Division B Rules Manual -...

Exploring the World of Science

Division B Rules Manual

Division B (Gr. 6-9)

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD, INC. © 2015

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WELCOME TO THE 2015 SCIENCE OLYMPIAD This Rules Manual will help you prepare to compete in any of the 380 Invitational, Regional, State and National Tournaments held across the United States annually. Each Science Olympiad event has a corresponding page on the Science Olympiad national website complete with free resources, training handouts and useful links. The Rules Manuals are also available in the iTunes and Google Play Stores.

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Division C (Grades 9-12) Membership Rules

A team may have up to fifteen (15) members. A maximum of seven (7) 12th grade students is permitted on a Division C team.

Division B (Grades 6-9) Membership Rules A team may have up to fifteen (15) members. A maximum of five (5) 9th grade students is permitted on a Division B team. Because middle schools that do not have grades 7, 8 or 9 are at a slight disadvantage, they may invite any combination of up to five (5) of their last year's 6th, 7th or 8th grade students to be part of the team. Possible examples can be found on the Science Olympiad website.

Students Below Grade Level Designations Science Olympiad encourages students to participate in the Division that matches current Science Olympiad grade level designations. However, to support the inclusion of students who wish to participate in Science Olympiad, schools with grade levels lower than those stated in a Division are permitted to invite members below the grade level designations. Participation is limited to age-appropriate events (as determined by a coach, principal or tournament director) and prohibited where safety is a concern (such as the use of chemicals). See Team Qualifications for more information.

Science Olympiad Team Membership Science Olympiad requires that all teams (up to 15 members) competing in any Science Olympiad Tournament (Invitational, Regional, State or National) must be a member of Science Olympiad and pay the national fee (currently $60, paid as part of the state membership). There is no exception to this requirement, regardless of what teams from the same school are called (Varsity, Junior Varsity, Alternate Team, Extra Team, Team Two, Team B). No school, region or state Science Olympiad organization is allowed to alter or amend these national membership requirements. Please see the Science Olympiad Copyrights and Use statement outlining use of Science Olympiad Rules and procedures at sanctioned tournaments. Find more Science Olympiad team information under the Policies section of the national website: Code of Ethics & Rules, Scoring Guidelines, Home & Virtual Schools, Small Schools, All Stars, Copyrights and Use, Lasers, Building Policy, Eye Protection, Significant Figures and Wristband Procedures.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD DIVISION B RULES MANUAL

Table of Contents

Air Trajectory .............................................. 1

Anatomy & Physiology ................................. 3

Bio-Process Lab ........................................... 4

Bottle Rocket ................................................ 5

Bridge Building ............................................ 6

Can’t Judge a Powder .................................... 8

Crave the Wave ............................................ 10

Crime Busters ................................................ 11

Disease Detectives ......................................... 13

Dynamic Planet ............................................. 14

Elastic Launched Glider ............................. 15

Entomology ................................................... 17

Experimental Design ......................................18

Fossils ............................................................19

Green Generation.........................................20

Meteorology ...................................................21

Picture This...................................................22

Road Scholar ..................................................23

Robo-Cross ....................................................24

Simple Machines ............................................26

Solar System ..................................................28

Wheeled Vehicle ............................................29

Write It Do It ..................................................31

General Rules/Tentative National Schedule ..32

Please read the General Rules on the back inside cover - they apply to all events. Note: all changes are in bold. Coaches: Please remember to register early for the Science Olympiad Summer Institute – sold out last year! Please visit the Science Olympiad web site: http://www.soinc.org for News, Clarifications, FAQs, Membership

Information, Team Size Requirements, New Store Items and other valuable information, tips and resources.

Copyright © 2015 Science Olympiad, Inc.

Science Olympiad, Inc. owns the intellectual property rights to the contents of this resource. It may not be reproduced in any form for other individuals or teams. It is meant for the sole use of the school or team that purchased it. Teams that have paid Science Olympiad National dues and are registered with Science Olympiad, Inc. may use this resource for the purposes of preparing for and participating in events that are sanctioned by Science Olympiad, Inc. This resource may not be placed on any website and no one may edit, post, republish, sell, rent, or otherwise sub-license them. Use of these copyrighted materials by unregistered users is strictly forbidden.

Air Trajectory 1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct, and calibrate a single device capable of

launching projectiles into a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION #5 IMPOUND: YES APPROX. TIME: 8 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: a. Prior to competition teams are to develop and use performance data and calibration charts to determine the

best launch parameters. b. Launch devices, copies of graphs, and all materials the teams will use (other than the eye protection and

calculators) must be impounded prior to competition. c. Competitors must wear eye protection during device setup and operation. Teams without proper eye

protection must be immediately informed and given an opportunity to obtain eye protection if time allows. d. Event supervisors may disqualify any apparatus operated in an unsafe manner.

3. CONSTRUCTION: a. The launching force must be entirely supplied by the gravitational potential energy from a falling mass less

than or equal to 3.500 kg (Div C); 5.000 kg (Div B). Any device part whose potential energy decreases and provides launch energy is considered part of the mass. The mass may consist of multiple discrete parts, which together count as the total mass. The device must be impounded with the mass detached.

b. During each launch, the gravitational potential energy must be converted to air pressure or air movement, which is then used to launch the projectile, either directly (e.g., pop gun style, etc.) or indirectly (e.g., using a pneumatic cylinder to swing an arm, etc.).

c. All device air chambers must start each launch at ambient air pressure and must automatically return to ambient air pressure.

d. The launching device, including the projectile and all components, must fit within a 75.0 cm x 75.0 cm x 1.00 m (Div C), 80.0 cm x 1.00 m x 1.00 m (Div B) box in ready-to-launch configuration, in any orientation chosen by the team. Weights used to stabilize the device must be within the box.

e. The triggering device is not considered part of the device and must not contribute energy to the launch. It must extend out of the launch area, allow for the competitors to remain at least 1.00 m away from the launch area, and does not need to return to the launch area after launch. The triggering device must not pose a danger to anyone due to flying parts or excessive movement outside of launch area.

f. Teams must provide unmodified (labeling is permitted) tennis, racquet, ping-pong, and/or plastic practice golf balls to be used as projectiles. Teams may change projectiles for each launch.

g. The launching device must be designed and operated in such a way to not damage or alter the floor. h. Electrical components are not allowed as part of the device or triggering device.

4. THE COMPETITION: a. When instructed by the event supervisor, teams must place their devices at a location they select in a

rectangular launch area 1.00 m x 1.50 m (parallel to the launch direction), designated by tape on the floor. Tape must also be placed 1.00 m away from the sides and back of the launch area.

b. Competitors must not be within 1.00 m of the launch area or in front of the front edge of the launch area during a launch. They may touch only the part of the triggering device that extends at least 1.00 m outside of the launch area.

c. No part of the launching device may extend outside of the launch area before or after a shot. If part of the launching device extends beyond the launch area during the launching action, it must return to and remain in the launch area immediately after the launch without assistance of the competitors.

d. Two targets, designated by small marks on tape on the floor or panels lying on the floor, must be placed in front of and centered on an imaginary line parallel to the launch direction that bisects the launch area. Supervisors are encouraged to place sand, cat litter, or similar substance in the area around the targets to help indicate landing spots.

e. The targets must be placed in front of the launch area at distances between 2.00 m and 8.00 m (in intervals of 1.00 m for Regionals, 0.50 m for States, and 10.0 cm for Nationals). A distance of at least 2.00 m must separate the targets. Target distances must not be announced until after impound is over and must be the same for all teams. Room ceiling height should be considered when setting the distances.

AIR TRAJECTORYRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B1

f. If requested by a team, a bucket (~1 to ~5 gallon size, provided by the supervisor) must be placed (opening facing up) on the course between 2.00 m and 8.00 m in front of the launch area and up to 2.00 m to the right or left of the center line. After impound the location and size of the bucket must be announced and must be the same for all teams. The bucket may only be on the course when requested so that it is not an obstacle.

g. Each team will have 8 minutes to setup, adjust, and calibrate its device and to launch a maximum of 2 shots at each target. Teams may change the falling mass, but must not exceed the total impounded mass value. Time required by the event supervisor to measure launch distances must not be included in the allotted time. No practice shots may be allowed but adjustments may be made to the device between shots.

h. Before each launch, teams must notify the event supervisor which target they have selected. i. After each launch the event supervisor must indicate to the competitors when they may approach the targets

to make measurements to calibrate their device. Competitors must not touch the targets. j. If the first shot at a target lands within 500 mm, a bucket shot may be requested in place of the second shot.

Hitting the bucket at first impact is worth 100 points. Making contact with the inside bottom surface is worth an additional 100 points. Teams with bucket shot attempt(s) will not have a third and/or fourth tie breaker and in case of a tie, are scored behind those that do.

5. PENALTIES: A 100 point penalty must be subtracted each time any of the following occurs: a. A competitor is warned by the supervisor for not correctly wearing the eye protection. b. A competitor is within 1.00 m of the launch area or in front of the front edge of the launch area when a

launch occurs, or approaches a target before the event supervisor indicates they may. c. The team does not give a warning or indicate which target they are aiming for prior to launch. All launches,

even if unintended, must count as one of the four team launches. d. Any part of a team’s launching device is outside the 1.00 m x 1.50 m launch area prior to or after a launch. e. Teams must be informed of a penalty before the next launch.

6. SCORING: High score wins. a. Final Score = Best Close Target Score + Best Far Target Score + Graph Score - Penalties + Bucket Shot

Points (if any) b. Target Scores

i. The Target Score is 2000 (for the close one); 4000 (for the far one) minus the distance, in mm, from the center of the initial impact of the projectile to the respective target.

ii. Negative target scores must be assigned a score of 0. iii. If the device fails to launch, teams must receive a score of 0 for that shot.

c. Graph Score (max possible = 400) i. Any number of graphs and data tables may be impounded but the competitors must indicate a maximum

of four used for the graph score, otherwise the first four graphs are scored. ii. Graphs and tables may be computer generated or drawn by hand on graph paper. Each graph-table pair

must be on the same side of a separate sheet of paper. iii. One of the indicated graphs, selected by the event supervisor, must be scored as follows:

(1) 20 points for completed data table, (2) 20 points for graph, (3) 20 points if graph matches data table on same page, (4) 40 points for proper labeling (title, team name, x & y axis variables, increments with units)

iv. Partial credit may be given. v. The score of the scored graph will be multiplied by the number of graphs submitted (up to four).

d. Teams that violate any of these rules, except for those listed under the penalty section must be ranked behind those that do not.

e. Example: If the Best Close Target = 1980, Best Far Target = 2560, Graph Score = 150, Penalties = -200, Bucket Shot Points = 100; then the Final Score is (1980 + 2560 + 150 - 200 + 100) = 4590

f. Tiebreakers: 1st - higher total of the sum of the two scored shots (to reward consistency); 2nd - lightest total impounded falling mass; 3rd - best non-scored shot at the far target; 4th - non-scored shot at the close target.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Air Trajectory DVD and Chem/Phy Sci CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

AIR TRAJECTORY (CONT.)Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B2

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 1. DESCRIPTION: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology of the

Cardiovascular, Integumentary and Immune systems. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source and up to two non-programmable, non-graphing calculators.

3. THE COMPETITION: The test is limited to the following topics: a. INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM:

i. Functions of the Integumentary System ii. Basic anatomy of the component parts of the skin iii. Anatomy of the layers of the skin and sensory receptors iv. Skin Color and Texture, Hair and Nails, Integumentary Glands v. Effects of aging on the skin vi. The diseases on each level from the cell to the whole person as listed: burns, allergies to allergens

(i.e., poison ivy, metals), infections (i.e., boils, carbuncles, athletes foot, impetigo) and skin cancer National Level Only: vii. Additional disorders: psoriasis, human papilloma virus (HPV) and scabies viii. Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above (drugs, surgery, etc.)

b. IMMUNE SYSTEM: i. Basic Functions of the Immune System ii. Anatomy and physiology of nonspecific defense system iii. Anatomy and physiology of specific defense system iv. The physiology of the immune response and allergic reactions v. Role of the Lymph System in immunity vi. Disorders: immunodeficiencies (i.e., AIDS), autoimmune diseases (i.e., multiple sclerosis,

rheumatoid arthritis & systemic lupus erythematosus), and hypersensitivities (i.e., contact dermatitis) National Level Only: vii. Types of Organ Transplants and Prevention of Rejection viii. Additional disorder: Grave’s Disease ix. Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above (drugs, surgery, etc.)

c. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: i. The Heart - chambers and valves of the heart, electrical stimulation of myocardial tissue, pacemaker

tissue, interpreting ECG (EKG) readings ii. Blood Vessels - arteries, arterioles, veins, venules, capillaries iii. Blood - plasma, hematocrit, red blood cells, oxygen transport, hemoglobin, platelets and blood

clotting, regulation of blood plasma volume and acidity, blood typing & basic genetics of ABO, Rh, and MN blood types including paternity mysteries

iv. Measurement of the pulse rate and blood pressure v. Relevant calculations include systolic and diastolic pressure, mean arterial pressure, stroke volume

and cardiac output vi. Disorders: Congestive Heart Failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Myocardial Infarction, Athersclerosis,

Bradycardia and Tachycardia vii. Effects of exercise, smoking, alcohol, caffeine and drugs on the cardiovascular system National Level Only: viii. Blood Vessels- continuous vs. fenestrated capillaries, blood brain barrier ix. Lymphatic System- white blood cells, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymphatic capillaries, lymphoid

organs (spleen, thymus), tissue fluid x. Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above (drugs, surgery, etc.)

4. SCORING: High score wins. Selected questions/quality of free-response answers will be used to break ties. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the in-depth Anatomy and Physiology CD (APCD) and the introductory Bio/Earth CD (BECD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE (www.sfn.org)

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGYRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B3

BIO-PROCESS LAB 1. DESCRIPTION: This event is a lab-oriented competition involving the fundamental science

processes of a middle school life science/biology lab program.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes (See Eye Protection #4 on www.soinc.org) 2. EVENT PARAMETERS:

Students will provide Z87 chemical splash goggles and non-programmable calculators. Each team may bring one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source. Measurements must be made to the precision of the device.

3. THE COMPETITION: This event will consist of a series of lab stations. Each station will require the use of process skills to answer questions and/or perform a required task such as formulating and/or evaluating hypotheses and procedures, using scientific instruments to collect data, making observations, presenting and/or interpreting data, or making inferences and conclusions.

4. SAMPLE STATIONS:

a. Formulating and/or evaluating hypotheses and procedures. b. Making predictions. c. Making observations and collecting data by measuring length, volume, temperature, pH, and mass

using a variety of traditional and electronic tools (e.g., rulers, calipers, pipettes, graduated cylinders, balances, thermometers, and electronic probes).

d. Using compound microscopes and stereomicroscopes as measurement and identification tools.

e. Interpreting data in the form of tables, charts, graphs, food labels, food webs, flow charts, pedigrees, karyotypes, etc.

f. Making simple calculations such as area, density, percentages, averages (mean, median, mode).

g. Determining genetic ratios and probabilities. h. Using or formulating a taxonomic/dichotomous key. i. Using indicators. j. Making inferences and conclusions based upon data and observations.

5. SCORING: Points will be awarded for correct answers and/or proper technique. Contestants will be ranked from the highest to lowest total score. All ties will be broken using a designated task or a series of questions that are a part of the lab test or a separate station designated as a tiebreaker. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the in-depth Bio-Process CD (BICD) and the introductory Bio/Earth CD (BECD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

BIO-PROCESS LABRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B4

BOTTLE ROCKET

Figure 2

BOTTLE ROCKET 1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the tournament, teams construct two rockets designed to stay aloft for the greatest

amount of time. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: No EYE PROTECTION: #5 APPROXIMATE TIME: 10 min.

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: a. Teams must design, build, and bring up to two rockets to the tournament (only 1 launch per rocket).

Parts from one rocket must not be used on another rocket. b. Teams without proper eye protection must be immediately informed and given a chance to obtain

eye protection if time allows, otherwise they will not be allowed to compete and scored as a no-show. c. Event supervisors must provide the launcher and water.

3. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS: a. Rocket pressure vessels must be made out of a single 2 liter or less plastic carbonated beverage bottle

with a neck/nozzle opening internal diameter of approximately 2.2 cm (a 1/2 inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe must fit tightly inside the nozzle opening). Labels may be removed from the bottle but must be presented at the safety inspection.

b. Only tape must be used to attach fins and other components to the pressure vessel. No glues of any type may be used on the pressure vessel. Glue may be used in other parts of the rocket assembly. Metal of any type and commercial model rocket parts are prohibited anywhere on the rocket.

c. The structural integrity of the pressure vessel must not be altered. This includes, but is not limited to: physical, thermal or chemical damage (e.g., cutting, sanding, using hot or super glues, spray painting).

d. Alteration to the structural integrity of the pressure vessel results in a safety violation of the rocket and it must not be launched. Event supervisors assess structural integrity by looking through the nozzle and sides of the bottle for discoloration, bubbles, thinning or cuts in the walls.

e. The nose of the rocket must be rounded or blunt at the tip and designed such that when a standard 2 liter bottle cap (~3.1 cm diameter x 1.25 cm tall) is placed on top of the nose, no portion of the nose touches the inside top of the bottle cap (see Figure 1). Teams must not use a nose that is sharp, pointed, or consisting of a rigid spike regardless of the material used.

f. Explosives, gases other than air, chemical reactions, pyrotechnics, electric or electronic devices, elastic powered flight assists, throwing devices, remote controls, and tethers are prohibited at any time. All energy imparted to the rocket at launch must originate from the water/air pressure combination.

g. All rockets must be launched using the launcher provided by the supervisor. Fins and other parts added to the bottle must be 5 cm or higher above the level of the bottle’s opening, to ensure rockets fit on the launcher (see Figure 2).

h. Rockets must not change shape or deploy any type of recovery system. 4. THE COMPETITION:

a. Teams must arrive at the competition site ready to launch. Following the safety inspection of the rockets, teams may add any amount of water to the inspected rocket(s). When called to launch, the teams have a total of 10 minutes to launch the rockets (only 1 launch per rocket). Any rocket launched before the time expires must be scored.

b. Rockets must be launched at 60 psi. Once pressurized, teams must not touch or approach the rocket. c. Parts of the rocket must not fall off or become separated during launch or flight. d. Time aloft is recorded in hundredths of a second. Timing begins when the rocket separates from the

launcher and stops when any part of the rocket touches the ground, goes out of sight, or comes to rest on an obstruction (e.g. a tree or building).

e. Event supervisors are strongly encouraged to use three independent timers on all launches. The middle value of the three timers must be the officially recorded time.

5. SCORING: Rockets with construction or safety violations will not be launched due to safety. Teams that are unable to launch a rocket because of construction violations will receive participation points only. a. Ranking within each tier is determined by the combined greatest time aloft of both rocket flights. If a

team only launches one rocket then that team will receive only the flight time for that launch. b. Tiers: Teams with a Tier 1 rocket and a rocket with a violation are scored as if they had only one rocket.

i. Tier 1: Rockets launched without construction or competition violations. ii. Tier 2: Any Launch with competition violations.

c. Ties are broken by the greatest time aloft by a single rocket. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Bottle Rocket DVD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B5

Bridge Building 2015 1. DESCRIPTION: The objectives of this event are for the team to design and build the lightest bridge with

the highest structural efficiency that can span a given opening meeting the requirement specifications. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: No EYE PROTECTION: #2 MAXIMUM TIME: 8 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: a. Each team is allowed to enter only one Bridge built prior to the competition. b. Team members must wear proper eye protection during the set-up and testing of the bridge. Teams

without proper eye protection must be immediately informed and given a chance to obtain eye protection if time allows. Teams without eye protection must not test and must be ranked in Tier 4.

c. The Event Supervisor must provide all assessment devices, testing apparatus, two bucket stabilization sticks, and clean, dry sand or similar dry, free-flowing material (hereafter “sand”).

3. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS: a. All construction must be completed prior to check-in. b. The Bridge must be a single structure designed and built by the team to sit upon two Test Supports

(4.b.) at either end of the bridge and support a Loading Block (4.c.). c. The bridge must span an opening of 35.0 cm (Division B) or 45.0 cm (Division C). d. There is no maximum length or height. e. The outside width of the Bridge must be at least 5.0 cm at any height along its span. No portion of the

bridge may extend below the top surface of the Test Supports (4.b) prior to testing. f. The bridge must accommodate a Loading Block Assembly placed in the center of the bridge span. g. All parts of the Bridge must be constructed of wood and bonded by adhesive. No other materials are

permitted (e.g., no particle board, wood composites, bamboo or grasses, commercial plywood, structural members formed of sawdust and adhesive, paper price labels or paper).

h. There are no limits on the cross section sizes or lengths of individual pieces of wood. Wood may be laminated by the team without restriction.

i. Any commercially available adhesive may be used. Adhesive is defined as a substance used to join two or more materials together. Adhesives include, but are not limited to: glue, cement, cyanoacrylate, epoxy, hot melt, polyurethane and super glues. Adhesive tapes are not allowed.

j. Students must be able to answer questions regarding the design, construction, and operation of the device per the Building Policy found on www.soinc.org

4. TESTING APPARATUS: a. The Test Base must be a solid, level surface as follows:

i. Must be least 55.0 cm long x 32.0 cm wide. ii. Must have a smooth, hard surface (e.g., hardwood, metal, or high-pressure plastic laminate). The

Test Base must be stiff enough so it does not bend noticeably when loaded. iii. Must have an opening at its center approximately 20.0 cm x 20.0 cm, for bucket suspension. iv. Parallel lines must be marked across the width of the surface of the Test Base to indicate the

Clear Span. A centerline dividing the Test Base in half must be marked on the Test Base; lines at 17.5 cm for Division B, or 22.5 cm for Division C, on each side of the centerline will indicate the Clear Span. The Bearing Zones are the test base surfaces wider than the Clear Span lines. Refer to example on www.soinc.org

b. The Test Supports supplied by the Event Supervisor must meet the following requirements: i. Two identical supports at least 3.0 cm x 3.0 cm x 15.0 cm. ii. Made of a material that does not noticeably compress when loaded iii. Have smooth, hard surfaces (e.g., hardwood, metal, or high-pressure plastic laminate)

c. The Loading Block Assembly must consist of: i. A square block measuring 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm x approximately 2.0 cm high with a hole in the center of

the 5.0 cm x 5.0 cm faces for a ¼” threaded eyebolt. ii. ¼” threaded eyebolt (1” nominal eye outside diameter), no longer than 4” and a ¼” wing nut.

d. A chain and S-hooks that are suspended from the Loading Block assembly. e. An approximately five gallon plastic bucket with a handle to be suspended from the chain and hook

BRIDGE BUILDINGRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B6

f. The Event Supervisor must verify the combined mass of the Loading Block assembly, chain, hooks, bucket, and sand is at least 15.000 kg and no more than 15.500 kg prior to testing.

g. At the Event Supervisor’s discretion, more than one testing apparatus may be used. 5. THE COMPETITION:

a. No alterations, substitutions, or repairs may be made to the Bridge after check-in. Once teams enter the event area to compete, they must not leave, receive outside assistance, materials, or communication.

b. All bridges must be assessed prior to testing for compliance with construction parameters. c. Team members must place their Bridge on the scale for the Event Supervisor to determine its mass in

grams to the nearest 0.01 g. d. Team members must have a maximum of 8 minutes to setup and test their Bridge to the maximum load,

to failure, or the 8 minutes elapses. e. The students will place the bridge on the Test Supports (4.b) that are set by the students in the Bearing

Zones (4.a.iv). The Test Supports must sit on one of the 15 cm long faces. f. Team members will place the loading block approximately at the center of the test base opening. g. Teams must assemble the Loading Block assembly, eyebolt, chain and S-hooks, and hang the bucket to

load the Bridge. Team members may disassemble the loading block assembly to set up the test. The bucket must be mounted to allow enough clearance above the floor to allow for Bridge deflection.

h. Team members must be allowed to adjust the Bridge until they start loading sand. No adjustment may be made after sand loading has begun.

i. Team members must load the sand into the bucket and be allowed to safely and effectively stabilize the bucket from movement caused by sand loading. Direct contact with the bucket by team members is not allowed. Teams choosing to stabilize the bucket must use the bucket stabilization sticks provided by the Event Supervisor.

j. Bridges that fail before supporting 15.000 kg must be scored according to the actual load supported at time of failure, measured to the nearest gram or best precision available. Failure is defined as the inability of the bridge to carry any additional load, any part of the bridge touching the test base or any part of the load supported by anything other than the Bridge. Incidental contact between the chain/eyebolt and the device is not failure.

k. Loading must stop immediately when a failure occurs or when time expires. The Event Supervisor must remove any parts of the Bridge that fell into the bucket and sand added after failure. Sand added after failure will be removed by the event supervisor.

l. The Load Supported includes the loading block, chain, hooks, eyebolt, wing nut, bucket, and sand. m. Teams who wish to file an appeal must leave their Bridge with the Event Supervisor.

6. SCORING: a. The Load Scored is the measured load supported, but must not exceed 15.000 kg. This includes the

mass of all the testing apparatus supported by the Bridge. The least possible load scored must be the mass of the Loading Block. Bridges that cannot support the Loading Block must be ranked in Tier 4.

b. Bridges must be scored and ranked in the first 3 tiers by the highest Score. c. Score = Load Scored (g)/Mass of bridge (g) d. Bridges must be scored in four tiers as follows:

i. Tier 1: Bridges meeting all the Construction Parameters and no Competition Violations. ii. Tier 2: Bridges with one or more Competition Violations. iii. Tier 3: Bridges with Construction Violations or both Competition and Construction Violations. iv. Tier 4: Bridges unable to be loaded for any reason (e.g., cannot cross the Clear Span, cannot

accommodate loading block, or failure to wear eye protection) must be ranked by lowest mass. e. Ties are broken by this sequence: 1. Lowest Bridge Mass; 2. Shortest bridge height prior to loading.

7. SCORING EXAMPLES: a. Load scored = 13,235 g, Bridge Mass = 14.27 g, Score = 927.47 b. Load scored = 15,000 g, Bridge Mass = 16.92 g, Score = 886.52

Recommended Resources: The Bridge Building DVD and the Problem Solving/Technology CD (PTCD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

BRIDGE BUILDING (CONT.)Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B7

CAN’T JUDGE A POWDER BY ITS COLOR 1. DESCRIPTION: The intent of this event is for students to make and record observations. Students

will test and characterize one pure substance and then, based only on data they collect, answer a series of questions about that substance. Students will NOT be asked to identify the solid. Emphasis of this event is on the quality of data collected, answering questions about the substance and providing data to support their answers.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students may bring only specified items. No other items including calculators are allowed. The event supervisors will check the kits, confiscate non-allowed items, and have the right to penalize a team up to 10% if additional items are in the kit.

a. Students may bring only these items: i. Test tubes, brushes & racks, spot plates, well plates, reaction plates, beakers or similar small

containers for mixing ii. Something for scooping & stirring iii. pH or Hydrion paper iv. Hand lens(es) v. Beral pipettes vi. 9-Volt or less Conductivity tester vii. Paper towels Note: Students not bringing these items will be at a disadvantage. The event supervisor will not provide them. DO NOT BRING PENS OR PENCILS

b. Supervisor will provide: i. 1 M NaOH ii. 1M HCl iii. 2 different writing instruments iv. Waste container(s) v. Wash bottle with distilled water (no more than 250 mL) The supervisor may provide: vi. Other equipment (such as a thermometer, balance, hot plate, probes, calculator, etc.) vii. Instructions for any additional equipment or reagents given to the students

c. Safety Requirements: Students must wear the following or they will not be allowed to participate: closed-toed shoes, ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles (see www.soinc.org), pants or skirts that cover the legs to the ankles, and additionally a long sleeved lab coat that reaches the wrists and the knees or a long sleeved shirt that reaches the wrists with a chemical apron that reaches the knees. Long hair, shoulder length or longer, must be tied back. Gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their safety clothing/goggles or are observed handling any of the material or equipment in a hazardous/unsafe manner (e.g., tasting or touching chemicals or flushing solids down a drain and not rinsing them into a designated waste container provided by the supervisor) will be penalized or disqualified from the event.

3. THE COMPETITION: Contestants will be given a sample of one pure substance. Equipment and test chemicals listed will be provided. The supervisor will make the selection of equipment and chemicals. Students and teachers ARE NOT to know what substance has been selected before the event. Students will be expected to perform relevant tests using the materials provided. Emphasis in scoring is placed on careful and organized observations.

CAN’T JUDGE A POWDERRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B8

a. Teams will use various tests to characterize the substance. These tests are to be determined by the

students, not the supervisor. It is recommended that students be given 25-35 minutes to do these tests. Data is to be recorded on a data sheet with a pen provided by the event supervisor. It should be neat and organized.

b. During testing and observation of their substance, students must record their data. Any mistakes or changes should be crossed out. The data should be numbered sequentially as it is collected. The pens will be collected before the questions are given to the team.

c. Students will be given a different writing implement and a list of questions about the characteristics of their substance. The ability to answer these questions will depend on the quality and thoroughness of their investigations. Questions will have answers that derive from student observations. Questions will not be asked about melting point.

d. When the questions and writing implements are distributed, the Event Supervisor will collect all samples. If the team has sufficient data and/or observations to support the answer to a question, they are to simply place the data number(s) beside the question. Place a number for all data that supports your answer to the question. Students are never expected to actually answer the question, just put the numbers of the observation(s) that would be used to answer the question. So if the question was “Is dissolving the substance an endothermic or exothermic process?”, the students would put the numbers of the observation of the temperature of the pure water and the temperature of the solution on dissolving as answers or if the students had taken it a step further and already subtracted the two temperatures, the student would put that number as the answer for more points. The student would not ever say endothermic or exothermic.

e. Examples of Possible Substances: baking soda (NaHCO3), borax, Epsom salts, sugar, alum, chalk, non-iodized table salt (NaCl), sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2), starch, talc, calcium carbonate, ammonium chloride, boric acid, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) sulfate, etc. Note: Colored and white salts are permissible.

f. Sample Questions about the Substance: i. Is the substance soluble in water? ii. If soluble in water, is the solution capable of conducting a current? iii. Does the substance react with an acid to produce a gas? iv. If soluble in water, what is the approximate pH of the solution? v. If soluble in water, does the substance dissolve endothermically or exothermically? vi. Using a hand lens, what is the shape of the individual particles or are they too small to see?

4. SCORING: Each question is worth up to 5 points. The number of points awarded will depend on the quality of the data and/or observations. If the team remembers an answer to a question but does NOT have the supporting data and/or observations, they may write the answer to the question with their pencil and receive a maximum of 2 points. Ties will be broken by using the most answers that received 5, then 4, then 3, etc. Time is not a tiebreaker!

Recommended Resources: Reference and training resources including the Chem/Phy Sci CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

CAN’T JUDGE A POWDER (CONT.)Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B9

CRAVE THE WAVE

CRAVE THE WAVE 1. DESCRIPTION: In this event competitors must demonstrate knowledge and process skills needed to solve

problems and answer questions regarding all types of waves and wave motion.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROX. TIME: 50 minutes 2. EVENT PARAMETERS:

a. Competitors may bring reference materials, writing utensils and any type of calculators. b. All reference materials must be secured in a 3-ring binder, so that regardless of orientation nothing can

fall out.

3. THE COMPETITION: a. The competition must consist of both hands-on tasks and questions related to waves. 25-50% of the

score must be from the practical portion (hands-on tasks), and 50-75% must be from the theoretical portion (written questions). No single question may count for more than 10% of the score.

b. The event supervisor may provide some mathematical relationships, but the competitors are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts outlined below. The competition must consist of at least one task/question from each of the following areas (at indicated regional (R), state (S), and national (N) levels): i. General wave characteristics (R,S,N), e.g. wavelength, amplitude, frequency, period. ii. Wave types (R,S,N), e.g. transverse, longitudinal, surface, torsional waves. iii. Wave phenomenon (R,S,N), e.g. sound & light – reflection, standing waves, constructive and

destructive interference, refraction, effect of media, diffraction, doppler effect iv. Electromagnetic waves (R,S,N), e.g. electromagnetic spectrum, relationship between frequency and

wavelength; wave energy; standard wavelength bands, their uses and dangers; and how waves are used in communication.

v. Spectroscopy (R,S,N), e.g. primary colors of light – reflection, refraction, use with filters, absorption spectra and emission spectra and their use in astronomy, primary colors of pigments.

vi. Earthquake/seismic waves (S, N), e.g. p-waves, s-waves, Rayleigh waves, Love waves, surface waves.

vii. Boundary effects (N), e.g. breaking ocean waves, tsunamis.

4. SAMPLE STATIONS: a. Regional level

i. Label the parts of a wave, determine frequency, period or wavelength of a wave ii. Determine the angle of refraction of a prism iii. Measure and label the angles of incidence and refraction and the normal of a mirror iv. Listen to a recording and determine in which direction (toward or away) a truck is moving v. Given papers with colored circles and a flashlight hidden inside a black box, determine the color of

the filter over the flashlight vi. Using a recording of two trucks determine which one is moving faster

b. State level - given p-wave and s-wave diagrams determine the distance to the epicenter c. National level - label and describe the action of a breaking wave.

5. SCORING: a. Points must be awarded for the accuracy and quality of the responses. High score wins. b. Ties must be broken using pre-selected questions.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Chem/Phy Sci CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org


©2015-B10

CRIME BUSTERS

CRIME BUSTERS 1. DESCRIPTION: Given a scenario, a collection of evidence, and possible suspects, students will perform a

series of tests. The test results along with other evidence will be used to solve a crime. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students may bring only specified items. No other items including calculators are allowed. The event supervisors will check the kits, confiscate non-allowed items, and have the right to penalize a team up to 10% if additional items are in the kit. a. Students may bring only these items:

i. Test tubes (brushes & racks), spot plates, well plates, reaction plates or similar small containers for mixing

ii. Something for scooping & stirring iii. pH paper iv. Magnet(s) v. Hand lens(es) vi. Microscope slides and cover slips vii. Forceps or tweezers viii. Writing instruments ix. Paper towels x. Each team may bring one three-ring binder (any size) containing information in any form from any

source that is inserted into the rings (notebook sleeves are permitted) Note: Students not bringing these items will be at a disadvantage. The supervisor will not provide them.

b. Supervisor will provide: i. Iodine reagent (KI solution) ii. 1M HCl iii. Chromatography materials plus containers iv. Waste container(s) v. Wash bottle with distilled water (no more than 250 mL)

c. The supervisor may provide: i. Other equipment (e.g., microscope, probes, calculator, etc.), or ii. Candle & matches if fibers given, or iii. Differential density solutions or other method of determining density of polymers if plastics given or

Reagents to perform additional tests.

d. Safety Requirements: Students must wear the following or they will not be allowed to participate: closed-toed shoes, ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles (see www.soinc.org), pants or skirts that cover the legs to the ankles, and additionally a long sleeved lab coat that reaches the wrists and the knees or a long sleeved shirt that reaches the wrists with a chemical apron that reaches the knees. Long hair, shoulder length or longer, must be tied back. Gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their safety clothing/goggles or are observed handling any of the material or equipment in a hazardous/unsafe manner (e.g., tasting or touching chemicals or flushing solids down a drain and not rinsing them into a designated waste container provided by the supervisor) will be penalized or disqualified from the event.

3. THE COMPETITION: All competitions will consist of evidence from Parts 3. a-d and analysis of the

evidence in Part 3.e. Analysis or questions can only be on the evidence topics included in the competition. The amount of evidence included will be according to the following table:

Level Part 3a

(i-iii) Limit on Mixtures from

Part 3.a.i. only Part b Part c Part d Part e Regional 6 - 15 Up to 2 of 2 solids with * 5-7 1 type 1-2 topics Required

State 10 - 18 2-4 of 2-3 solids with * 7-10 1-2 types 2-3 topics Required National 14 - 20 2-6 of 2-3 solids with * 10-15 1-3 types 2-4 topics Required


©2015-B11

CRIME BUSTERS (CONT.)

a. Qualitative Analysis: The unknown common materials will be taken from the following lists.

i. Solids: Anhydrous sodium acetate, yeast, vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), *calcium carbonate (powdered limestone), *table salt (NaCl), *sugar (crystal), *flour, *calcium sulfate 2H2O (gypsum), *cornstarch, *baking soda, *powdered gelatin, *powdered Alka-Seltzer®, *sand (white).

ii. Non-Powdered Metals: aluminum, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and tin. iii. Liquids: lemon juice, rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), household ammonia (3%), water, vinegar,

hydrogen peroxide (3%). Every team gets the same set of unknowns (evidence). The unknowns will be identifiable by performing tests such as solubility, acidity, magnetic property, color, density, and odor. The scenario will identify which containers may hold the mixtures.

b. Polymer Testing/Natural and Man-made Substances: Students will demonstrate their skill in

identifying and collecting evidence from a variety of sources such as: i. Hair (the difference between human, dog, cat, not specific kinds of hair), ii. Fibers (the difference between animal, vegetable, synthetic, not specific kinds of fibers), and iii. Recyclable plastics (PETE, HDPE, non-expanded PS, LDPE, PP, PVC). No burn test allowed but

burn results may be provided.

c. Paper Chromatography: Students will analyze evidence from paper chromatography (ink pens, juices, Kool-Aid®, etc.). The paper chromatogram(s) will be collected with the score sheet. No calculations are expected to be performed.

d. Crime Scene Physical Evidence: Students will also demonstrate their skill in collecting and/or analyzing

evidence from a variety of other sources such as: i. Fingerprints: Students may be asked to identify different patterns on

fingerprint evidence such as the difference between whorls, loops, and arches. ii. DNA evidence: Students may be asked to compare DNA

chromatograms/electropherograms from materials found at the scene to those of the suspects.

iii. Shoeprints & tire treads: Students may be asked to compare prints and make conclusions such as direction and speed of travel. No calculations are expected to be performed.

iv. Soil: Students may be given the composition of soil found at the scene or on the suspects and asked to determine if this implicates any of the suspects.

v. Spatters: Analyze spatter patterns for speed and direction of impact. No calculations are expected to be performed.

e. Analysis: Students will be asked to write an analysis of the crime scene explaining not only which pieces

of evidence implicate which suspect and why the suspect(s) was (were) chosen as the culprit(s), but also why the other suspects were not chosen. They will also answer any other crime scene analysis questions posed by the event supervisor.

f. The collected evidence and other data given may be used in a mock crime scene.

4. SCORING:

a. The team with the highest score wins. Time will not be used for scoring. The score will be composed of the following elements (percentages given are approximate): 3.a.=50%, 3.b.=10%, 3.c.=5%, 3.d.=10%, and 3.e.=25%. Actual point values will be shown at each question.

b. First tiebreaker is Part 3.e. Second tiebreaker is Part 3.a. Third tiebreaker is Part 3.b. c. Waste will be disposed of as directed by the event supervisor. A penalty of up to 10% may be given if the

area is not cleaned up as instructed by the event supervisor.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Science Crime Busters Manual and the Science Crime Busters CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org


©2015-B12

DISEASE DETECTIVES

DISEASE DETECTIVES 1. DESCRIPTION: Students will use their investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health,

and disability in populations or groups of people with a focus on Population Growth. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring one 8.5”x11” sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source and up to two non-programmable, non-graphing calculators.

3. THE COMPETITION: Sample Problems and Resources may be found at http://www.soinc.org a. This event combines a basic understanding of biological and physical agents that cause disease with an

ability to analyze, interpret, evaluate and draw conclusions from simple data and communicate results to peers. Students should be able to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious health burdens.

b. A broad definition of health will be used for this event. Potential topics include health and illnesses (mental, physical, infectious, chronic, environmental, societal, genetic, injuries and health behaviors).

c. This event will include questions based on: i. Study design and data collection ii. Creating graphic displays of data iii. Interpreting trends and patterns of epidemiologic data iv. C Division only: Recognizing and accounting for potential sources of error, rate adjustment (direct

and indirect) and stratified analysis (e.g., Mantel-Haenszel test). Using basic statistical methods to describe data and test hypothesis involving qualitative and quantitative data (<10% of test)

v. Communicating results d. Students will be presented with one or more descriptions of public health problems. e. Based on these descriptions, they will be expected to do the following:

i. Generate hypotheses and recognize various fundamental study designs. ii. Evaluate the data by calculating and comparing simple rates and proportions. iii. Identify patterns, trends and possible modes of transmission, sources or risk factors. iv. Recognize factors such as study design/biases that influence results (more for Div. C-less for B). v. Propose interventions based on promoting positive health behaviors, eliminating or reducing risks of

environmental exposures, or disrupting clearly identifiable chains of transmission. vi. Translate results/findings into a public health/prevention message for identified populations at risk.

f. Students will also be expected to: i. Define basic epidemiological and public health terms (e.g., outbreak, epidemic, pandemic,

surveillance, risk, vector, fomite, zoonosis, etc.). ii. Recognize various categories of disease causing agents & give examples of illnesses caused by each. iii. Recognize and understand differences among the major groups of infectious agents (e.g., viruses,

bacteria, protistans, fungi and animals). iv. Recognize examples of various epidemiologic and public health phenomena such as types of

outbreaks and modes of transmission. g. Calculations and mathematical manipulations should be part of the competition. Data may be contrived

or modified to make it more appropriate for this age group as long as it does not radically alter results or interpretation.

h. Process skills may include hypothesis, observations, inferences, predictions, variable analysis, data analysis, calculations, and conclusions.

i. The level of questioning for B/C competitions should reflect the age-appropriateness for the two groups. j. The event format may be exam-based, station-based or a combination of both.

4. SCORING: a. Points will be assigned to the various questions and problems. Both the nature of the questions and

scoring rubric should emphasize an understanding that is broad and basic rather than detailed and advanced.

b. Depending on the problem, scoring may be based on a combination of answers, including graphs/charts, explanations, analysis, calculations, and closed-ended responses to specific questions.

c. Points should be awarded for both quality and accuracy of answers, the quality of supporting reasoning, and the use of proper scientific methods.

d. Highest number of points will determine the winner. Selected questions may be used as tiebreakers. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Disease Detective CD are available at http://www.soinc.org

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION


©2015-B13

DYNAMIC PLANETDYNAMIC PLANET – OCEANOGRAPHY

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring four 8.5” x 11” sheets of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source. Each student may bring any kind of calculator.

3. THE COMPETITION: Teams will be presented with one or more tasks, in a timed station-to-station format with the possible use of probe ware at stations. The emphasis will be on the NGSS Science and Engineering Practices below rather than vocabulary, identification, or questions based solely on the recall of facts. Topics are limited to the following:

a. Seawater: composition, density, variations in salinity, and sources of salts b. Energy inputs, outputs, transfers and conversions c. Water temperature, pressure, and three-layer structure of ocean water d. Topographic features found on continental margins, ocean basins, and mid-ocean ridges e. Processes and features of tectonic plate motion in ocean basins, and patterns of age of the ocean floor f. Formation of fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atolls g. Waves: Motion, height, wavelength, period, fetch, swell, surf, and tsunamis h. Surface currents: Warm and cold currents; Coriolis effect, and gyres i. Coastal currents: longshore currents, rip currents, and upwelling j. High and low tides, spring and neap tides, and tidal currents k. Coastal features and processes, uplift and subsidence l. Oceanic tools used to collect water samples, sediments, cores, track water movement, etc. m. Buoyancy of ships and submarines in water of varying density

4. REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITIES:

a. Given the water temperatures at various depths in a column of seawater, teams will construct graphs and identify and label the thermocline.

b. Identify topographic features of ocean regions using seafloor maps. c. Write a hypotheis to explain changes in water salinity in high latitude ocean regions. d. Analyze and interpret data related to water pH in selected regions that may explain changes in barrier reef

formation. e. Calculate the buoyancy of a given watercraft in water samples of varying diversity.

5. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the quality and accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy and/or quality of answers to selected questions.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Bio/Earth CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Science and Engineering Practices: asking questions and defining problems, developing and using models, planning and carrying out investigations, analyzing and interpreting data, using mathematics and computational thinking, constructing explanations and designing solutions, and engaging in argument from evidence and obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information. Be sure to see how all forty-six of the Science Olympiad events are aligned to NGSS at http://soinc.org/align_natl_stand


©2015-B14

ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER

ELASTIC LAUNCH GLIDER 1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the tournament teams design, construct, and test elastic-launched gliders to

achieve the maximum time aloft.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #5 IMPOUND: No TIME: 5 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: a. Teams may bring up to 2 gliders, launch handle(s), flight log(s) and any tools/supplies. b. Competitors must wear eye protection rated ANSI Z87+ at all times while in the cordoned area of the

competition. Teams without proper eye protection must be immediately informed and given a chance to obtain eye protection if time allows, otherwise they must not be allowed to compete.

c. Event Supervisors must provide all measurement tools and timing devices.

3. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS: a. Gliders may be constructed from published plan(s), commercial kits and/or student designs. b. Competitors must not use any components with pre-glued joints or pre-covered surfaces. c. The glider must be constructed only from any types of the following materials: wood, foam, paper,

plastic film, carbon fiber, tape, and/or glue. Ballast may be any malleable non-metallic substance. The functional components may be attached to each other using tape, thread or glue.

d. The mass of the glider throughout the flight must be more than 4.0 g and less than 10.0 g.

e. Wingspan must not exceed 32.0 cm and the length of the glider must be at least 32.0 cm at any time.

f. The blunt nose of the fuselage, when inserted into a lip balm cap with inside dimensions of ~1.57 cm deep and ~1.37 cm wide must not touch the end.

g. Launch handle(s), excluding elastic, must be less than 1 m long in any orientation at launch, and be of a safe configuration. The elastic used in the launch handle must be non-metallic and must be in contact with the glider throughout the launch.

h. Each glider must be labeled so the Event Supervisor can easily identify the team to which it belongs. i. Students must be able to answer questions regarding the design, construction, and calibration of the

device per the Building Policy found on www.soinc.org 4. THE COMPETITION:

a. The event must be held indoors. Tournament officials must announce the room dimensions (approximate length, width and ceiling height) in advance of the competition. Tournament officials and the Event Supervisor are urged to minimize the effects of environmental factors such as air currents.

b. Once competitors enter the cordoned off competition area to trim, practice, or compete they must wear eye protection at all times and not receive outside assistance, materials, or communication. Teams violating these rules must be ranked below all other teams. Spectators must be in a separate area.

c. During inspection each team must present a flight log of recorded data. Data must include 4 or more parameters (3 required and at least 1 additional) for 10 or more test flights prior to the competition. The required parameters are: 1) estimated/recorded peak flight height after launch, 2) approximate length of elastic and 3) Flight Time. The team must choose an additional parameter beyond those required (e.g., orbit diameter, cross section of elastic launch loop, height at transition to glide pattern, launch angle, etc.)

d. At the Event Supervisor’s discretion: i. Multiple official flights may occur simultaneously according to the Event Supervisor’s direction. ii. Test flights may occur throughout the contest but must yield to any official flight. iii. No test flights will occur in the final half-hour of the event’s last period, except for teams that

declare a trim flight during their 5-minute flight period.


©2015-B15

ELASTIC LAUNCHED GLIDER (CONT.)

e. A self-check inspection station may be made available to competitors for checking their glider and launch handle dimensions prior to being measured by the officials.

f. Competitors must present their glider(s), launch handle(s), and flight log for their official inspection immediately prior to their 5 official flights. Teams whose gliders do not meet the construction requirements at the official inspection prior to their flight period will be ranked behind those teams that do not violate those rules. Timers will follow teams as they prepare and launch their gliders.

g. Gliders must be launched from a launch handle by a single competitor who must have direct contact with the floor.

h. Gliders must only be launched while aimed at any point on the ceiling. Competitors must not aim for the walls, spectators, low obstructions, etc.

i. Teams may make up to a total of 5 official flights using 1 or 2 gliders. j. After check-in teams must be given a 5-minute Flight Period, starting when their first flight (trim or

official) begins. Any flight beginning within the 5-minute period must be permitted to fly to completion. Competitors may make any adjustments/repairs/trim flights and may switch gliders or launch handles during their 5-minute Flight Period. Supervisors may request a re-inspection to confirm dimensions without a time penalty to teams.

k. Competitors must declare to the Timers before any launches during their Flight Period whether it is an official flight or trim flight. If teams do not indicate the flight type before the launch, it must be considered official. Teams must not be given extra time to recover or repair their gliders.

l. Time Aloft for each flight starts when the glider leaves the launch handle and stops when any part of the glider touches the floor, stops moving due to an obstruction (such as a glider landing on a girder or basketball hoop), or the judges otherwise determine that flight to be over.

m. Event Supervisors are strongly encouraged to utilize 3 Timers on all flights. The middle value of the 3 Timers must be the official Time Aloft for that flight, recorded in seconds to the precision of the device used.

n. Competitors must not steer their gliders during the flight. o. In the unlikely event of a collision with another glider, a team may elect a re-flight. The decision to re-

fly may be made after the glider lands. Timers are allowed to delay a launch to avoid a possible collision. The 5-minute period does not apply to such situations.

5. SCORING: a. A Team’s Score is the sum of their three longest Official Times Aloft. High Score wins. b. Teams with incomplete flight logs must have 10% deducted from their Score. c. Teams without flight logs must have 30% deducted from their Score. d. Teams with Construction or Competition violations must be ranked after all teams that do not violate

those rules. e. Ties must be broken by the longest non-scored Official Time Aloft. Recommended Resources: Reference and training resources including the Elastic Launched Glider DVD and the Problem Solving /Technology CD (PTCD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS http://www.modelaircraft.org/


©2015-B16

ENTOMOLOGYENTOMOLOGY- 2015 Final 8-6-14

1. DESCRIPTION: Students will be asked to identify insects and selected immature insects by order and

family, answer questions about insects, and use or construct a dichotomous key. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring one 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source and one commercially published resource that may be annotated, and tabbed (limit 3 words on tabs), and a hand lens or magnifying glass. The Supervisor will provide an answer sheet and if needed, dissecting microscopes.

3. THE COMPETITION: a. Teams will be asked to identify an insect’s Order, Family or common name

and answer a related question(s). Questions are limited to topics below and insects are limited to those listed on the Official Insect List, which is based on the Audubon Insect and Spider Field Guide.

b. Insect specimens or images (nymph or larva for selected orders and families) will be exhibited so that students will be able to see pertinent features with the unaided eye or a hand lens.

c. For any individual specimens, questions may also be asked concerning the economic or health impact of the specimen upon the human race.

d. Topics may include structure and function of internal and external anatomy, ecology, behavior, and history.

e. One of the stations may involve students using or formulating a simple dichotomous key to identify insects.

4. SCORING: The team with the highest number of correct answers will determine the winner. Selected questions may be used as tiebreakers.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Audubon Insect and Spider Guide, the Taxonomy CD (TXCD) and the Bio/Earth Sci CD (BECD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org

This Official Insect List is available at www.soinc.org under B/C Events/Entomology

2015 Entomology (B/C) – Official Insect List

Specimens will be limited to those on the Official list of 30 insect orders and 100 families. Orders or Families marked by an “*” require that the contestant be able to recognize larvae or nymph forms. The taxonomic scheme is based upon the Audubon Insect and Spider Field Guide. Any arbitrations questions will defer to this resource as the correct answer.


©2015-B17

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 1. DESCRIPTION: This event will determine a team’s ability to design, conduct, and report the findings of an

experiment actually conducted on site. A TEAM OF UP TO: 3 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students must bring ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles and a writing instrument(s). Students may also bring a timepiece, a ruler, and any kind of calculator. Chemicals that require other safety clothing will not be used.

3. THE COMPETITION: a. Supervisors must provide teams with a Reporting Form based on the Rubric below and identical sets of

materials at a distribution center or in a container. The materials will be listed on the board or placed on a card for each team. If provided, both the card and the container will be considered part of the materials. The identity of the materials is to remain unknown until the start of this event and will be the same for each team. The students must use at least two of the provided materials to design and conduct an experiment.

b. The supervisor must assign a question/topic area that determines the nature of the experiment. The assigned question/topic area should be the same for all teams and allow students to conduct experiments involving relationships between independent and dependent variables (like height vs. distance).

c. The students will be given an outline (patterned after the scoring rubric) to follow when recording/reporting their experiment with additional paper to record data, graphs and procedures.

d. When the teams are finished, all materials must be returned to the event supervisor along with all written materials. The content of the report must be clearly stated and legible.

SCORING: Scoring of the event will be done using the scoring rubric at the bottom of this page. Zero points will be given for an inappropriate or no response. Points will be awarded dependent upon the completeness of the response. Ties will be broken by comparing the point totals in the scoring areas in the following order: Total points for 1-Variables, 2-Procedure, 3-Analysis of Results, 4-Graph, 5-Data Table. Any student not following proper safety procedures will be asked to leave the room and will be disqualified from the event. Any team not addressing the assigned question or topic area will be ranked behind those who do, because not conducting an experiment is a violation of the spirit of the event.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN RUBRIC/REPORTING FORM a. Statement of Problem: Experimental Question (4 Points) b. Hypothesis: Including prior knowledge that contributed to hypothesis (8 Points) c. Variables:

i. Constants: (Controlled Variables) Factors that are purposefully kept the same (8 Points) ii. Independent Variable: Factor being manipulated (6 Points) iii. Dependent Variable: Factor being measured which responds (6 Points)

d. Experimental Control (where applicable): (Standard of Comparison) (4 Points) e. Materials (6 Points) f. Procedure: Including Diagrams (12 Points) g. Qualitative Observations During Experiment & Summary of Results: (8 Points) h. Quantitative Data: including Data Table and use of Significant Figures for C (12 Points) i. Graphs: Including drawn in line of best-fit (12 Points) j. Statistics: Div. B&C: Average (mean), median, mode or range or standard deviation or other relevant statistics

that teams choose (6 Points) k. Analysis of Results: Interpretation (8 Points) l. Possible Experimental Errors including identified human errors (6 Points) m. Conclusion: Include why your results did or did not support the hypothesis: (8 Points) n. Recommendations for Further Experimentation Based on Your Data & Practical Applications: (8 Points)

Hints: a. Statement of problem should not have a yes or no answer. It should be specific to the experiment being conducted and is not the same as the assigned topic area. b. Experiments should consist of repeated trials. c. Variables should be operationally defined. d. Experiments should be simple and have only one independent and one dependent variable. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Experimental Design Guide CD (EXCD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org


©2015-B18

FOSSILS 1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by completing selected tasks at a

series of stations. Emphasis will be on fossil identification and ability to answer questions about classification, habitat, ecologic relationships, behaviors, environmental adaptations and the use of fossils to date and correlate rock units.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring only one magnifying glass, one published field guide that they may tab and write in, and one 3-ring binder (any size) containing information in any form from any source. The materials must be punched and inserted into the rings (sheet protectors are allowed).

3. THE COMPETITION: Emphasis will be placed upon task-oriented activities. Participants will move from station to station, with the length of time at each station predetermined and announced by the event supervisor. Participants may not return to stations, but may change or add information to their original responses while at other stations. Identification will be limited to species on the Official Fossil List, but other species may be used to illustrate key concepts. Questions will be chosen from the following topics:

a. Identification of all fossil specimens on the official Fossil List posted at http://www.soinc.org b. Conditions required for a plant or an animal to become fossilized. c. Common modes of preservation: permineralization, petrifaction/petrification/silicification, mineral

replacement, cast/mold, imprint, actual remains. Uncommon modes of preservation include encasement in amber/copal, mummification, freezing, entrapment in tar/asphalt.

d. Relative dating: law of superposition, original horizontality, cross cutting relationships, unconformities (buried erosion surfaces).

e. Absolute dating: radiometric dating, half-life, carbon dating, volcanic ash layers. f. Geologic Time Scale g. Index Fossils h. Fossil bearing sedimentary rocks: limestone, shale, sandstone,

mudstone, coquina, etc. i. Modes of life: filter feeder, predator, scavenger, deposit feeder,

benthic, pelagic, etc. j. Environments: marine, terrestrial, fresh water, etc. k. Mineral and organic components of skeletons, shells, etc: (calcite, aragonite, silica, chitin) l. Taxonomic hierarchy: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species m. Adaptations and morphologic features of major fossils groups n. Important paleontological events and discoveries and their significance (e.g., Burgess Shale Permian

Extinction, feathered dinosaurs from China)

4. REPRESENTATIVE STATION TASKS: Possible questions, tasks, stations and/or examples: a. Identify each fossil and record its mode of preservation. b. Identify each of the fossils and list them in order from oldest to most recent. c. Identify each index fossil and record the geologic period(s) in its stratigraphic range. d. Based on the fossil and rock associations, determine the environment in which the organism lived. e. Construct a range chart and determine the age of the fossil assemblage. f. Identify the Genus of a sample trilobite and the type of rock in which the creature is embedded. g. Identify each dinosaur by name, record each specimen’s order and the geologic periods in its

stratigraphic range. 5. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the quality and accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the

accuracy and/or quality of responses to several pre-identified questions. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Smithsonian Fossil Handbook and the Fossil CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org The Smithsonian Fossil Handbook will serve as the primary authority on stratigraphic ranges of listed specimens, with the Audubon Society Fossil Field Guide as the secondary authority.

FOSSILSRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B19

GREEN GENERATION 1. DESCRIPTION: Students will demonstrate an understanding of general ecological principles, the history

and consequences of human impact on our environment, solutions to reversing trends and sustainability concepts.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: No APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring one 8.5”x11” sheet of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source. Each participant may bring any kind of non-graphing calculator, but no other resources.

3. THE COMPETITION: This event will be composed of three sections of approximately equal point value. This may include analysis, interpretation or use of charts, graphs and sample data. Note: Green Generation is designed for a two year rotation – the first year (2015) will cover aquatic issues, air quality issues and climate change while the second year (2016) will cover terrestrial issues and population growth issues.

a. Part 1: Review of the General Principles of Ecology i. General Principles of Ecology – food webs and trophic pyramids, nutrient cycling, community

interactions, population dynamics, species diversity and indicator species (2015 and 2016) ii. Overview of Aquatic Environments – freshwater, estuaries, marine (2015)

b. Part 2: Problems resulting from human impacts on the quality of our environment i. Aquatic Environmental Issues – Water Pollution, Ocean Dead Zones, Water Diversion,

Overfishing (2015) ii. Air Quality Issues – Acid rain, Air Pollution, Nuclear Pollution (2015) iii. Climate Change – Effects on Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems, Greenhouse Effect, and Ozone

Depletion (2015)

c. Part 3: Solutions to reversing/reducing human impacts that harm our environment i. Legislation and Economic Opportunity for Solving Problems (Div. C) (2015 and 2016) ii. Sustainability Strategies – Environmental Stewardship of Aquatic Ecosystems (2015) iii. Bioremediation Strategies (2015)

4. SCORING: Questions will be assigned point values. Students will be ranked from highest to lowest score. Ties will be broken by pre-determined tiebreaker questions.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Green Generation CD (GGCD) and the introductory Bio/Earth CD (BECD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org and see the American Chemical Society (ACS) Climate Science Toolkit at http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/climatescience.html

GREEN GENERATIONRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B20

METEOROLOGY

2015 METEOROLOGY-final 1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will use science process skills to demonstrate a multidisciplinary understanding of

the Earth systems and anthropogenic factors that influence world climate. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring two 8.5”x11” sheets of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source. Each student may bring any kind of (non-graphing) calculator.

3. THE COMPETITION: The topic for the 2015 Meteorology event is climate and climate change. Topics may include, but are limited to: a. Differences in understanding weather vs. climate b. Composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere:

i. Natural and anthropogenic gases and aerosols, and their sources, greenhouse gases, volcanic particulates

c. Solar radiation and Earth’s energy balance i. Albedo, longwave and shortwave radiation, including the Daisy World Model ii. Interactions of radiation with atmospheric gases and aerosols iii. Insolation: mechanisms causing daily and seasonal temperature variations

d. Climatic zones and their causes i. Understand the difference between the Köppen and Thornwaite climate classification systems. ii. Understand and be able to interpret climatographs iii. Effects of latitude, longitude and elevation (topography) on climate iv. Heat capacity: effects of land masses, bodies of water, soil composition and soil moisture on climate

e. Oceanic and atmospheric circulation mechanisms that affect climate i. Semi-permanent pressure cells and the three-cell model of atmospheric circulation. ii. El Nino and La Nina, thermohaline circulation and wind-driven oceanic currents, ocean heat transport

f. Natural climatic variations and feedbacks i. Effects of solar variability on climate: sunspots, solar maxima and minima, Milankovich cycles ii. Effect of volcanic atmospheric aerosols on climate iii. Feedbacks vs. forcing: Water vapor feedback, sea ice-albedo feedback, radiative forcing

g. Anthropogenic effects on climate i. Evidence for anthropogenic global warming ii. Greenhouse gases and the urban heat island effect iii. Aerosol direct and indirect effects including nuclear winter and contrails iv. Impacts of climate change, including impacts on extreme weather events

4. REPRESENTATIVE ACTIVITY: Predict the climate zones of a hypothetical island continent given its topography, latitude, longitude, and elevation. Examine a climatograph and determine if this might be a climate windward or leeward of a mountain range. Use visualizations of incoming radiation surface properties at different locations to predict the patterns in temperature variations at those locations. Draw a diagram of the elements in the sea ice-albedo feedback, including arrows to indicate direction and plus/minus signs to indicate a positive or negative feedback. Examine output from a Daisy World model and interpret it. Explain how the temperature of an object affects the wavelength of light it emits, and why this is important for the greenhouse effect.

5. SCORING: Points will be awarded according to the quality and accuracy of responses, the quality of supporting reasoning, and correct use of scientific terminology. Highest score wins. Several pre-identified questions will be used as tiebreakers. Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Audubon Weather (Meteorology) Guide and the Bio/Earth CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)


©2015-B21

PICTURE THIS

PICTURE THIS 1. DESCRIPTION: The objective is to have team members take turns drawing representations of a set of

scientific terms/concepts (not scientists) while the other team member(s) guesses the term being drawn. A TEAM OF: 3 MAXIMUM TIME ALLOWED: 4 minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: The supervisor will provide writing implements and paper (which will be kept for later documentation, if needed).

3. THE COMPETITION: a. Each team will have 4 minutes to complete up to 25 terms. All teams will use the same terms in the

same order. A definite order of rotation shall be followed. All team members will take turns drawing. The team may choose to pass, however, they cannot return to that term. The sketcher may not speak unless he/she chooses to pass the term.

b. Timing begins when the order of the draw has been determined and the supervisor gives the 1st sketcher the 1st term. No other team member may see the term. The sketcher will begin by drawing pictures and visual clues.

c. Letters of any alphabet, or numbers of any kind, are not allowed (it is the intent of this rule to prevent teams from inventing alphabets, codes, etc.). The following are acceptable symbols: arrows, a minus sign “-” to shorten a word, a plus “+” to lengthen a word (e.g., in response to “refract” from a team member, a “+” can be used to elicit the word “refraction”). All other symbols are not permitted unless they represent the word(s) given, (e.g., a circle for the word sun in a solar eclipse). The number of words not letters may be represented with underlines “__”.

d. Sketchers may not give visual clues with their hands or bodies except for supervisor demonstrated clues that will be accepted for such things as nodding yes or no, or to acknowledge a desired response from team members. Words may be broken into parts unrelated to the term (see examples on the website). If the science term consists of two or more words, the sketcher may write down any word (never parts of a word) that has been correctly identified but, only when the supervisors directs them to do so.

e. If a team violates any of the rules regarding the use of alphabets, numbers, verbal communication, etc., the term in play at the time of the violation will be counted as a pass.

f. The event judge will indicate when the correct term is given. Forms of the word will not be accepted with the exception of plurals and singulars, which will be accepted interchangeably. At this time, the next team member will be given a new term until the team has gone through their set of terms or the time expires.

4. SCORING: a. One point will be awarded for each term correctly identified in the

allotted time. The team correctly identifying the most terms will be declared the winner.

b. In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker is the fewest terms passed. Second tiebreaker is the shortest period of time to complete the entire list. Third tiebreaker will be the team with the longest string of consecutively correct words. The final tiebreaker would be those teams who identify the first word in the list not correctly identified by the other team.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Problem Solving and Technology CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Science terms used in “Picture This” may be found in the index or glossary of science dictionaries or textbooks. Care should be taken to ensure that selected terms represent a cross-sampling of science disciplines (e.g., Life, Earth, Physical Science, Technology and Inquiry).


©2015-B22

ROAD SCHOLARROAD SCHOLAR

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will answer interpretive questions that may use one or more state highway

maps, USGS topographic maps, Internet-generated maps, a road atlas or satellite/aerial images.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Participants should bring a protractor and a ruler, and may bring a USGS Map Symbol Sheet, a calculator, notes, reference materials, and other measuring devices. Computers are not permitted. The event supervisor will provide all required maps, question booklets, and response sheets. Event Supervisors will check the accuracy of reproduced maps/map sections prior to competition.

3. THE COMPETITION: The highway and quadrangle maps may be from one or more states. The event may be presented in a storyline format. Participants may be asked to draw map features located within a square section using the correct features listed in 3.c. This square will be included on the answer sheet. Participants may be asked to draw a topographic map profile that will be included on the answer sheet. Participants may not write on the maps.

a. Topographic Map Testing Areas

i. Map location/series/scale/index/legend ii. Marginal information iii. Contours iv. Magnetic declination v. Map symbols vi. Map features vii. Survey control marks

(control stations and spot elevations)

viii. Azimuths and bearings ix. *Stream gradient (feet per 1000 feet)

x. Distance values between features (both

English and metric units) xi. Geographic coordinate system features

and symbols (degrees, minutes, seconds) xii. Public Land Survey System (PLSS) xiii. Elevation of features and symbols xiv. *Slope (feet per 100 feet) xv. Sector Reference System xvi. Direction of stream flow xvii. *Profiles xviii. Graticule tick marks xix. *Universal Transversal Mercator (UTM)

b. Highway Map Testing Areas

i. Distances between features ii. Map legend/tables/index iii. Map grid system iv. Map symbols v. City/Regional inserts on the highway

map

c. Student-Created Map Design

i. Map scales ii. USGS topographic map symbol iii. Distances iv. Azimuths and bearings v. Public Land Survey System

* Items marked with an asterisk should be written at an introductory level for regional events.

4. SCORING: Teams will be ranked according to their point total. Values of questions may be weighted. Ties will be broken by the accuracy and/or quality of answers to pre-selected questions.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Road Scholar/Map Reading Coaches Manual on CD (RDCD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org Also see USGS Science education: http://education.usgs.gov/ and USGS Topographic Maps: http://education.usgs.gov/common/secondary.htm#topographic


©2015-B23

Ping-Pong Balls (4)

4 Stacks of 4 Pennies each

Zone A

Zone C Zone D Bonus Jug

Bonus Jug

Zone B

Starting position of

Robot Tennis Ball

Standard 2x4 Lego Blocks (4)

Robo-Cross 1. DESCRIPTION: Teams design and build a robot capable of performing certain tasks on a prescribed Field.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: No APPROXIMATE TIME: 5 minutes 2. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS:

a. Each team may enter only one Robot that must be built prior to the competition. b. The Robot may be controlled remotely by radio, infrared, or hard-wired control boxes. The Robot and

Controller(s) are defined as the Device. c. A commercial kit must have at least one functional modification, defined as a modification such that the lack

of it will result in the Robot not working or working differently. d. The Robot in the ready to run position must fit entirely inside an imaginary 28.0 cm cube. e. The Robot may drop passive components, but must not separate into two or more active components. f. All Robot motion must be powered only by electrical, elastic, or gravitational energy. These forms of energy

must not be converted to other forms such as hydraulics or pneumatics to power the Robot. g. Only commercial batteries may be used to energize each of the electrical circuits in the Robot and its

controller(s). Multiple batteries may be connected in series or parallel as long as the expected voltage output across any points does not exceed 14.4 volts as calculated using their labeled voltage. Teams must be able to show the event supervisor the labeled voltage at check-in. All power sources must be contained either in the Robot or as part of the controller(s).

h. Competitors must go to http://www.soinc.org/robo-cross_b, to check legal and permitted frequencies for the radio controlled equipment for surface devices.

i. Students must be able to answer questions regarding the design, construction, and operation of the device per the Building Policy found on www.soinc.org

3. TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION: In addition to the Device, teams must develop and submit at check-in (or as announced by the Director) the following three technical documents-see samples at www.soinc.org. a. Illustration (any form, photo, drawings, etc.) of the basic structure of the Device w/labels that must show:

i. All motors, numbered for reference in 3.b.i.; ii. All energy sources; iii. Controls used to interact with the Robot

b. Operating Description: i. Robot reaction to each control input, ii. Tentative/proposed plan of movement (i.e., which objects in the Competition Area will be moved and how the Robot plans to move each object)

c. Written Practice Log: i. Record at least 10 runs, ii. Record at least 3 parameters. The parameters recorded must include score and time. Any additional data recorded will qualify as the third parameter.

4. PLAYING FIELD: See diagram of the Playing Field a. The Playing Field must be a smooth, rigid, 4’ by 4’ nominal outer dimension surface. Acceptable surfaces

include, but are not limited to: hardboard, plywood, tile, hard foam board, etc. b. The perimeter of the Playing Field will have a border of commercial 1” x 2” (nominal, ¾” x 1½” actual) wood,

attached to the top surface of the field with the 2” dimension placed vertically. c. The Playing Field will be equally divided into square zones labeled

counterclockwise as A, B, C, D. Zone D will have a border of commercial 5/8” to 11/16” quarter round molding attached on the inside of Zone D’s borders. Rounded side must face Zone A and Zone C with the greater height placed vertically. Zones extend vertically from the playing surface.

d. The other interior boundaries must be designated by a line made with a fine tipped marker.

e. Zone A must contain a marked 28.0 cm square in the outside corner as the Robot Starting Position.

f. Zone B will contain all of the objects listed in 4.h. g. Playing field may be designed to fold or separate along the zone

boundaries. When in use they must not separate, and must not have more than 3 mm gaps or steps. One layer of tape, up to two inches wide, may be used to secure these seams.

h. At the start of the competition, the Event Supervisor must place the following objects in Zone B: 4 Ping-Pong balls (approx. diameter 38 mm), 16 pennies, 1 tennis ball, and 4 Lego bricks (standard 2 stud x 4 stud size), as shown in the Playing Field diagram. To prevent premature movement of Ping-Pong balls, the Event Supervisor may put on the Playing Field a small dimple or paper reinforcement rings.

i. The two Bonus Jugs must be the bottom of any plastic gallon jug (round/square/etc.) cut off to a height of 14.5 cm to 15.5 cm. One must be placed in the inside corner of Zone C the other in the far outside of Zone C, both with the opening facing away from Zone D. The jugs may be different.

Zone B

ROBO-CROSSRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B24

ROBO-CROSS (CONT.)

j. The Event Supervisor will supply the Playing Field, 2 Bonus Jugs, and objects in 4.h. 5. THE COMPETITION:

a. At check-in, the Event Supervisor inspects and measures the Device, selects 6 items from the Technical Documentation, and has the competitors point them out on their Device.

b. Before starting the competition, competitors must place their Robot in the designated starting position in the outside corner of Zone A. The Robot must be in ready to run configuration.

c. The competition must start by having the Event Supervisor verify that the Timers and competitors are ready. It is suggested that 3 Timers be used with the middle time recorded as the Run Time. The Event Supervisor will then count aloud “1, 2, 3, go”. Teams will be allowed three minutes, starting with the word “Go”, to complete the task of moving the objects into scoring areas.

d. The Robot may move the Bonus Jugs (which must remain inside the playing field in any zone). e. If an object is moved by the control wires, it must be out of play and must not be used to attain any points. f. Miscellaneous Robot parts may end up in or on the Bonus Jugs without penalty. g. The run must stop (and the time recorded to the precision of the instruments) when any of the following occurs

(none of these actions will move the team to a lower tier): i. Three minutes have elapsed from the word “Go” ii. The team says “Science” iii. Any part of the Robot or Bonus Jugs is Out-of-Bounds (i.e., touches the floor outside of the Playing Field) iv. The team touches the Robot, the Bonus Jugs, or the scorable objects v. The Robot is physically moved by the wires connecting it to a control box vi. A team member steps on the playing field after the team has received a warning

h. The Robot must stop within 2 seconds of the run completion. i. Any object moved/moving after the time has stopped must be scored where it was prior to that time. j. Teams who wish to file an appeal must leave their Documentation and Device with the Event Supervisor.

6. SCORING: At the end of the competition, points will be awarded based on the number and types of objects that are in the specified scoring areas and run time. High Score wins. a. If the Robot (parts touching the ground) is completely in:

i. Zone A at the end of the competition, the team will receive 0 points ii. Zone B at the end of the competition, the team will receive 3 points iii. Zone C at the end of the competition, the team will receive 5 points iv. Zone D at the end of the competition, the team will receive 15 points v. Robot parts (including dropped pieces) touching the ground in multiple zones, receive the lesser zone score.

b. Objects are scored by the zone they are in or over. Teams must receive the following points for each object moved into the following areas:

Object Quantity Points if in Zone C Points if in Zone D Pennies 16 1 2 Lego blocks 4 2 4 Ping-Pong Balls 4 3 6 Tennis ball 1 4 8

i. Each object must earn points for only a single zone. ii. Any object on the line or straddling 2 zones will receive the lower score. iii. A 2x bonus will apply to any object in or fully supported by the Bonus Jug while on its side. iv. A 3x bonus will apply to any object in or fully supported by the Bonus Jug if the opening is facing up. v. A 2x bonus will apply to any object if at least one object of that type is in or fully supported by each

Bonus Jug. No single object can be considered in both Bonus Jugs. vi. An object that touches Out of Bounds or is in a Jug which touches Out of Bounds, even if it is under

the control of the Robot, is out of play and may not be used to attain points. c. If a team has scored at least one point by moving objects, it must also receive 1 point for each second

between the stop time and the maximum 180 second time. d. The score must be reduced by 3 points for each incorrect identification from technical documentation in 5.a. e. Teams with incomplete Technical Documentation will have 5% deducted from their score. Teams with no

Technical Documentation will have 20% deducted from their score. f. Score = Robot Score + Object Score - Deductions + (180 - Run Time) g. Tie Breaker: Lowest mass of Device. h. Tier 1: Devices that meet all requirements are ranked by highest score. i. Tier 2: Devices with Competition violations are ranked by highest score. j. Tier 3: Devices with Construction and/or Competition violations are ranked by highest score. k. Participation Points only: Devices that violate the frequency rules or are unable to compete. l. No Show Points only: Devices that have no capability by design to score points by moving objects. Recommended Resource: The Robo-Cross DVD and training resources are available at www.soinc.org


©2015-B25

SIMPLE MACHINES 1. DESCRIPTION: This event includes activities and questions related to simple machines.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: None IMPOUND: Yes APPROX. TIME: 50 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: a. The event has two parts: Part 1 - written test on simple machines, and Part 2 - device testing. b. Competitors may bring a single pre-made device, tools, supplies, reference materials, writing utensils

and any type of calculators for use during both competition parts. Calculators do not need to be impounded.

c. The device and any tools and/or supplies must fit inside a box no larger than 100.0 cm x 100.0 cm x 50.0 cm (at impound) and must be impounded prior to the start of competition.

d. All reference materials to be used during all parts of the competition must be secured in a 3-ring binder, so that regardless of orientation nothing can fall out. Reference materials do not need to be impounded.

e. Event supervisors provide three masses labeled A, B, and C. A flexible loop, large enough to pass a standard golf ball through, must be tied to the top of each mass. The loops may be made from fishing line, zip ties, string, etc. The masses, including the fully stretched out flexible loop, must be able to fit inside of a 15.0 cm x 15.0 cm x 20.0 cm box.

f. Masses A, B, and C must be between 20.0 and 800.0g. The ratio of the largest mass to the smallest mass must not exceed 4:1 for Regionals, 5.5:1 for States and 7:1 for Nationals.

3. CONSTRUCTION: a. The device must be a class 1 lever with a single beam of length less than or equal to 80.0 cm. b. The device may be made out of any materials. Electric or electronic components are prohibited. c. The device must be constructed to accommodate the masses. d. The device must not include springs. e. Competitors must not bring masses or include them in devices except when fixed in place prior

to impound to obtain static equilibrium.

4. THE COMPETITION: All teams must be given the same total amount of time to complete both parts of the competition. a. Part 1: Written Test:

i. Questions must utilize only metric units. When requested, answers must be provided in metric units with the appropriate number of significant figures.

ii. The competition must consist of at least one question from each of the following areas: 1. Simple machine concepts (e.g., types, terminology) 2. Simple machine calculations (e.g., ideal / actual mechanical advantage, efficiency, load,

effort) iii. Questions are limited to the following static equilibrium simple machines, and must include at

least four of the following: 1. Lever (all three classes) 2. Inclined Plane 3. Wedge 4. Pulley (up to two double pulleys in a single system, also including belts) 5. Wheel and Axle (including gears)

iv. Prohibited topics include: compound machines, dynamic calculations, strengths of materials, potential / kinetic energy, coefficient of friction, screw simple machine, and angle of repose

SIMPLE MACHINESRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B26

SIMPLE MACHINES (CONT.)

b. Part 2: Device Testing

i. The objective is to quickly determine the ratios of three unknown masses using a lever. ii. While all teams are working on Part 1, the event supervisor will individually call each team to a

station. Multiple identical stations may be used, but all teams use identical masses. iii. Supervisors must verify that devices meet construction specifications. Devices that do not meet

construction specifications must not be tested until the devices comply with event specifications via modification with the tools and supplies brought by the team. Teams may use time allotted to Part 1 for this, but must not interfere with the device testing of other teams.

iv. Part 2 timing (not to exceed 4 minutes) begins when the event supervisor provides the masses to the competitors. The supervisor must ensure that the mass values are not revealed to any teams. Teams must not touch the masses until time begins.

v. Using the basic mathematical principles of a lever and adjusting only the relative positions along the lever beam of the masses and fulcrum, competitors must calculate the ratios of the masses. Teams may work with either two or three masses at a time. Teams may use their resources, calculators and tools to determine mass ratios.

vi. Competitors must not mark on, attach anything to, or modify the masses. vii. Part 2 timing stops when the competitors provide the supervisor with the calculated mass ratios

A/B and B/C or 4 minutes has elapsed. Event supervisors must record the elapsed time to the nearest whole second. No changes are allowed to the calculated value once timing stops.

5. SCORING: a. Exam Score (ES): The test used for Part 1 of this event must be worth 50 points. b. Time Score (TS) = ((240 - team’s part 2 time) / 240) x 10 points. c. Ratio Scores (R1 and R2) = (1-(abs (AR – CV) / AR)) x 20 points. The smallest possible R1 and R2

is 0. AR is the actual ratio of two of the masses (measured to the best precision of the equipment available to the event supervisor) and CV is the calculated value of the ratio. R1 uses ratio A/B, R2 uses ratio B/C.

d. Teams with no device or ratio estimates, those that miss impound, or those that do not make an honest attempt to utilize a lever to determine the mass ratios receive R1 & R2 & TS of 0.

e. Final Score (FS) = ES + R1 + R2 + TS. The maximum possible FS is 100 points. High score wins. f. Tie Breakers: 1st - Best ES; 2nd - Best TS; 3rd - specific test questions.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Chem/Phy Sci CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org


©2015-B27

SOLAR SYSTEMSOLAR SYSTEM

1. DESCRIPTION: Students will demonstrate an understanding and knowledge of the properties and

evolution of extraterrestrial ice and water in the solar system.

A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes

2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring two 8.5”x11” sheets of paper that may contain information on both sides in any form from any source. Each student may bring any kind of calculator.

3. THE COMPETITION: This event is divided into two parts. Notes may be used during both parts.

a. Part I: Participants may be asked to identify the planets, moons, and features included in the lists below as they appear on maps or imagery and must be knowledgeable about the history and processes involving ice and water for objects listed below.

i. Mars: North Polar Ice Cap, South Polar Ice Cap, Equatorial Glaciers, and Permafrost ii. Europa: Thrace Macula, Thera Macula, Conamara Chaos, Ridges, Cycloids, Plains, and Oceans iii. Enceladus: Plumes, and Tiger Stripes iv. Iapetus, Triton, Ceres, and Titan v. Comets, The Kuiper Belt, and The Oort Cloud

b. Part II: Participants will be asked to complete one or more hands-on or interpretive tasks selected from the following topics: i. History of and formation processes for specific formations above ii. Remote sensing, imagery, and satellite measurements of formations above iii. Physical, thermal, and chemical properties of potential habitats for life iv. Past, current, and planned future missions to explore these objects v. Phase diagrams and different crystalline forms of water ice

4. SAMPLE PERFORMANCE TASKS:

a. Given a set of images of a particular feature, identify the planetary body on which that feature occurs and describe a hypothesis that explains how that feature was formed.

b. Given a set of satellite measurements, compare the temperature and composition of different regions across a given planetary body.

c. Use a phase diagram to determine what phase water should be in on different regions of a planet.

5. SCORING: Each task or question will be assigned a predetermined number of points. High score wins determined by the total number of points. Ties will be broken by the accuracy and thoroughness of responses.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Bio/Earth CD (BECD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org or on following websites: solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/, saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/ mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/, solarsystem.nasa.gov/galileo/, dawn.jpl.nasa.gov/, sci.esa.int/juice/, mars.jpl.nasa.gov/express, europa.seti.org

THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY: The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG)


©2015-B28

WHEELED VEHICLE

WHEELED VEHICLE - 2015 1. DESCRIPTION: Competitors must design, build, and test one vehicle that uses a non-metallic, elastic

material as its sole means of propulsion to travel a specific distance and around an obstacle as quickly as possible and stop as close as possible to a Finish Point. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: Yes EYE PROTECTION: #5 TIME: 8 Minutes

2. SAFETY PARAMETERS: Competitors must wear eye protection during set-up and testing of their vehicle. Teams without proper eye protection must be immediately informed and given an opportunity to obtain eye protection if time allows (if not, teams are not allowed to compete).

3. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS: a. Vehicles must be designed as a single integral device to travel a distance between 9.00 m and 12.00 m and

come to a complete stop as close as possible to a Finish Point. The exact Target Distance (in 1.00 m intervals for regional, 0.50 m intervals for state and 0.10 m intervals for national tournaments) must be chosen by the Event Supervisor and be made known only after all vehicles have been impounded.

b. All energy used to propel the vehicle must be stored in a non-metallic elastic device. Metallic parts attached to the elastic are permitted provided they do not provide energy to the vehicle. It may be left unattached until just prior to the run. Pre-loaded energy storage devices may be used to operate other vehicle functions (e.g., braking system) as long as they do not provide energy to propel the vehicle.

c. All wheels must fit in a ready to run configuration in a 25.0 cm x 60.0 cm space (no height restriction). d. A single ¼ inch wooden dowel must be attached to the front end of the vehicle. The dowel must be

approximately perpendicular to the floor and must be the leading part of the vehicle at all times. i. The dowel must extend to at least 35.0 cm from the floor to interrupt the laser, which must be placed

approximately 30.0 cm above the floor. ii. The dowel must also extend to within 1.0 cm of the track’s surface so that its front bottom edge will be

the vehicle’s Measurement Point for distance measurements. e. No part of the vehicle, except a dowel attachment device of no more than 2.0 cm, can extend beyond

the front of the ¼ inch dowel during its entire run. f. Competitors must start the vehicle by using any part of an unsharpened #2 pencil with an unused eraser

(provided by the Event Supervisor) to actuate a trigger. The trigger must be designed so that its actuation is perpendicular (vertical) to the floor. A non-vertically actuated trigger is a construction violation. The vehicle must remain at the starting position without being touched until triggered.

g. Only the wheels, drive strings, and elastic material with attachment clips, if any, are allowed to contact the floor at any time. Piece(s) falling off the vehicle during the run will result in a construction violation.

h. The vehicle must not be remotely controlled or tethered. i. No electrical or electronic devices may be used on the vehicle, its alignment devices or any tools (with the

exception of any type of calculator). The stopping mechanism must work automatically. j. Students must be able to answer questions regarding the design, construction, and operation of the

device per the Building Policy found on www.soinc.org 4. THE TRACK: At the Event Supervisor’s discretion, more than one track may be used. Teams must be given

the option to choose which track they will use. Both runs by a team must be made on the same track. a. The track must be on a smooth, level, and hard surface. Space is needed on each side of the track’s center

path and beyond the Finish Point to allow for error in the vehicle’s path and to accommodate both left and right turning vehicles. See www.soinc.org for track setup.

b. The Event Supervisor must use approx. 5 cm long by 1-inch wide pieces of tape to mark the Start and Finish Lines (with Start and Finish Points marked in the center of each line). The distance between the Start and Finish Points must be measured to within 1 mm of the Target Distance.

c. The Lines for timing must also be marked with 1-inch wide tape at 0.50 m and 8.50 m from the Start Line. d. A weighted #10 can (approx. 6 3/16 inches in diameter x 7 inches high) must be placed on the track

centered on the midpoint between the Start and Finish Points. e. A Photogate timing system is highly recommended. Go to www.soinc.org for information.

5. THE COMPETITION: Teams filing an appeal must leave their vehicle with the Event Supervisor. a. The vehicle, extra elastic devices and interchangeable parts needed to adjust the vehicle must be

impounded before the start of the competition. Tools for adjusting the vehicle, test data, and measuring/calculating devices to assist in making accurate vehicle adjustments need not be impounded.

b. Only competitors and the Event Supervisors will be allowed in the vehicle impound and track areas while teams are competing. Once competitors enter the event area, they must not leave the area or receive outside assistance, materials, or communication.


©2015-B29

WHEELED VEHICLE (CONT.)

c. Teams must be given 8 minutes to set up their vehicle and complete up to two runs. If the second run has started before the 8 minutes has elapsed, it must be allowed to run to completion. Measurements by the Event Supervisor must not be included in this time.

d. Teams may adjust their vehicle before each run (e.g., change its elastic device, speed, distance, directional control, or make other changes from impounded parts) while in the start area and within their 8 minutes providing the vehicle continues to meet specifications.

e. Teams may ask that the can be moved before each run in order to align and aim their vehicle. The can must be moved only by the event officials and replaced before the run occurs.

f. Teams may use their own measuring devices to verify the track dimensions during their 8 minutes. They must not roll the vehicle on or adjacent to the track surface between the start and finish line at any time prior to or during the competition.

g. Substances that may damage the floor or interfere with subsequent runs must not be applied to the wheels or floor. During their time, competitors may clean the track but it must remain dry at all times.

h. Teams must place the tip of the Vehicle’s Measurement Point over the Start Point. i. Sighting and/or aiming devices placed on the track are permitted but must be removed before the vehicle

begins its run. Aligning and sighting devices mounted on the vehicle may be removed at the team’s discretion prior to each run.

j. If a vehicle does not move sufficiently to move the Vehicle’s Measurement Point off the tape upon actuation of the trigger, it must not count as a run and the students may request another try at a run within their 8 minutes.

k. Run Time starts when the dowel of the vehicle reaches the 0.50 m Line and ends when it passes the 8.50 m Line. The Run Time must be recorded in seconds to the precision of the timing device used.

l. Contact with the # 10 can is allowed and will not be penalized. m. Once the vehicle starts a run, the competitors must not follow it and must wait until called by the Event

Supervisor. n. The team’s 8 minutes timing stops when the vehicle stops to allow for the judges measurements. Timing

resumes once the competitors pick up the vehicle or begin making their own measurements. o. If the vehicle passes the 0.50 m Line but stops before the 8.50 m Line, the timekeepers record the stop

time, the distance measurement is taken, and the run is scored with a Competition Violation. p. A Failed Run occurs if the vehicle travels in the wrong direction, if a second run does not occur in the 8

minutes, or if the time or distance cannot be measured for a vehicle (e.g., it starts before the Event Supervisor is ready, if it moves but does not go at least 0.50 m, or the competitors pick it up before it is measured).

6. SCORING: High score wins. a. Each Run Score = Time Score + Distance Score + Penalties b. Time Score = Run Time x 5. c. Distance Score = the distance from the Measurement Point to the Finish Point in centimeters measured to

the nearest 0.1 cm, a point-to-point measurement. d. A warning for not correctly wearing eye protection must incur a penalty of 200 points. e. A Competition Violation must incur a Penalty of 1000 points per occurrence. f. A Failed Run must incur a Penalty of 1500 points. g. A Construction Violation must incur a penalty of 3000 points. h. A vehicle which was not impounded during the impound period must incur a penalty of 4000 points. i. The Final Score must be 5000 minus the sum of the two run scores. j. Ties must be broken by this sequence: 1. Better Total Distance Score; 2. Faster Total Time Score k. Teams whose vehicle cannot complete a run within the 8 minutes or those who have two Failed Runs

must be given participation points. Scoring Example: At a competition, on the first run, a vehicle stopped 67.6 cm from the Finish Point with a measured Run Time of 6.67 s. On the second run, the vehicle stopped 21.3 cm from the Finish Point with a measured Run time of 5.85 s but incurred a Competition Penalty of 1000 points. Run #1 Score: (6.67 x 5) + 67.6 + 0 = 100.95 Run #2 Score: (5.85 x 5) + 21.3 + 1000 = 1050.55 Sum of Run Scores: 100.95 + 1050.55 = 1151.5 Final Score: 5000 - 1151.5 = 3848.5 Recommended Resources: The Wheeled Vehicle DVD (WVD) and the Problem Solving/Technology CD (PTCD) are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org


©2015-B30

WRITE IT/DO IT

1. DESCRIPTION: One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from this description.

A TEAM OF: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 55 Minutes

2. THE COMPETITION:

a. A student is shown an object (which may be abstract, is the same for all teams and ideally one per team) built from, but not limited to, such items as science materials, inexpensive materials (e.g., straws, push pins, Styrofoam balls, paper cups, Popsicle sticks, etc.) or commercial sets (e.g., Googoplex, K’nex, Tinker Toys, Lego, Lincoln Logs, etc.).

b. The student has twenty-five (25) minutes to write a description of the object and how to build it. There will be no advantage to finishing early. Only numerals, words and single letters may be used. Symbols, drawings and diagrams are not allowed, with the exception of common punctuation and editing symbols. Printable punctuation marks/editing symbols that can be produced on a PC standard 101 key keyboard by pressing a single key or a single key in combination with the shift key may be used, however these must be used in their normal context and not as symbols to form a key/code. All abbreviations (not symbols) must be defined either at the beginning or when the abbreviation is first used. No prepared abbreviations on labels will be permitted. Note: quotation marks or apostrophes may be used for inches or feet.

c. The supervisor of the event will pass the description to the remaining team member who will take the description and attempt to recreate (build) the original object in twenty (20) minutes.

d. Supervisors will attempt to use different materials than the materials that were used last year.

3. SCORING:

a. The team that builds the object nearest to the original and has properly written instructions is declared the winner.

b. Points will be given for each piece of material placed in the proper connection and location compared to the model.

c. Pieces that are connected correctly beyond the incorrect connection will be counted in the score. No penalty will be assessed for parts that were not used.

d. Scoring Violations: Use of diagrams or drawings will result in disqualification. A one percent (1%) penalty of the total possible score will be assessed for each minor infraction (e.g., unlabeled abbreviations or improper use of editing symbols or codes). Scoring Example: If the total possible score is 50 and a team had seven infractions then 3.5 points [7(50x.01)=3.5] would be deducted from their score.

e. Time for the construction phase will be used as a tiebreaker.

Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Problem Solving and Technology CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at www.soinc.org

WRITE IT/DO ITRead the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.

©2015-B31

GENERAL RULES

GENERAL RULES, CODE OF ETHICS AND SPIRIT OF THE PROBLEM The goal of competition is to give one's best effort while displaying honesty, integrity, and good sportsmanship. Everyone is expected to display courtesy and respect (see Science Olympiad Pledges). Teams are expected to make an honest effort to follow the rules and the spirit of the problem (not interpret the rules so they have an unfair advantage). Failure by a participant, coach, or guest to abide by these codes, accepted safety procedures, or rules below, may result in an assessment of penalty points or, in rare cases, disqualification by the tournament director from the event, the tournament, or future tournaments.

1. Actions and items (e.g., tools, notes, resources, supplies, electronics, etc.) are permitted, unless they areexplicitly excluded in the rules, are unsafe, or violate the spirit of the problem.

2. While competing in an event, students may not leave without the event supervisor’s approval and must notreceive any external assistance. All electronic devices capable of external communication (including cellphones) must be turned off, unless expressly permitted in the event rule and left in a designated spot ifrequested.

3. Students, coaches and other adults are responsible for ensuring that any applicable school or ScienceOlympiad policy, law, or regulation is not broken. All Science Olympiad content (e.g., policies,requirements, clarifications, FAQs, etc. on www.soinc.org) must be treated as if it were included in theprinted rules.

4. All pre-built devices presented for judging must be constructed, impounded, and operated by one or moreof the 15 current team members unless stated otherwise in the rules. If a device has been removed fromthe event area, appeals related to that device will not be considered.

5. Officials are encouraged to apply the least restrictive penalty for rules infractions (see examples inthe Scoring Guidelines). Event supervisors must provide prompt notification of any penalty,disqualification or tier ranking.

6. State and regional tournament directors must notify teams of any site-dependent rule or other rulemodification with as much notice as possible, ideally at least 30 days prior to the tournament.

Tentative Schedule for the 2015 National Tournament at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE

Division B Event ScheduleEVENT 7:00 a.m. 8:10 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:10 p.m. 2:20 p.m.

to to to to BREAK to to to8:00 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 10:20 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 2:10 p.m. 3:20 p.m.Impound WALK IN MUST REPORT BY 2:00 PM

# 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60# 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10#21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20

WALK IN MUST REPORT BY 2:00 PM#31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30#41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40#51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50

All Teams# 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60

WALK IN MUST REPORT BY 2:00 PM# 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10#21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20#31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30#41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40#51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50# 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60

# 11-20 #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10WALK IN MUST REPORT BY 2:00 PM

Impound #21-30 #31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20#31-40 #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30

Impound WALK IN MUST REPORT BY 2:00 PM

Air TrajectoryAnatomy & PhysiologyBio Process LabBottle RocketBridge BuildingCan't Judge a PowderCrave the WaveCrime BustersDisease DetectivesDynamic PlanetElastic Launch GliderEntomologyExperimental DesignFossilsGreen GenerationMeteorologyPicture ThisRoad ScholarRobo-CrossSimple MachinesSolar SystemWheeled VehicleWrite It Do It #41-50 #51-60 # 1-10 # 11-20 #21-30 #31-40


©2015-B32

Exploring the World of Science

Science Olympiad wishes to acknowledge the following business, government and education leaders for partnering with our organization. Working together, we can increase global competitiveness,

improve science and technology literacy and prepare the STEM workforce of the future.

Thanks to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015 National Tournament Host), University of Central Florida (2014 National Tournament Host), Combined Federal Campaign, FOX Broadcasting, Lockheed Martin, NBC Universal Foundation, US Air Force, ACE Hardware, ArcelorMittal, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist

Challenge, DuPont Center for Collaborative Research and Education, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Texas Instruments,

University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), US Army, VWR Foundation, Ward’s Science, Academy of Model Aeronautics, Chandra X-Ray Center, Investing in Communities, MAKE

Magazine, NASA, National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC), Society for Neuroscience (SfN) and Yale Young Global Scholars. Strategic Partners: American Association for

the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Hardware Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Maker Education Initiative and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).

Science OlympiadTwo Trans Am Plaza, Suite 415

Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

See the Science Olympiad website: www.soinc.org for current informationregarding Summer Institutes, Teaching Guides, CDs, DVDs, and Standards

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