Post on 04-May-2022
Science Olympiad
Rock Hound
2018 .
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Contents
• Event description
• Topics
• Outline
• Coaching tips
• Making tests
• Putting together a team
• Test-taking strategies
• Resources
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Event Description
• A team of up to 2 will demonstrate knowledge of Rocks, Minerals and Geology principles
• Writing implements (Pencils only) and a Chart are all that contestants are allowed to bring
• Test format will be about 20 stations, and about 100 questions
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Event Topics
• Sample identification
• Uses
• Physical attributes
• Special properties
• Metamorphic Rock Emphasis
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Minerals
• Minerals are pure natural crystalline solids
• Minerals have properties that aid in
identification
– Including but not limited to: streak, hardness,
specific gravity, luster, crystal habit and form,
color
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Rocks
• Rocks are classified into three groups; Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic
• Rocks are made of Minerals
• The overall proportion and type of minerals define the rock
• The relative and overall differentiation of these minerals usually give insight into how the rock formed
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COACHING TIPS
• Practice! A lot!
• Weekly quizzes and work on:
• Arranging specimens in groups
• Charts
• Diagrams
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20 Stations
in covered boxes A-T
Time the boxes are open is controlled
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Letters on top of the boxes
Movement ascending the
alphabet A - T then T - A
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Questions & Answers are found
in the box tops
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Samples are found in and
around the boxes
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Recording Answers
• This event will be multiple choice
– These answers will be recorded on a ZipGrade
answer sheet
– Some questions will be worth one point, others
will be worth two; the point values will not be
stated
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Igneous Rock “Emphasis”
• There will be additional emphasis on igneous rocks, minerals associated with igneous rock and other igneous processes compared to previous years
• This does not mean that it will be an igneous only event- the vast majority of the event will be similar to previous years
• You should still make sure to study all of the other rocks and minerals on the list
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Igneous Rock “Emphasis”
• For 2018, three Igneous rocks have been
added to the list
– Diorite
– Gabbro
– Rhyolite
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Igneous Rock “Emphasis”
• For 2018, three minerals commonly
associated with Igneous rock and
processes have been added to the list
– Hornblende
– Apatite
– Olivine
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2018 Science Olympiad Rock
and Mineral List
• Samples for identification must be taken
from this list
• Event supervisors are free to use samples
not on the list, however participants will
not be required to identify those samples
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Rule Clarifications
• Check the Macomb Science Olympiad
web site often for rule clarifications. – www.macombso.org/esofaqs
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Practicing
• Give lots of quizzes – even if they’re only 5 samples!
• Have kids make quizzes
• Use flash cards
• Have samples available at every practice and whenever kids want to study (study hall?)
• Have kids quiz each other and ask associated questions
• Play Pictionary, hangman, charades, anything
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Arranging Samples
• By Mineral or Rock
• By relative hardness
• In groups
– By Mineral family: e.g., Quartz, Gypsum, etc.
– By Rock type: i.e., Igneous, Sedimentary,
Metamorphic
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Charts
• Same as last year:
– The chart size must be limited to a maximum
of 8.5”x14”
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Making Practice Tests
• Clearly convey expectations at beginning of test
• Choose specimens that have typical
characteristics
• Put one or more specimens per station
• Label specimens so they can’t be mixed up!
• Pair supplemental questions with specimens
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Making Practice Tests (cont.)
• Provide information if necessary (Formula)
• Provide equipment if necessary (hand lens)
• Try to cover all topics reasonably evenly
• Work out the traffic pattern and label it
• Indicate or don’t indicate tiebreakers, but include
them in the regular score
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Putting together a team
• Have more than 2 students per team practicing
• Pair your strengths (both identification and conceptual)
• Have students practice together
• Practice with the chart that will be used at the competition
• Be sure the students will support each other – Both students should contribute
– If one is more dominant in the event, he/she should be a mentor, not just take over
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Test-Taking Strategies
• Know the event! (rules and format)
• Know the subject! (concepts and identification skills)
• Talk quietly (the competition may be listening)
• Don’t mix up the specimens
• Don’t leave your chart behind
• Don’t panic if a station is left unfinished – Take notes and try to finish while at another station
– If all else fails, guess
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Summary
• Practice identification
• Assemble teams that can work together
• Build and practice using a useful chart
• Keep a sense of humor
• Have FUN! Rock and Roll !!!
• Best Luck to all.
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The End
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