AY Honor Great Ball Contraption Answer Key

Great Ball Contraption

Skill Level

1

Year

2026

Version

04.06.2026

Approval authority

North American Division

1

What is GBC?

2

What are the size requirements for a contraption?

3

What is the base unit of height/width used in building a contraption?

4

Know the GBC standard rules & regulations used in a show.

5

Define the key components of the contraption:

5a

In-basket

5b

Lift mechanism

5c

Output

6

How are Technic™ pieces different from standard LEGO®? How are Technic axle and beam sizes measured?

7

Demonstrate your knowledge by either drawing or showing an example of the following pieces/parts:

7a

Beam

7b

Axle

7c

Pin

7d

Bush (1/2 or whole)

8

Define and give examples of the following pieces used in a contraption:

8a

Gear

8ai

Rack and Pinion

8aii

Worm

8aiii

Cam

8b

Motor

8c

Connector

8d

Beam

8e

Power Bank

9

Define and give examples of the different methods to move the ball.

10

Why is it critical that you test your contraption during the construction process, rather than waiting until the end?

11

Discuss standard building strategies:

11a

Make sure all the bricks are fully connected/seated.

11b

Make sure connectors/gears are not connected tightly.

12

Build a GBC from a kit or published instructions. It should have at least a 90% success rate (successfully move 27 out of 30 balls in and out of the contraption).

13

In a group, put together a connected collection of at least five modules, which must use at least three different lift mechanisms. Successfully transfer 27 out of 30 balls through the entire collection of individual modules.

References