We've received some requests from teams asking to clarify some definitions relating to the following Innovation Project directive:
"Your challenge is to dive into a problem faced by people who explore the oceans."
Here is National Judge Advisor Melinda Blake's answer to these questions.
Firstly, all projects regardless of relevance to the theme should be judged and receive feedback based on the rubric criteria, which do not mention the season theme. What I am considering here is, "If this project is otherwise just as good as one that clearly relates to the theme, which one would be more highly rated towards awards allocations?"
Question: What is the extent of the word "explore"? Does personal exploration count?
Although the Engineering Notebook refers to "Career Connections", there is nothing that clearly states that the focus must be on professional exploration. The "Photographer - diving with specialised equipment" could be interpreted as describing a hobby that relates to ocean exploration.
I will highlight this description from the Notebook:
"Explorers throughout history have searched and studied the oceans to understand the impact on our lives. Society's interest in the oceans has led to innovations in technology and a greater appreciation for the complex relationship between life on land and under the sea. There is so much more to learn about marine life, ecosystems, and the effects humans have on ocean health."
Furthermore, "explore" can be interpreted as "interact"- how we use, interact and learn from the oceans. Therefore, it could be professionals interacting with the ocean or the average person looking at beach safety. "Oceans" can also be extended to any waterways, taking into account the many landlocked regions that participate in the program.
Based on this, any project that teams can relate to searching, studying, innovating, appreciating or learning about an aspect of the ocean is suitable.
Is an "indirect" problem allowed? For example, a problem regarding sea creatures and those studying them?
I think this is perfectly fine and not indirect at all. I am basing this on Robot Game Missions 01 and 03, which describe human interference in coral growth. Additionally, Mission 05 also involves helping the angler fish get to its home.
Melinda Blake - National Judge Advisor