MESA Competition 2025 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated as of 12/11/24
This document serves as an official addendum to the 2025 MESA Day 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: Can middle schools use the given high school scale?
A: Yes, middle schools can select either the 1/2 inch scale or the 1/4 inch scale for an added challenge. There will be no difference in scoring or point allocation. High schools must use the 1/4 inch scale as required. (10/16/24)
Q: Can our display have working parts?
A: Yes, you can choose to make a working display for an added challenge. There will be no difference in scoring or point allocation. (10/16/24)
Q: Can teams use more than one 20×30” foam board for their design? (12/11/24)
A: No, the whole project must be mounted on one foam board, 20″x30″. However, this is in relation to the footprint of the model. Teams CAN use multiple boards stacked as a base for reinforcement. See next question.
Q: Can the platform be reinforced with multiple layers? (or thicker foam board) (2/14/25)
A: YES, specifically referring to thickness to help with overall strength of the model, but the board can’t be any wider than the 20”x 30”, which was the main point of that rule.
Q: Our Community Center needs more square footage than we have available on the 20″x30″ foam board. Can we add multiple levels? (12/11/24)
A: Yes, you can include multiple levels in the building, but make sure the judge will be able to easily see all of your relevant parts and features on the inside. If the judge can’t access something because of the multiple levels, you won’t receive credit for it.
Q: Considering the handbook statement that “anything not permanently attached will not be judged” in the model, can the 2nd floor be both removeable (detached) and so judges can see everything? (2/14/25)
A: Yes, a second floor can be removeable even though everything else needs to be permanent. Though they can also design it in a way that allows everything to be seen without removing a floor.
Q: Does wall thickness have to be calculated in and shown (in the blueprint)? (2/14/25)
A: Yes, blueprints usually make note of the thickness of walls, and they need to be to scale. For example, a HS team can draw a wall 1/8″ thick, which would represent a wall with a width of 6″. Middle school teams using the 1/2″=1′ scale, might draw a 1/4″ wall to represent a 6″ wall.
Q: Are building codes needed to be followed and illustrated? (2/14/25)
A: Attention to building codes can help with certain questions on the rubric, like effort, aesthetics, etc. But this is not a requirement for this project. For example, if an outlet isn’t 12” from the floor (in the model or blueprint), as electrical code requires, that shouldn’t negatively affect the score. But the concept of codes CAN tie into the LEED Certification criteria.
Q: The handbook says that different adhesives like tape can be used, but it also says that no temporary adhesives can be used. Which is correct? (4/15/25)
A: This was a typo. We will allow tape but teams need to make sure it is strong tape of high quality so that everything is strongly affixed.
Q: One of my groups asked if one of the side walls could be eliminated so that everything inside the building can be seen. Is this allowed? (4/15/25)
A: Yes, a model can imply that a wall exists, while still having an empty space for visual access. Though it is recommended that teams clearly include all details about walls and structure in the blueprint.
Q: Does anything “green” count toward the LEED certification criteria? For example, If I have a garden behind my community center, does this count? (4/15/25)
A: No, not necessarily. LEED certification specifically relates to the low carbon footprint of the building itself. It looks for features that improve the building’s efficient use of energy, water, materials, resources, etc. and reduction of waste. Teams should learn about the topic and be able to discuss the building’s features with judges. See the Addendum 1 at the end of the MESA Day Handbook for more information about this topic.
