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Model Science-The Human Heart Event Management

Thank you for judging the Human Heart competition.  It is important that you review all information found on this website involving your specific contest before MESA Day.  Printed copies of the information found on this website will be available at the event.

Please review the Model Science: Human Heart contest rules by clicking here.

Event Management

  • Please note that for the purpose of this competition a team consists of one or two individuals.

There are three parts to this competition:

  1. The specification check (spec check) of the human heart models
  2. Demonstration of the functionality of the human heart models
  3. Question & Answer component

In your competition box you will find the following:

  • one paper bag with numbered ping pong balls
  • one paper bag with the competition questions, cut into strips
  • one paper bag with tie-breaker questions, cut into strips
  • a sheet of paper with the competition questions and answers
  • a sheet of paper with the tie-breaker questions and answers
  • measuring tape and rulers

Please perform the project spec checks before the model demonstration, and question/answer component.  For information about how to perform the spec checks of the physical model, please refer to pages 2-4 of the competition rules.

Spec check Information

  • The models may NOT use perishable items. Items considered “perishable” are those that spoil or attract bugs, such as candy, sweets, fruits,  vegetables, etc.  However, dried foods such as dried beans and pasta are fine.  Items that MUST be refrigerated or that attract bugs are NOT legal.
  • Commercial models may NOT be used.  Violation of this rule and ONLY this rule will result in disqualification (rule # 2).
  • Confirm that the teams have clearly labeled their names, grade levels and school name directly on their display/model (regional rule). If the display/model is NOT clearly labeled with the names of the team members, their school, and center, please deduct 9.5 points from the grand total score as penalty (rule #3).
  • Please review the Model Science- Human Heart References for Judges document.

Please complete the “Specification Checklist for Students” for each project.  Use the competition score sheet to record the score for each model, as well as the score for the question and answer component.  Please use one score sheet for each model.

Demonstration of the functionality of the Heart Model

  • Five minutes before the competition begins, please ask all of the teams to enter the competition room.  Ask the teams to randomly draw one ping pong ball from the paper bag provided.  The number that is drawn will determine the speaking order.  For example, the team who draws #1 will compete first and the team that draws #5 will go fifth. 
  • Once the speaking order is established, no late arrivals my join the competition.  
  • Teams MUST be present at the time of the question/answer component.  If more than thirty seconds pass after the judges call a team up to compete without the team being ready, the team will be considered a “no-show” and the judges will move on to the next team (regional rule).
  • Only the judges, assigned staff, and the active team are allowed in the room during the competition.  Ask the remaining teams to wait outside until it is their turn to compete. Please make sure that the door is closed and that all windows are covered before a team begins the model demonstration and question/answer component.
  • When it is time for the demonstration component, please one team at a time to demonstrate their model (MUST be demonstrated within 2 minutes).
  • Points will be awarded based on the depiction of the blood flow pathway within the heart model. Five points will be awarded based on each of the flow criteria below. Blood must complete at least one full cycle in order to be awarded points. (maximum 30 points)
  • Points will be awarded for creativity. Do the model and various structures display characteristics of originality and creativity in terms of overall composition? Are the different structures variable with different colors, textures, and dimensions? Is the use of materials used to depict the different structures creative? (maximum 8 points)

Question & Answer Component Information

  •  After the demonstration please ask the team to randomly draw five questions from the paper bag containing the competition questions.
  • The team will notify the judges when they are ready to begin.  When ready, the team will read their questions aloud and will provide their answers. The teams can repeat their questions aloud if needed.
  • Students will then answer five questions from an assigned list based on information provided in the MESA Day curriculum. (maximum 15 points) Question/answer portion judged as follows:
    • Students will randomly select 5 questions.
    • Students will have a maximum of 30 seconds to answer each question.
    • Each correct answer will be awarded up to 3 points. Partial points may be awarded for partial answers.
    • There will be a set of 5 previously unpublished tiebreaker questions available on the day of the competition. Each tiebreaker question will be worth up to 3 points each.
  • Note: A copy of the questions can be found on pg. 5 of the competition rules.
  • After all five questions have been answered, please ask the teams to draw three additional questions from the paper bag containing the tie-breaker # 1 questions. One member of the team will read the question aloud, but all team members should respond.
  • Once a team has completed the question/answer component, please make sure to collect and refold the paper strips containing the competition and tie-breaker questions.  Please return the questions to the appropriate paper bag so that the questions are ready for the following teams.
  • Once all of the teams have completed the question/answer component, please review all of the scores and confirm the final results. Please rank the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners on the results sheet. 
  • Please turn-in your results sheet, score sheets, and competition box to “Headquarters” located in room 159 of the Jack Baskin building.

Important Note:

If any team is disqualified, please complete a disqualification form and have your helper post the yellow copy of the form on a visible area outside the spec check room and return the white copy to Headquarters, located in Jack  Baskin 159.

Thank you for volunteering your time!