This Boom contest was from the AIMS project in Brick Layers.
The rules were to make a boom with only one set using beams, plates, connectors, and string.
It was to fold in half for transport. It was to be strong enough to hold the weight brick on the end.
The score was the length of the boom from the table to the end minus the deflection.
The deflection is the height of the end from the floor minus the height of the end when loaded with the weight brick.
The winners in each room have their pictures here.  Some times another team improved over that score and they have their pictures here also.
Generally the longer booms have a longer absolute deflection. Most booms of over 32 inches did not hold the weight brick.