MESA Competition 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated as of 3/6/2026
This document serves as an official addendum to the 2026 MESA Competition Handbook. All clarifications and statements are considered as official rulings for competition. Addition questions/clarifications may be submitted to anita@nmmesa.org.
PREPARED DESIGN:
Q:What UN Goal is MESA Day targeting?
A: As a correction to our Handbook, we are targeting UN Goal #4, Improving Education. However it is encouraged to explore other goals as well as our competitions do overlap and target many areas. (11/6/25)
PREPARED DESIGN:
Q: The handbook says for circuit safety, maximum voltage is 5V. My students are using a circuit board that requires a 9 volt battery. Is this allowed?
A: Yes, the MESA Day Prepared Design committee has decided a device may use up to 9 volts. All other safety rules apply-battery source only, no exposed wires, all circuits assembled by team, etc.
PREPARED DESIGN:
Q: Can students use a “universal power supply” to power their device, while making sure to set the variable voltage to 9V or less?
A: These power supplies usually require power from a wall outlet. If so, it is not allowed. The handbook states that the prepared design device must be powered only by battery.
PREPARED DESIGN:
Q:Can you explain in more detail what can count as the electrical requirement?
A: See below for charts for Electrical Component Guidelines (Circuit Based Builds), Acceptable Types of Electrical Systems, and some Mechanical Build Guidance (11/6/25)
|
Feature |
Circuit-Based? |
Why? |
|---|---|---|
|
LED lights blinking in a coded pattern |
✅ Yes |
Includes code, wired circuit, controlled behavior |
|
Fan or motor controlled by button |
✅ Yes |
Uses switch, wires, and motor in a complete circuit |
|
Light sensor that turns on an LED |
✅ Yes |
Circuit has input, microcontroller, output |
|
Decorative light with battery |
❌ No |
Pre-assembled, no wiring or control logic |
|
Store-bought item that lights up |
❌ No |
Not a custom or student-wired circuit |
Acceptable Types of Electrical Systems:
|
Option A: Coded Circuits (Microcontroller-Based) |
Option B: Simple Circuits (No Coding Required) |
|
Includes Arduino, micro:bit, or other controller |
– Uses switches, buttons, batteries, LEDs, motors, sensors |
Mechanical Build Guidance:
|
Feature |
Mechanical? |
Why? |
|
Gear system that spins a model windmill |
✅ Yes |
Student-assembled system that shows energy transfer |
|
Pulley system that lifts a flag or object |
✅ Yes |
Demonstrates mechanical motion using force and tension |
|
Lever that triggers a movement |
✅ Yes |
Illustrates motion control and simple machines |
|
Crank that moves an arm or object |
✅ Yes |
Shows conversion between rotary and linear motion |
|
Linkages that simulate walking or movement |
✅ Yes |
Represents real-world mechanisms and design thinking |
|
Pre-made toy with moving parts |
❌ No |
Not student-designed or modified |
|
Store-bought motorized object (unmodified) |
❌ No |
Must be repurposed or altered to show student work |
