the competition, using West Point Bridge Design, 3D modeling software, and an available 3D printer.
• The bridge must weigh no more than 20 grams.
• The bridge must be able to span a distance of 6.75 inches (157mm), from the center of the pier to the center of the next pier.

See the load test diagram below:

• The load plate will be 3" x 1 1/4” (78mm x 33mm) and will be placed on the top of the bridge.
• The bridge can be printed in one piece, or in components that may be glued together, but NO other materials may be used.
• Each team must also submit a Design Document by 10:00 pm March 14, 2025, to the TOT Project Submission Portal.

 

3D Bridge Design Document:

 3D Bridge Scoring Breakdown

	Max Points	Formula
Points from Rank	35	35 – 3 (Your Rank -1)
Points from Structural Efficiency	35	First Place Efficiency / Team’s Efficiency x 35= Team’ Total Efficiency
Points from Design Document	30	See Design Document Rubric

 

Overview:

Students will create a document outlining the process of designing and testing their bridge.

There will be four main sections:

• Research
• Specifications
• Testing
• Conclusion

The document will be submitted and scored prior to the tournament and will be worth 30 points. Design Documents must be converted to a PDF file before uploading to the TOT Project Submission Portal no later than 10:00 pm March 14, 2025.

Research:

In this section, students will select a question or concept related to the project and use the internet or other sources to search for information and solutions.

 Students may investigate their own question, or choose one from the list below:              

• What are the benefits/limitations of different bridge structures?
• What roles do compression and tension play in a bridge structure?
• What makes a good bridge?

Specifications:

In this section, students will list specific measurements of their bridge such as mass and dimensions. They will also include screenshots of their bridge from the West Point Bridge Design Program, the 3D model design stage as well as a picture of their final printed bridge.

Testing:

Virtual Testing:
Students will explain how they designed and tested their bridge in the West Point Bridge Design program and what modifications they made to improve its structural efficiency. This could include minor adjustments such as increasing/decreasing the size of individual components; or major changes such as a complete redesign or use of a completely different structure.

Physical Testing:
Students will describe what modifications they made after testing their bridge past its breaking point. They should include a picture of the broken bridge and explain what changes were made to increase strength and prevent repeated failure.

Conclusion:

In the last section, students will write a conclusion that summarizes the modifications to their final bridge. They will explain why they chose certain adjustments and modifications over others citing their testing and research.

Getting Help:

Visit the 3D Bridge Support Files page to view a sample Design Document or access Event support files and our new YouTube Channel to view tutorials to help prepare and practice.

Contact Bob Donat at Robert.Donat@fresnounified.org or Charles Rocha at Charles.Rocha@fresnounified.org if you have any further questions or suggestions regarding this future competition event.

3D Bridge Live Challenge (In-Person Event):

Teams will test their bridges on the day of the tournament. Each bridge will be loaded with weights until it fails. Its structural efficiency will be calculated by dividing the total load supported by the mass of the bridge. Then the bridges will be ranked by structural efficiency and the final points will be as follows:

3D Bridge Reward Points:

3D Bridge Scoring Breakdown
	Max Points	Formula
Points from Rank	35	35 – 3 (Your Rank -1)
Points from Structural Efficiency	35	First Place Efficiency / Team’s Efficiency x 35= Team’ Total Efficiency
Points from Design Document	30	See Design Document Rubric

 

Scoring Breakdown		Description / Formula	Max Points
Online	3D Bridge Design Document	See Design Document Rubric	30
Live Event	3D Bridge Structural Efficiency	Your Efficiency Total/First Place Efficiency X 35	35
Live Event	3D Bridge Rank	35 - 3(Your Rank - 1)	35

 

 

 

 

3D Bridge Design Document Scoring Rubric:

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Research The question or concept is well answered and relevant to increasing the strength of the bridge.	5 Points The question or concept is very well answered and relevant to improving the strength of the bridge.	3 Points The question or concept is well answered and somewhat relevant.	1 Point The question or concept is somewhat answered but not that relevant.	0 Points The question or concept is not at all answered and not relevant.
Works Cited Multiple reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	5 Points 3 or more very reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	3 Points 2 reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	1 Point Just 1 somewhat reliable source was referenced or cited in the research.	0 Points There were no sources referenced or cited in the research.
Specifications The measurements of the bridge are clearly listed with multiple screenshots and pictures.	5 Points All measurements are listed and there are 5 or more screenshots or pictures.	3 Points All measurements are listed and there are 3 screenshots or pictures.	1 Point Some measurements are listed and there is just 1 screenshot or picture.	0 Points Most of the measurements are missing and there are no screenshots or pictures.
Testing Specific modifications were described as a result of virtual testing in the WPBD program.	5 Points 3 or more modifications were very clearly described in the virtual testing.	3 Points 2 modifications were clearly described in the virtual testing.	1 Point Only 1 modification was somewhat described in the virtual testing.	0 Points There were no modifications described in the virtual testing.
Modifications Specific modifications were described as a result of physical testing, including a picture of the broken bridge.	5 Points 3 or more modifications were very clearly described after the physical testing.	3 Points 2 modifications were clearly described after the physical testing.	1 Point Only 1 modification was somewhat described after the physical testing.	0 Points There were no modifications described after the physical testing.
Conclusion The conclusion clearly states what was done to improve the structural efficiency of the bridge.	5 Points The conclusion is a well written summary of what was done and cites specific evidence from testing and research.	3 Points The conclusion is a summary of what was done to the bridge but lacks evidence from testing and research.	1 Point The conclusion is a weak summary of what was done and is lacking detail.	0 Points There is no conclusion in the design document.

 

3D Bridge Structural Efficiency Scoring Rubric:

Category
Mass (g) Mass of the bridge.
Load (lbs) Total load supported.

3D Derby Main Event:

In this event, student teams of 2-4, will design a car in a CAD program and then print out their design on a 3D printer. Teams will add axles and wheels and then test their cars in preparation for the tournament race. Teams will also submit a Design Document outlining some of the key aspects of the process. Design Documents must be converted to a PDF file before uploading to the TOT App Submission Portal by 10:00 pm on March 14, 2025.

Common Core Standards and 4 C’s:

Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently. Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Critical Thinking.

Technical Requirements and Specifications:

• The car must be completely drafted by the students. Cars will be designed and printed prior to the competition, using 3D modeling software and the MakerBot 3D Printers.
• The entire car (body, wheels, axels…) must weigh 100 grams or less.
• Car dimensions must be no larger than 5” long x 2.5” wide x 2” tall. (127mmx63.5mmx51mm)
• There must be more than 1/4” (6.35mm) clearance under the car between the wheels.
• There must be more than 1 5/8” (41.275mm) between the wheels. See Track Specifications here.
• The entire car must be printed, the only exception is the nails/screws and weights.
• The car may be printed in pieces and then assembled with glue.

3D Derby Design Document (Online Portion):

Overview:

Students will create a document outlining the process of designing and testing the car. There will be four main sections: Research, Specifications, Testing, and Conclusion. The document will be submitted and scored prior to the tournament and will be worth 30 points. Design Documents must be converted to a PDF file before uploading to the TOT App Submission Portal no later than 10:00 pm by March 14, 2025.

Designing and Creating your Project:

• The process of creating your project should take on the following steps:
• Research car designs and their effect on speed.
• Use a 3D program such as SketchupMake or TinkerCAD to create an original model of your car.
• Each middle school has at least one 3D printer for you to print your car. 
• Attach axles and wheels to your car and begin testing on a ramp.
• Bring your car to the tournament and race to see who’s the fastest.

Research:

In this section, students will select a question or concept related to the project and use the internet or other sources to search for information and solutions.

Students may investigate their own question, or choose one from the list below:

• Do large or small tires make a car go faster?
• What does a spoiler do on a car?
• How does mass affect a car’s speed down a ramp?
• What role does friction play in a car’s tires?

Specifications:

In this section, students will list specific measurements of their car such as mass, dimensions, and wheel diameter and thickness. They will also include screenshots of their car in the design stage as well as a picture of their assembled car.

Testing:

Students will explain the testing of their car and what modifications they made to improve its speed. This could include physical changes to the car such as smoothing/sanding the body or wheels, adding a spoiler or anything else. It should also include testing of lubricants on the axels. Students should include a data table showing the results of different trials.

View Example Table below:

Trial	Time	Modifications
1	10.2 s	None, just attached the wheels to the car body.
2	9.2 s	Smoothed the axle hole of the wheels and smoothed the outer edges of the wheel.
3	7.2 s	Used lubricant A on the axles.
4	8.4 s	Used lubricant B on the axles.
5	7.7 s	Used lubricant C on the axles.

 

Conclusion:

In the last section, students will write a conclusion that summarizes the modifications to their final car. They will explain why they chose certain adjustments and modifications over others citing their testing and results.

Getting Help:

Visit the 3D Derby Design Documents Page to see a sample Design Document and Event support files and our new YouTube Channel to view tutorials to help prepare and practice.

Contact Bob Donat at Robert.Donat@fresnounified.org or Charles Rocha at Charles.Rocha@fresnounified.org if you have any further questions or suggestions regarding this future competition event.

3D Derby Live Challenge (In-Person Event):

Teams will race their cars at the tournament. Each car will race 4 times (once in each lane). The 4 times will be added together for a total time and teams will be ranked. If a car does not finish a race, it will receive a time of 9.999s for that race. Points will be awarded based on the design of the car, the speed of the car, and the Design Document (see below).

3D Derby Reward Points:

Scoring Breakdown		Description / Formula	Max Points
Online	3D Derby Design Document	See Design Document Rubric	30
Online	3D Derby Car Design	See Car Design Scoring Rubric	20
Live Event	3D Derby Time	Fastest Time of Tournament/Your Time X 25	25
Live Event	3D Derby Rank	25 - 3(Your Rank - 1)	25

 

3D Derby Design Document Scoring Rubric:

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Research The question or concept is well answered and relevant to improving the speed of the car.	5 Points The question or concept is very well answered and relevant to improving the speed of the car.	3 Points The question or concept is well answered and somewhat relevant.	1 Point The question or concept is somewhat answered but not that relevant.	0 Points The question or concept is not at all answered and not relevant.
Works Cited Multiple reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	5 Points 3 or more very reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	3 Points 2 reliable sources have been referenced or cited in the research.	1 Point Just 1 somewhat reliable source was referenced or cited in the research.	0 Points There were no sources referenced or cited in the research.
Specifications The measurements of the car are clearly listed with multiple screenshots and pictures.	5 Points All measurements are listed and there are 5 or more screenshots or pictures.	3 Points All measurements are listed and there are 3 screenshots or pictures.	1 Point Some measurements are listed and there is just 1 screenshot or picture.	0 Points Most of the measurements are missing and there are no screenshots or pictures.
Testing There was significant testing to improve the speed of the car.	5 Points 5 or more modifications were very clearly described in the testing.	3 Points 3 modifications were clearly described in the testing.	1 Point Fewer than 3 modifications were somewhat described in the testing.	0 Points There were no adjustments or modifications described in the testing.
Data Table A clear and detailed data table was included to show results of the testing.	5 Points The data table was very clear and easy to read with multiple entries and detailed results.	3 Points The data table was clear with but lacked specific detail.	1 Point The data table was confusing and lacked detail.	0 Points There was no data table in the design document.
Conclusion The conclusion clearly states what was done to improve the car.	5 Points The conclusion is a well written summary of what was done and cites specific evidence from testing and research.	3 Points The conclusion is a summary of what was done to the bridge but lacks evidence from testing and research.	1 Point The conclusion is a weak summary of what was done and is lacking detail.	0 Points There is no conclusion in the design document.

 

3D Derby Car Design Scoring Rubric:

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Overall Shape The car design is complex, creative, and realistic.	5 Points The car design has multiple dimensions, many curves, and looks very realistic.	3 Points The car design has some dimension, some curves, and is realistic.	1 Point The car design is very boxy and basically a 2D outline pushed into 3D.	0 Points The car design is simply a rectangular box with wheels.
Details The car has many 3D details such as windows, lights, grills, vents, spoiler, exhaust pipes, fenders, trim….	5 Points The car is very complex with 5 or more well designed details.	3 Points The car is somewhat complex with 3 or more details.	1 Point The car has at least 2 details.	0 Points There are no details on the car at all.
Color Render The digital model has colors for paint, windows, lights, wheels, rims, grills, undercarriage….	5 Points The digital model is very realistic with 5 or more well chosen colors.	3 Points The digital model has 3 or more well chosen colors.	1 Point The digital model has just one color.	0 Points The digital model is unpainted and just white.
Wheel Design The wheel design is complex, creative, and realistic.	5 Points The wheel design has multiple dimensions, detailed rims, and looks very realistic.	3 Points The wheel design is flat with simple rims and is realistic.	1 Point The wheel design is flat with very little dimension.	0 Points The wheel design is basically just a simple cylinder.

 

3D Derby Time Scoring Rubric:

Category
Avg Time Average time from races.

3D Useful Object Main Event:

Teams of 2-4 students will design, prototype, and print a useful object with the MakerBot 3D printers that are available at all middle school sites. Design Documents must be converted to a PDF file before uploading to the TOT App Submission Portal by 10:00 pm on March 14, 2025.

Designing and Creating Your Project (Online Portion):

The process of creating your project should take the following steps:

• Brainstorm a need that could be met with a 3D-printed object.
• Use a 3D program such as SketchupMake, TinkerCAD, or OnShape to create a model of your object.
• Each middle school has at least one 3D printer for you to print your car. 
• Test your object, make adjustments, and reprint if necessary.
• Bring and present your object to the judges at the Tournament.

Technical Requirements:

• Objects must be completely student-created. No downloading or “remixing” someone else’s work.
• The object may be printed in pieces and then assembled with glue but NO other materials may be used.
• The object must be school-appropriate.

Define the Problem:
In this section students will state a problem/need people have, and then ask 3-4 questions that will help them find a solution to that problem/need. Students should thoughtfully answer the 3 questions below.

• What is the problem:(Example) People want to watch Netflix on their phones, but get tired of holding their phones for an hour at a time
• Who has the problem: (Example) Any person with a cellphone who watches shows on their phone.
• How will you know your solution solved your problem: (Example) I will know my solution solved the problem when people can see their phones easily without having to hold their phones in their hands.

Prepare:

• In this section, students will create a brainstorm of their initial ideas. The brainstorm may be a list, a web link, or any other representation of ideas.
• They will choose one idea and sketch it with labels. Photograph the sketch and upload it onto the document.

Include in the Document:
1. Explanation of sketch (sample below):
Students will write one paragraph explaining their sketch

• The image sketch should include labels of all parts.
• What are the parts?
• How does the item work?
• How big/ small is it?

Initial Sketch of my _____________________:
Sample image sketch:

Credit: Joe Smith

2. Design Specifications (sample below): 

Students will Include:

• 3D Model of item from Sketchup
• 3D model should include dimensions for all features: Width, Depth, & Height

Front View:	Side View:	Rear View:	Picture of the actual printed item:
Width:8cm Depth:4cm Height:14cm

 

3. Testing (Sample below):

Physical Testing:

• Students will test their item to see if it works. They will take a photo of their item in use.
• Students will describe what modifications they made to the item for reprint.

Test 1:

Picture of item in use

List Modifications Made

In the first model of the design, we encountered a problem in construction. Based on the model that we had designed, the box would not close properly. As shown on the left, the sizes did not add up. The edges of the boxes did not meet, which set back the design process. We had to overcome this by adjusting the boxes so that the hinge had different positions. Instead of placing the hinge pieces every 20mm, we had to account for the fact that stacking the pieces would result in the box being taller on one side, and shorter on the other. With the new technique, the sides of the box matched and could actually close. The photo shows the newly designed box on the left that correctly fits with the previous box created. When matched, the box on the left is compatible with its partner while the right box is not.

Test 2:

Picture of item in use

List Modifications Made

With the second test, the goal was to have the clip hold the cord of the earbud. Unfortunately, when moved to the printer the clips were too small. The cord of the earbud that we were using, according to both Apple and our own measurements, the cord diameter is 2mm. Knowing that, the clip would definitely have to be small, and the printers were not able to accurately print it. Strength is a big deal for the clips, and having just a single thread of filament would not fulfill the job required. This was an issue because if the clip was scaled up than the cord would likely be too slim and slip through the opening, something we did not want to happen. We had to adjust for this by increasing the size of the clips so that the printer could print it. The result was that the clip could successfully complete the task of locking down the cord while still being printable, a balance that took a lot of thought and multiple different versions of clips.

Test 3:

Picture of item in use

List Modifications Made

With the next version of the design, an issue encountered was the height that the clips should be mounted at. The issue was that the earbud pieces are solid and cannot be manipulated, so the clips have to be low enough for the pieces to rest. After making this adjustment, the heads of the earbuds could fit into the box, and the overall design worked very well. The first photo shows the newly designed box that has enough room to mount the earbuds, while the second shows the previous version which only had about 2.0cm of room, half of what was needed.

 

Improvement/Conclusion:

This section will be a one (1) paragraph conclusion. Students will evaluate how well their design worked, reflect on what went well, and parts that could be improved. They will also suggest ways to improve the device in the future.

The Design Document must be uploaded to the TOT App Submission Portal no later than 10:00 pm March 14, 2025.

 

3D Useful Object Live Challenge (In-Person Event):

The live event will entail a team presentation of the product to the judges.  Judges will not only judge the product but also respond with constructive criticisms.  Teams will need to respond to criticisms of their design and engineering expertise.

The Live event will be judged by the following four components:

• Usefulness: 5 points
• Design & Complexity: 10 points
• Aesthetics: 5 points
• Team Presentation & Response: 10 points

Getting Help:

Visit the 3D Useful Object Documents Page to see a sample Design Document and Event support files.

Contact Bob Donat at Robert.Donat@fresnounified.org or Charles Rocha at Charles.Rocha@fresnounified.org if you have any further questions or suggestions regarding this future competition event.

3D Useful Object Reward Points:

Scoring Breakdown		Description / Formula	Max Points
Online	3D Useful Object Design Document	See Design Document Rubric	70
Live Event	3D Useful Object Live Challenge	See Live Challenge Scoring Rubric	30

 

3D Useful Object Design Document Scoring Rubric

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Define Students define the problem they are solving by answering the questions .	15 Points Students clearly define the problem they are solving and answer all three questions with detailed responses.	10 Points Students mostly define the problem they are solving and answer the questions at a basic level.	5 Points Students attempt to explain the problem they are solving and answer only 1 or 2 questions clearly or with details.	0 Points Students do not identify the problem they are solving, and do not answer the questions clearly.
Prepare: Brainstorm Brainstorm: students create a brainstorm using a graphical organizer that lists 5 or more possible solutions to the problem.	10 Points Brainstorm is in a graphical organizer and has at least 5 unique ideas to solve the problem.	7 Points Brainstorm is present and has at least 3 unique ideas to solve the problem.	4 Points Brainstorm is present, but has two or fewer unique ideas to solve the problem.	0 Points There is no brainstorm or list of ideas to solve the problem.
Sketches Sketch: the sketch clearly shows multiple views of the object, and all parts are labeled.	10 Points There are two or more lifelike sketches showing different views of the object, and all parts are labeled.	7 Points There are two or more clear sketches showing at least 2 views of the object, and some parts are labeled.	4 Points There is a somewhat clear sketch showing a view of the object, and parts might or might not  be labeled.	0 Points The sketch is really unclear as to what it is, or there is no sketch.
Design Specifications The measurements of the product are clearly listed with multiple screenshots and pictures of the 3D object.	10 Points All measurements are listed and there are 3 or more screenshots.	7 Points All measurements are listed and there are 2 screenshots.	4 Points Some measurements are listed, and there are less than 2 screenshots.	0 Points Most of the measurements are missing, and there are no screenshots or pictures. .
Testing Specific modifications were described as a result of physical testing, including pictures of the product.  .	10 Points 3 or more modifications were very clearly described after the physical testing.	7 Points 2 modifications were clearly described after the physical testing.	4 Points Only 1 modification was somewhat described after the physical testing.	0 Points There were no modifications described after the physical testing.
Improvements Students evaluate the efficiency and efficacy of their design. They discuss what went well, and what they will improve in the future.	15 Points Students critically evaluate their 3D design. They point out good and bad qualities and detail 2 or more improvements they would make in the future.	10 Points Students are not critical of their design, but they do detail improvements they would make in the future.	5 Points The conclusion is a weak summary of what was done and is lacking detail.	0 Points There is no conclusion in the design document. .

 

3D Useful Object Live Challenge Scoring Rubric

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Usefulness The functional and popularity of object use in populations.	5 Points The usefulness of the object has far reaching positive consequences to the world.	3 Points The usefulness of the object will have a mass appeal to populations.	1 Point The usefulness of product is established, but may be limited to a small population.	0 Points The use of product is nonexistent or extremely limited to a few individuals.
Design The design works.	5 Points The product achieves not only the extent of the objective established, but has potential to evolve into other uses and products.	3 Points The design product works to most extents of the objective stated by presenter.	1 Point The design product works to a limited extent.	0 Points The product does not work as it set out to in the description.
Design Complexity The sophistication of a well-designed product.	5 Points The product is thoroughly efficient and designed.	3 Points The design exhibit shows complexity of thought, but not well executed.	1 Point The design shows some integrity and potential.	0 Points The design is poor and lacks integrity.
Aesthetics The beauty of the product.	5 Points The design aesthetics of product is both attractive and functional.	3 Points The product is attractive and has some design details.	1 Point The product is functional, but lacks design flair.	0 Points The design is messy and/or non-functional.
Presentation Team oral presentation of product.	5 Points Team prepared an exceptional and thorough pitch of their product.	3 Points Team prepared a solid presentation about their product.	1 Point Team presented basic details about their product.	0 Points Team had very little to say about their product.
Team Response Oral response to constructive criticisms .	5 Points Team expertly demonstrates several design solutions to respond to product criticisms.	3 Points Team provides a decent design solution to constructive criticism.	1 Point Team responds weakly with design solutions to constructive criticisms of product.	0 Points Team was unable to respond to constructive criticisms of product.

Minecraft Game Design Main Event

Teams of 2 - 4 students will design and program a video game that is both fun and challenging using Minecraft: Education Edition (available in the FUSD Software Center). The game should take approximately 5 minutes to play. The final project must be uploaded by 10:00 pm on March 14, 2025, to the TOT App Submission Portal.

Common Core Standards and 4 C’s: 

Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.

Technical Requirements: 

The final project must be uploaded as a zipped file by 10:00 pm on March 14, 2025, to the TOT App Submission Portal.

(Right-click the Word file and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder) 

• Must use Minecraft Education Edition and be playable with 2-6 players. 
• Must be entirely original work, start with Blocks of Grass template. 
• Project and content must be appropriate for school use. 
• The game should take approximately 5 minutes to play. 

Minecraft Game Design Design Document (On-line Portion):

Designing and Creating your Project :

The process of creating your project should take on the following steps:

• Sketch out an idea of what your game/world will look like. 
• Build a world for your game to take place in. 
• Start with a simple objective/goal and then add to it later if needed.
• Add a challenge to make the game more difficult and entertaining. 

Minecraft Game Design Live Challenge:

Scenario:
Your team of programmers has been hired to help test out a new video game, but the game has some major errors and needs some serious help. You must quickly identify 3 errors in the game design and then implement a creative solution for each mistake. Then your team will present the modified game to the client (judges) to demonstrate the corrections and explain how these changes improve the game.

Minecraft Live Challenge (In-Person Event):

• Identify 3 errors in the game design and work together to correct the errors.
• Plan a quick presentation to show the judges how you fixed the errors and improved the game.

Possible errors include (but are not limited to):

• No initial spawnpoint
• No scoreboard
• No directions at the start
• Commands are not working
• Teleporting to the wrong area
• NPC giving wrong commands

Time:

Your team will have:

• 15 minutes to edit the Minecraft game AND plan a presentation
• 3 minutes to present your modified program to the judges and explain the corrections

Scoring:

You will receive up to:

6 pts	Team Collaboration while editing the Minecraft game.
6 pts	Successfully correcting the errors in the Minecraft game.
6 pts	The creativity of your corrections to the Minecraft game.
6 pts	Explanation of your corrections to the judges.
6 pts	Incorporating all team members into the presentation.

 

Tips:

As with most of the Live Event challenges, teams will need to be very careful with time management. They should allocate at least a few minutes to review what they did and prepare for the presentation to the judges. It is highly recommended that a note taker is chosen to keep track of what changes are made so that a clear and concise presentation can be made.

Minecraft Game Design Reward Points:

20pts	World Design Points (look and feel of your game):  The game includes multiple materials to enhance the look of the world. The world has 3D features to add dimension. Hidden blocks are used to control player movement. The game has a realistic look and feel with a clear theme.
25pts	Programming Points (making it all work):  Players are given items/effects with slash commands. Teleport commands are used to move players in the game. A secondary spawn point or checkpoint is included. A scoring system is programmed with /scoreboard commands. The game was well-programmed with no glitches or errors.
25pts	Gameplay Points (playing the game):  Clear in-game instructions and objectives. The initial spawn point of the player is correctly set. Full-screen titles are used to display information. The game is designed for multiplayer gameplay. The game is fun to play.

 

Getting Help:

Visit the Minecraft Design Support Files Page to see a sample Design Document and Event support files to help prepare and practice.

Contact Robert Donat at Robert.Donat@fresnounified.org or Charles Rocha at Charles.Rocha@fresnounified.org if you have any further questions about this event.

 

Scoring Breakdown		Description / Formula	Max Points
Online	Minecraft Game Design	See Minecraft Game Design Rubric	70
Live Event	Minecraft Game Design Live Challenge	See Minecraft Game Design Live Challenge	30

 

Minecraft Game Design Scoring Rubric

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Materials 10 or more materials are creatively used.	5 Points 10 or more materials are well used in the game.	3 Points 5-9 materials are used in the game.	1 Point Less than 5 materials are used.
Structures/LandForms Blocks are well placed to create realistic 3D features.	5 Points Blocks look realistic; natural or man-made.	3 Points Blocks are not completely realistic to 3D look.	1 Point Blocks are not well placed to create realistic 3D features.
Border/Barrier Blocks Border/Barrier blocks are used to control player movement.	5 Points Border/Barrier blocks are well placed and hidden.	3 Points Border/Barrier blocks are used but are not visible.	1 Point No Border/Barrier blocks are used in the game.
Theme Realistic look and feel with a clearly established theme.	5 Points Game has a well thought out theme.	3 Points Game has a theme.	1 Point Game doesn’t have a theme.
Item/Effects Player is given items and/or effects with slash commands.	5 Points Players are given 5 or more items or effects.	3 Points Players are given 2-4 items or effects.	1 Point Players are given 1 or less items or effects.
Teleporting /tp commands are used to move players in the game.	5 Points Players are teleported 2 or more times.	3 Points Players are teleported once.	1 Point Players are not teleported.
CheckPoint A secondary spawnpoint or checkpoint is used in game.	5 Points After initial spawn point, students have multiple checkpoints used.	3 Points Students have 1 checkpoint used.	1 Point No secondary checkpoints are found.
Scoreboard Scoreboard commands are used to award points or create teams.	5 Points Scoreboard commands enhance the game.	3 Points Scoreboard commands are used.	1 Point No scoreboard commands are used.
Errors The game was well programmed with no glitches.	5 Points There are no glitches or errors in the game.	3 Points There is just one glitch or error in the game.	1 Point There are more than 2 glitches in the game.
Instructions/Objective Clear instructions and objective delivered in game.	5 Points Clear instructions and objective for the game.	3 Points Instructions and objective exist but are not clear.	1 Point Game is missing either the instructions or objective or both.
Spawnpoint Starting spawnpoint has been correctly set.	5 Points Initial spawnpoint has sign/NPC to meet player.	3 Points Players spawn at the start of the game.	1 Point Player does not spawn at the start of the game.
Titles Full screen titles are used to display messages in the game.	5 Points Full screen colored titles are used.	3 Points Only 1 white full screen title is used.	1 Point No titles are used in the game.
Multiplayer Game is designed for multiplayer gameplay.	5 Points Gameplay is enhanced by playing with others.	3 Points Game is somewhat better when played with others.	1 Point Game is no better when played with others.
Entertainment Level The game was entertaining and exciting to play.	5 Points Children wouldn’t want to stop playing the game.	3 Points Children would enjoy playing the game.	1 Point Children would be bored with the game.

 

Minecraft Game Design Live Challenge Scoring Rubric

Category	Exemplary	Proficient	Partially Proficient	Incomplete
Team Collaboration Editing Minecraft Game	6 Points The team was highly collaborative throughout the process.	4 Points The team was mostly collaborative.	2 Points The team was somewhat collaborative.	0 Points The team had little to no collaboration.
Team successfully corrected errors in Minecraft game	6 Points 3 or more errors were successfully corrected.	4 Points Only 2 errors were corrected.	2 Points Only 1 error was corrected.	0 Points None of the errors were corrected.
Creativity of Corrections	6 Points The corrections were very creative and enhanced the game.	4 Points The corrections were creative solutions.	2 Points The corrections were very basic.	0 Points The corrections were very basic and incomplete.
Presentation of how the team corrected errors in the program.	6 Points The team was able to very clearly explain their corrections.	4 Points The team explained their corrections.	2 Points The team only mentioned some of their corrections.	0 Points The team did not discuss their corrections at all.
Incorporation of all team members during presentation.	6 Points All team members participated equally during the presentation.	4 Points All team members participated, but not equally.	2 Points One team member did not speak during the presentation.	0 Points 2 or more team members did not speak.