All resources

Build events

Design, test, and iterate devices that have to survive rules check-in and tournament day.

What are build events?

Build events are the engineering side of Science Olympiad. For the 2026-2027 season that includes devices like Boomilever, Scrambler, Roller Coaster, Elastic Launched Gliders, Wright Stuff, Electric Vehicle, Mission Possible, Hovercraft, and Ping-Pong Parachute (plus related tech events). You design within strict rules, test repeatedly, and show up ready for check-in and competition runs.

What's usually included

The process

  • Highlight every constraint in the rules
  • Prototype early with cheap materials
  • Change one variable at a time between tests
  • Log mass, score metrics, and failure modes

Tournament readiness

  • Check-in / impound checklist
  • Backup parts and recovery plans
  • Practice the full competition sequence
  • Reliability over one lucky max score
Rules first, glue second

Write a one-page "legal device" summary before cutting materials. Most build heartbreak is preventable.

Rules, wiki & practice

Official event pages

Current build events and scoring notes from SOINC.

soinc.org

Rules manuals

Full manuals. Check every constraint for your event.

SOINC

2027 Div B events

Official middle school slate including this year's builds.

Div B events →

2027 Div C events

Official high school slate including this year's builds.

Div C events →

Scioly wiki

Community guides for Boomilever, Wright Stuff, and more.

Scioly wiki →

SciOly Tutor videos

Build strategy and testing process explainers.

YouTube →