Rollercoaster

Teams design and construct sections of one enormous rollercoaster that must carry a football from beginning to end using gravity alone. Every section needs to connect correctly for the final run to succeed.

The track is created from simple construction materials such as bamboo canes, plastic tubing, cable ties and string. The limited materials encourage teams to test ideas and solve structural problems creatively.

No. Each team builds one section of the overall structure. The separate groups must therefore share measurements and design information so the football can move cleanly from one section to the next.

Yes. Bonus points can reward ambitious design flourishes such as jumps, twists, spirals or even a loop-the-loop. However, creativity still needs to serve the main objective: carrying the ball to the finish.

The group receives one test run before the grand finale. Teams need to observe where the ball slows, jumps the track or meets a poor connection, then agree which changes offer the best chance of success.

The football is released at the start of the completed structure and must travel unaided through every team's section. Excitement builds as it clears each connection, particularly if the group has attempted ambitious features.

No. Logical thinkers may enjoy the structural problem, but creative designers, practical builders, testers and communicators are equally valuable. The challenge is designed around experimentation rather than specialist engineering knowledge.

A substantial indoor room is recommended because the structure can grow quickly, especially with a large group. The event may also be available outdoors, and suitable UK venues or office spaces can be discussed during planning.

The challenge runs for approximately two to three hours. This gives teams enough time to plan, construct, connect and refine the track without removing the pressure of a fixed deadline.

Rollercoaster can accommodate approximately 10 to 450 participants. Its shared construction format scales particularly well because additional teams can build more sections, creating an increasingly spectacular final structure.