Frequently Asked Questions
A: The 2012 National Engineers Week Future City Competition is taking place in and around the following 38 cities and regions: Alabama; Arizona; California (Northern); California (Southern); Colorado; Florida (Tampa Bay); Georgia; Idaho; Illinois (Chicago); Indiana; Iowa; Kansas – Great Plans Regional (Kansas & KC Metro Area); Kentucky; Maryland; Massachusetts (New England); Michigan; Minnesota; Nebraska (Omaha/Heartland); Nevada (Las Vegas); Nevada (Northern); New Jersey; New York (Albany-Capital District Region); New York (New York City); New York (Western); North Carolina; Ohio; Oklahoma; Oregon; Pennsylvania (Central); Pennsylvania (Philadelphia); Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh); South Carolina; Texas (Houston Region); Texas (Central-San Antonio; Texas (North); Virginia (Hampton Roads); Washington, DC; Washington State; Wisconsin.
Q: Is it necessary to have an engineer mentor work with the students?
A: Yes. While students will enjoy working with the computer software, engineers, as do other professionals such as architects, bring practical experience and advice on designing and building the city. We want students to understand how technology impacts our lives. Because of the nature of the competition, a mentor from the engineering community is preferred, but a mentor can be anyone involved in a technical profession.
Q: What is the financial cost to participate?
A:Registration fees: The registration fee is $25. This year, this registration fee is waived.
There will be some cost in building the city model. Schools may solicit support from local community organizations for their model but there is a $100 limit for all model and verbal presentation materials, whether direct or in-kind. It is also possible that engineer-volunteers may help generate or solicit support.
National Finals: The National Engineers Week Committee will provide coach/super-saver airfare and lodging for the five team members of the winning team from each region for the national finals. Some meals are provided. Team members will be responsible for all additional expenses such as ground transportation (including to and from the airport,) off-site meals, attractions and other items.
Q: How much time will a teacher have to devote to the project?
A: It is the teacher's responsibility to schedule time for the students and the engineer-volunteer to work together and to oversee all work done on the project. Teachers spend approximately 30-40 hours on the competition work.
Q: How much time will students need to spend on the project?
A: Design city . . . . . . . 18-20 hours
Build Model . . . . . .40-60 hours per student team member
Essay . . . . . . . . . . .8 hours
Verbal Presentation . . . .7 hours
Q: How much time will the engineer-volunteer need to spend on the project?
A: The engineer should be available to provide advice and technical assistance to the students. It is hoped that he or she will be available whenever the students work on the project. If this is not possible, the teacher should be available to provide advice and assistance. Typically, most engineers devote approximately 20-40 hours.
Q: Must all students on a team be from the same school?
A: Yes
Q: Can more than one team per school compete?
A: Each regional coordinator will decide on the "Regional Competition" set-up for competing teams by one of the 2 options listed below (A or B).
Option A will provide judging for one team from each school to compete in the regional competition. If a school has multiple teams, the school can hold intramural competitions within their school prior to the regional competition, to select the top team to represent their school.
Option B will provide judging for multiple teams from each school to
compete in a "run-off" competition, prior to start of the "official
regional competition". The "run-off" competition and "regional
competition" may be held the same day. After the "run-off" competition
- the regional coordinator will provide judging for one team from each
school to compete in the regional competition. The regional coordinator
will determine the number of teams competing in the regional
competition for Option B.
Q: How many
SimCity software programs will a school receive?
A: Each registered school will receive one code which will allow them to
download the SimCity software online. More codes are available for each
school if needed.
Q: I am not familiar with SimCity 4 Deluxe. Will I receive any instructions?
A Instructions are provided on the national website. Go to
www.futurecity.org