Great Info for Balsa Teams!
Problem 4, the Balsa Problem, is unique in some ways from the other four major long-term problems. Specifics differ from year to year, but a balsa structure is always required, as well as the use of a crusher board, and placement of weights ranging from 5 lbs. to 45 lbs. to “crush” the team-created structure.
Here are a few resources that can help make solving this problem a “smashing” good time!
Structure Building Jigs | Diary of a Balsa GoddessÂ
This is a very detailed website, created by a veteran Odyssey structure builder.
Vermont Balsa Training Guide
A thorough guide – some info (such as balsa sources) may be outdated.
Instructions for Building a Crusher Board
Here are some sites that sell balsa wood:
As you can see, Problem 4 is about more than just crushing a structure.
This team’s theme involves plate tectonics and Pangaea.