Frequently Asked Questions

A: The 2008 National Engineers Week Future City Competition is taking place in and around the following 40 cities and regions: The 40 regional sites for the 2008 Future City Competition are: Alabama, Albany, NY (Capital District), Arizona, Buffalo, NY, California (Northern), California (Southern Region), Chicago, IL, Colorado, Florida, Florida (Tampa Bay Region), Georgia, Hampton Roads, VA, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa Region, Kansas-Great Plains Regional, Kentucky, Las Vegas, NV, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada (Northern), New England, New Jersey, New York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Omaha/Heartland, Oregon, Pennsylvania (Central), Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, South Carolina, Texas-Houston Region, Texas – North Texas, Washington, DC, Washington State, and Wisconsin.

Q: Is it necessary to have an engineer 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.

Q: What is the financial cost to participate?

A: Registration fees: The registration fee is $25. The registration period runs through October 15, 2007.

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 director in-kind. It is also possible that engineer-volunteers may help generate 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. Team members will be responsible for all additional expenses such as ground transportation (including to and from the airport), meals, 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 will 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.

The Iowa Region uses Option B.  A school may have 4 teams compete at the Regional Competition.  If a school has more than 4 teams then they will need to host a "run-off" competition prior to the Regional Competition.

Q: How many software packages are available for each registered school?

A: Each registered school will receive one copy of the software package with their registration materials. For information on how to obtain additional copies of the software please contact your regional coordinator. Additional software will be available for purchase by the end of August - additional details to follow.

Q: I am not familiar with SimCity 3000™. Will I receive any instructions?

A: The regional coordinators will mail the software and the Future City Competition Teacher/Volunteer Handbook to registered schools from August 1 - October 15, 2007. For additional technical support, call the Electronic Arts support line at 1-650-572-2810, or visit the Future City Competition online forum.