Rules and Guidelines

Solution Paper Guidelines

  1. No identifying marks:
    1. Do NOT include any identifying marks in your solution paper other than the team ID #.
    2. Do NOT include the name or location of the school, coach, or any team member.
    3. The inclusion of any identifying marks other than the team ID # is grounds for disqualification.
  2. Format:
    1. The solution paper must be typed and in English.
    2. Papers must be in standard 8 ½ x 11 format, no longer than 20 single-sided pages in length, 12-point font size for text, with a minimum one-inch margin all around.
    3. The solution paper must be created in Microsoft Word 97 or newer.
    4. Color images or enhancements are not recommended for solution papers as judges may only see black and white versions.
    5. If included, charts, graphics, tables, etc. must be embedded into the Word document.
    6. Multiple files contained in a ZIP file or other compressed file format will not be accepted.
  3. Page numbering and layout:
    1. Each page of the solution paper must contain the team's ID # and page number at the top of the page. For example, a header might read: Team # 005, page 1 of 15.
    2. The submitted document must contain a cover sheet with only the team ID # and title of the work. The next page must be page one and contain the entire summary. The remainder of the document must be numbered page two through the last page in the pagination style noted above in Solution Paper Guideline # 3a.
    3. The purpose of numbering is to ensure that every page of the solution paper remains together at the time of printing and judging.
  4. Content:
    1. Outline of the solution paper
      1. Summary of results (clearly identified and no longer than one page, this should be page 1 of your solution paper immediately following the cover sheet).
      2. Restatement of the problem as needed; documentation of all assumptions.
      3. Analysis of the problem, justifying the modeling to be used.
      4. Design of the model.
      5. Suggestions as to how the model could be tested.
    2. The solution paper may consist of text, figures, charts, and other written material. However, all graphics and visuals must be embedded into the solution paper document along with the text portion of your solution paper.
    3. Multiple file submissions as part of one solution paper are not allowed.
    4. No supplemental materials will be accepted once you have submitted your solution paper.
    5. If you write code as part of your solution paper or an appendix (not required), you should explain the methodology. Judges will not spend time reading and interpreting code submissions.
    6. The summary—a concise, straightforward explanation of the main results, written for a non-technical audience—is a required, important part of your paper. It should be written with a minimum of technical language. Judges are unlikely to read past a poorly constructed summary. The summary must be clearly labeled for quick reference by judges.
    7. Organization, conciseness, and clarity of the solution paper are critical.
  5. The team ID # and password:
    1. The team ID # and password that was assigned to you and e-mailed to your teacher-coach at registration is required to download the Challenge problem and upload your team's solution paper. The coach and team are responsible for safeguarding this information. Do NOT share your team ID # or password with anyone, as it provides access to all the data that we have on your team.
    2. If you misplace or forget your team ID # or password, please contact (267) 350-6388 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008. An e-mail containing the team ID # and password will be sent to each team’s official e-mail address approximately one week prior to the contest.
  6. Upload/download:
    1. A sample problem will be available for download prior to Challenge weekend. We suggest that you download the sample problem to make sure you are familiar with the download/upload process.
    2. Problems with uploading: If you have problems uploading your solution paper due to the inclusion of graphics, data, or figure elements (or if the origin of the problem is unknown), you may email or fax your complete paper or those elements PRIOR to your 9:00 p.m. Challenge DEADLINE to m3challenge@siam.org or fax (215) 386-7999.