SCIENCE OLYMPIAD MISSION Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education, increasing male, female and minority interest in science, creating a technologically-literate workforce and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participating in Science Olympiad tournaments and non-competitive events, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attending teacher training institutes.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD GOALS

• To create a passion for learning science by supporting elementary and secondary Science Olympiad tournaments at building, district, county, state and national levels with an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence.

• To improve the quality of K-12 science education throughout the nation by changing the way science is perceived and the way it is taught (with an emphasis on problem solving and hands-on, minds-on constructivist learning practices). This goal is accomplished through in-depth core curriculum training workshops and the distribution of curriculum materials.

• To celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievement of both students and teachers in the areas of science and technology by awarding thousand of certificates, medals, trophies and scholarships.

• To promote partnerships among community, businesses, industry, government and education.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TOURNAMENT GOALS

• To bring science to life, to show how science works, to emphasize problem solving aspects of science and the understanding of science concepts.

• To develop teamwork and cooperative learning strategies among students.

• To make science education more exciting so more students will enroll in science courses and engage in other science activities like science reading, fairs, meetings and field trips.

• To promote high levels of achievement and a commitment to excellence, to demonstrate that American students can perform at levels that surpasses expectations of even practicing scientists and engineers.

• To attract more students particularly females and minorities to professional and technical careers in science, technology and science teaching.

WHAT IS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD?

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, training workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments. Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of team events, which students prepare for during the year. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science concepts, process skills and science applications. In addition, during the day there are open house activities that consist of science and mathematics demonstrations,

activities and career counseling sessions conducted by professors and scientists at the host institution occurring concurrently with the events. Many states and regions have organized physics, biology or chemistry competitions, but few have combined all disciplines in one large Science Olympiad. The excitement of many students from all science areas competing and cheering one another on to greater learning caused one school district to coin the phrase "intellete". When they searched for a place to house their newly won Science Olympiad State Championship trophy, the only location available was outside the principal's office in the "athlete" showcase, so they convinced the school board to build an "intellete" showcase. One of the goals of the Science Olympiad is to elevate science education and learning to a level of enthusiasm and support that is normally reserved only for varsity sports programs.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD SUCCESSES

The Science Olympiad is modeled after successful Science Olympiad tournaments held in Delaware and Michigan that were introduced by Dr. Gerard J. Putz, Regional Science Center Director, Macomb Intermediate School District in Michigan and Jack Cairns, Science Supervisor, Delaware Department of Public Instruction. In these states, the following observations have been made: If success can be measured by the number of students attending the competition, then the Science Olympiads are successful. Attendance has increased each year in both states. In Michigan, attendance increased from 600 students participating the first year to over two million today. In Delaware, 95% of the public secondary schools participate. After students attend Science Olympiad for the first time, they usually return each year until they graduate from high school. If success can be measured by increasing science enrollments at home schools at a time of falling enrollments, then Science Olympiads are successful. Many schools report increased student interest in science and increased enrollment in science classes. Some schools have reported a doubling of science class enrollments and a need to hire more science teachers. If success can be measured by the number of science teachers

across the nation that support the effort, then the Science Olympiad is successful. Last year, more than 14,000 elementary and secondary schools participated in the Science Olympiad programs. All events require teamwork, group planning and cooperation. The emphasis is on learning, participation, interaction, having fun and developing team spirit. Coaches and students are reminded of the words of Bill Koch (Olympic Cross Country Ski medal winner), who said, "Winning isn't everything. The striving for excellence is - it's the trying and the caring that is important - winning is a bonus."

COOPERATION AND COMPETITION

The Science Olympiad Steering Committee concurs with research done by Drs. David and Roger Johnson, Dr. Madeline Hunter, Dr. Benjamin Bloom and Dr. Harry Wong that cooperation and teamwork, practicing toward an objective, improving skills through competition and making learning exciting through motivational activities are essential ingredients in attaining academic excellence. Dr. Bloom, in an article titled, "Talent Development vs. Schooling," described the process by which individuals reached extremely high levels of accomplishment. One of his conclusions was that competitions played a major role in the success of each talent area participant. "In each talent field there are frequent events (recitals, contests, concerts) in which the child's special capabilities are displayed publicly, and there are significant rewards and approval for meritorious accomplishments." He said children are spurred to greater learning efforts in anticipation of the public event and that such public events are a means of making the child's progress and development real and important. He concluded that they also bring participants into direct contact with one another and provide opportunities to exchange experiences and to observe and get to know outstanding peer and adult models of the talent. Other research conducted by Calvin W. Taylor of the University of Utah has concluded, "Extra-curricular training experiences and accomplishments do show noticeable predictive power of later adult performance, achievement, and accomplishments." The value and implication of being involved in such

extra-curricular activities as the Science Olympiad is apparent for developing productive high performing adults. With regard to predicting college success other than SAT scores and school grades, Educational Testing Service observed that "productive follow-through" defined as "persistent and successful extra-curricular accomplishment" indeed was the strongest predictor of leadership and significant independent accomplishment and clearly useful in predicting most overall college success.

DIVISIONS/GRADE LEVELS/TEAM LIMIT

Currently, there are four Science Olympiad divisions: Division A1 (grades K-3); Division A2 (grades 3-6); Division B (grades 6-9); and Division C (grades 9-12). A maximum of five (5) 9th grade (on a Division B team) and seven (7) 12th grade (on a Division C team) students is permitted. Students on the team must be from the membership school; and a school is considered to be a separate school if it has a separate administrator. Recruiting from neighboring schools, districts, counties or states is not permitted. (If you are a home-educated student, please see our national Home School Policy.) Because middle schools that do not have grades 8 or 9 are at a slight disadvantage, they may invite any combination of up to five (5) of their last year's 7th or 8th grade students to be part of the team. For example:

• A school with grades X-9 can only have 5 students from grade 9 (in their current enrollment)

• A school with grades X-8 can only bring back 5 students from grade 9 (from the previous year's enrollment of 8th grade students)

• A school with grades X-7 can only bring back 5 students from grade 8 or 9 (from the previous year's enrollment of 7th or 8th grade students)

MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION

Since 1985, Science Olympiad has required 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 or $4 per student). There is no exception to this requirement, regardless of what a single team or multiple team from the same school is called (Varsity, Junior Varsity, Alternate Team, Extra Team, Team Two, Team B, etc.). If a school does permit multiple teams from the same school, Science Olympiad recommends that the best team or at least the best members from the school be permitted to advance to the next level of competition. No school, region or state Science Olympiad organization is allowed to alter or amend these national membership requirements. Please see the Science Olympiad Copyright Statement outlining use of Science Olympiad Rules and procedures at sanctioned tournaments. Members are asked to pay only a small fraction of the approximately $290 annual cost to support each member. No part of the National membership fee has been used to pay for the Science Olympiad National Tournament or administrative office expenses, which are generously supplied by sponsors, contributions, host institutions, thousands of volunteers and other income.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Each team receives a Science Olympiad Rules Manual - developed by the six Rules Committees which meet, plan and write year-round; aligned to the National Education Science Standards

• Each team receives eligibility to participate and advance in Local, Invitational, Regional, State and National Tournaments

• Each team is provided access to resources on the national Science Olympiad web site, including Power Point presentations, sample tests, videos, surveys and the Frequently Asked Questions forum

• Each team is provided the opportunity to win Scholarships (over $2,500,000 has been awarded to National winners)

• Each sanctioned Science Olympiad tournament is granted access to the one million dollar Science Olympiad Chapter and Club Liability Policy

• Each state receives first, second and third place medals and trophies from Science Olympiad

• Each state organization receives training and materials throughout the

year and at the annual three-day State Directors and Event Supervisors Meeting (room, board and materials courtesy of Science Olympiad)

• Each state organization receives marketing materials such as brochures, grant templates, press articles, administrative materials and DVDs

• Each state organization receives public relations, grant-writing assistance, director communication, national policy writing and sponsor reports

• Each state organization and its members benefit from Science Olympiad National Partnerships and Sponsors, which provide workshop presenters, free equipment (such as probes and calculators), dedicated web sites, educational resources, DVDs, books, school visits, access to grant programs, free trips and awards, national publicity, in-kind support, event supervision and regional funding

AWARDS

Athletic-style medals will be given for each event. In addition, championship trophies will be awarded to the Division B and C school teams compiling the most total points during the Science Olympiad tournament. A team may participate in one or all of the events within its division.

HISTORY

Science Olympiad began when Dr. Gerard J. Putz, Regional Science Consultant for Macomb County Intermediate School District in Michigan, invited John C. "Jack" Cairns, State Science Supervisor for Delaware Department of Instruction, to share the Science Olympiad program with Macomb County educators on March 29, 1982. The invitation was prompted by an article on the Delaware Science Olympiad (The Science Teacher, December 1977) written by Douglas Macbeth, past Delaware State Science Supervisor, that was brought to Dr. Putz's attention by

Michigan Science Teachers Association President David Larwa. The Delaware Science Olympiad was patterned after similar events in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. After two successful workshops at the Macomb Intermediate School District (March 1982) and the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Estate (January 1983), science education leaders in Southeastern Michigan planned two very successful tournaments at Lawrence Institute of Technology (April 1983) and Oakland University (May 1984). These two tournaments were so successful that Dr. Putz convinced Mr. Cairns that they should share the program with the rest of the nation. The Science Olympiad program was presented to the Council of State Science Supervisors at the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference in Boston in 1984 and sponsors were solicited from the conference exhibitors. Dr. Putz's experience with the Army (Lt. Col. Air Defense Artillery, retired) and the understanding of its continued need for a high-tech modern work force led him to the Army's booth. After much discussion, the Army decided to sponsor a National Leadership Seminar to determine the level of interest before they committed to sponsoring the first Science Olympiad National Tournament. Leaders from all 50 states and Puerto Rico were invited to this first seminar at the St. Clair Inn in Michigan in the summer of 1984. Event supervisors, coaches and students so impressed the United States Army Recruiting Command (USAREC) executives and the N.W. Ayer advertising agency that the Army decided to sponsor Science Olympiad's national founding. The first annual Science Olympiad National Tournament was hosted by Michigan State University in May, 1985, with 17 states participating. Currently in 2011, there are 6,000 secondary schools from 49 states participating, with an additional 10,000 elementary schools holding Science Olympiad tournaments or hands-on events.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TEAM

A Science Olympiad team is composed of up to fifteen students for Divisions B and C. The rules for each event should be read thoroughly by the coach before choosing the team and again by each member of the

team to be certain that everyone has the same understanding of the rules.

Science Olympiad events are designed to use a variety of intellectual and practical skills. Some events require a quick recall of specific facts, while others require concept development, a process skill, or an application of a specific concept. Some events require general knowledge while others require a specific skill. Others may require a student to build an apparatus. A few years ago a youngster in an introductory science class won the titration event. This young man had incredible manual dexterity. He could almost make a burette talk. He and a partner (a two-person team event) entered the titration race. He did the titration while his partner did the actual calculations. The winning combination in this case was someone who could master the physical manipulation teamed with someone to do the calculations. We encourage you to represent your entire school population on the team.

It may be advantageous to "load" the team with seniors who presumably have taken biology, earth science, chemistry and physics or other advanced science. However, it may also be advantageous to "load" the team with sophomores or juniors whose knowledge of one or more of the sciences is more recent than that of a senior. This also gives the coach the opportunity to "build for the future" or to have a team at a later date that is more experienced. This makeup also allows the coach to use the Science Olympiad as a motivational device. It helps the teacher and the school celebrate the studentʼs success. Students who placed in an event one year will return to school the next year and tell their friends that you are a superior coach and encourage these friends to try to make the team. It is also a good idea to get a student with a specific skill such as computer expertise.

Check the schedule of events carefully. Do not over-commit any one student. In some schools a single coach arbitrarily chooses the makeup of the team and this is permissible. In other schools, the science department chooses the team members. In other schools, an intramural or invitational competition is used to select certain members of the team. Use the rules of

the Science Olympiad to run a practice activity. Consider having several preliminary "heats" culminating in an assembly format for the entire school to finally arrive at the "best" students for the event. These preliminary rounds build interest and suspense for the actual Science Olympiad. Many schools conduct their own "mini" Science Olympiad, inviting the entire school to compete for a place on the team going to the regional competition.

SCHEDULING TIPS FOR COACHES

With 23 events and only 15 team members, scheduling your team to cover every event can be a difficult task. There are several things to keep in mind when scheduling, which may make your job a little easier.

• Students with a wider background in a variety of science areas are easier to schedule.

• The first task is to schedule students into their "strong" event if this is possible.

• Note the times and places of events so students will not be covering too much physical ground. If the events are in the same building and back-to-back, the same team members can probably participate.

• Schedule "back-up" team members to be present in case an event was late in starting or ending and an originally scheduled team member(s) can't make it. This is not always possible but the coach can ask team members who are "free" to check events during that "free" time to make sure they are covered. This contingency plan is often used.

• Certain events, such as building events, do not require the person building the entry to be there. The entry is considered a team effort so any official team member (not an alternate) can cover the event. This can "free up" members for another event which requires their specific talent or time (if an event runs late).

A student should be encouraged to seek additional sources of information from libraries, college professors, the Internet, or community resource personnel. However, adults doing the actual physical work involved (i.e.,

building a device) is strictly forbidden. Adults may provide guidance and suggestions, but students should translate that information into an actual design. Commercially finished or bought products and those completed by adults will be disqualified except where specifically permitted

Last minute problems such as bad weather for outdoor activities may make it necessary for you to move your students into a different event. Be sure you cross-train students so they can be flexible enough and adventuresome enough to accept this challenge. These students may be placed on the official roster up to the day of the tournament. Every coach has the same difficulty. Students get sick, parents won't let them participate, the date of the Science Olympiad conflicts with other events. Every coach faces the same problems. Relax! Have a good day! The youngsters on your team have already received recognition by your having placed them on the team! Placing in one or more events is icing on the cake!

No teacher or school can buy the positive "PR" gained by placing in one or more of the Science Olympiad events. There is a renaissance of interest in excellence by public schools. All communities are looking at their schools critically. They want to know how to make them better. Placing in a Science Olympiad event would help schools confirm that quality instruction is taking place in the science classrooms. Several teachers have been commended by their Boards of Education because of their excellent showing in a Science Olympiad and many teachers have received letters of commendation from the legislature or the Governor for winning first place.

PRE-SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

Many schools have had pep rallies to send off their Science Olympiad teams. They have team hats, warm-ups, flags, banners and cheers. Some teams have had a parade and police escort out of town on their way to the National Science Olympiad Tournament.

Local papers have run articles on preparation for events. You may be able to get a "good luck" letter from a mayor, city council, local congressman or other local celebrity. Be sure to get publicity from your local school district's newsletter and town newspaper.

You may wish to develop a Power Point or a DVD/Video presentation on your participation in the Science Olympiad. Start with the work done in getting ready and the relationship of Science Olympiad events to your Districtʼs or Stateʼs Science Education Standards.

CURRICULUM

In addition to the need to publicize and recognize our young people, there is also a need to take a longer look at our curriculum guides in science and our daily lesson plans. Have we really included process skills in a meaningful way in our courses? Do we have students complete work in a laboratory situation weekly? Do we perform demonstrations to illustrate the concepts and facts that we want our students to understand? A student cannot become proficient in the manipulation and use of laboratory equipment overnight. A planned sequence of experiences throughout their school experience would allow the students to feel confident as they attempt to meet the challenges of the Science Olympiad's laboratory competitions. The same would be true for construction projects. Students need to be assigned low risk, high interest, well-defined, designed for-success projects. Once they reach success in these simpler projects, something more complex will not unnerve them.

Finally, look at each of our science classes. Could we make them a little more interesting by using interesting Science Olympiad learning techniques? Occasionally, we could introduce or review a concept or chapter by doing Write It-Do It, Science Word, Experimental Design, etc. Teaching is hard work, but Science Olympiad can make it fun and exciting as well as challenging!

POST-SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

After a local, state or the national finals of the Science Olympiad, do not forget to celebrate your success. At the very least, recognize the members of the team. Have their participation announced in an article of the school newspaper and have their names and events read over the school's intercom. Submit a short article in the local newspaper. Call local radio stations, including popular teen music stations. Arrange to have the youngsters accept their "Certificate of Outstanding Performance" at a school assembly or a "Breakfast with Champions". Then collect the certificates from the youngsters and make arrangements to have the local Board of Education award these certificates again at a regular meeting. The press is usually present at official school board meetings. Consider asking students to display or demonstrate their event or devices.

If any of the students or team won a medal or trophy, collect them after a few days and develop a display for the principal's office or science display case. Include pictures of the students accepting the award. If none are available, have the school photographer take pictures for inclusion in the display. Make certain that the team's picture is given to the yearbook editor for inclusion as an important student activity.

Again, see to it that those students who placed in an event receive appropriate recognition. Have the principal, at a school assembly, place the medal around their neck as was done at the Science Olympiad awards assembly/banquet. Be sure to also recognize parents and organizations that helped sponsor your team.

Nothing succeeds like success! Recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of your talented students. The positive public relations that can be generated from this academic competition should be maximized. Use your imagination!

SCHEDULING

There are several ways to schedule the Olympiad events. Each tournament director is free to choose the scheduling method best suited for their needs. Coaches who are on the planning committee should have input as to the "best" alternatives.

Some events require specific times for each team to compete. Other events are scheduled within certain more flexible time periods. It is in the scheduling of these other events that we offer the following suggestions:

• If judges are available, events may be scheduled in some open manner, which means the competition can run all morning, all afternoon or all day. A team may enter any time that is convenient to them (e.g., Aeronautics, Bottle Rocket or Tower Building)

• Events may be scheduled for several specific time blocks and the contestants may enter on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some teams, if they are not careful, will not be able to compete if they saved that event for last and were shut out because of space limitations.

• Some events are scheduled within one limited time block and schools are scheduled to participate alphabetically or numerically during that designated time.

Some events may be scheduled so all teams must compete at once. For example, Periodic Table is scheduled for a specific time block during which all teams compete against each other.

CODE OF ETHICS & GENERAL RULES

GENERAL RULES, CODE OF ETHICS AND SPIRIT OF THE PROBLEM (rev. 8/16/2010)

Students, coaches, event supervisors, parents, and guests are expected to follow current Science Olympiad Rules. The goal of competition is to give one's best effort while displaying honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship, and not violate the spirit of the problem. All are expected to display

courtesy and respect toward one another. Failure to show honesty or courtesy by a participant, coach, or guest of the team may result in penalty points being assessed or disqualification of the team from the event, the entire tournament or future tournaments. Our collective example will promote the spirit of cooperation among all participants. Therefore:

1. Teams may not interpret the rules so that they have an unfair advantage over the rules or another team.

2. Unless otherwise stated, it is generally understood that if notes, resources, calculators, actions, etc., are not excluded, then they are permitted unless they violate the spirit of the problem.

3. All non-permitted electronic devices must be turned off and if so directed, left in a designated spot.

4. Once teams have entered the event area to compete, they must not: leave until they are finished, return once they have left, communicate with outside resources, including people, places, etc. by any means (this effectively excludes the use of any computer, PDA, calculators, wireless devices, phones, etc. that have access to external communication or data retrieval during an event unless specifically permitted).

5. Safety is of the utmost importance. Event supervisors are obligated to prevent unsafe acts and devices. Safety decisions are not subject to appeal. Students should not risk being penalized for safety violations such as activating devices or removing goggles without supervisor permission. Contestants must not bring harmful items to a tournament. Teams may only bring items that are specified in the rules.

6. Coaches, teachers, parents, students, and other adults are responsible for ensuring that any applicable laws, regulations, and school policies are not broken.

7. One or more of the 15 current team members must have constructed all pre-built devices presented for judging. Any of the current team members may demonstrate or operate the device at the competition unless stated otherwise in the rules.

8. Any person designated by the coach can impound devices unless

stated otherwise in the rules.

9. Depending upon the level of an infraction, at the supervisorʼs or tournament officialʼs discretion, a student or team may be penalized, removed from the event at that point, or disqualified.

State and regional tournament directors must notify teams of any site-dependent rule or other rule modification at least 30 days prior to the tournament.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD CODE OF ETHICS

Student participants are expected to compete in tournament events with honest effort to follow the rules and the spirit of the competition. Team members are expected to be the builders of all the devices used in the events. The goal of competition is to give one's best effort while displaying honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. Students, coaches, parents, and guests are expected to display courtesy and respect toward Olympiad officials, other teams, and guests of the Olympiad. Failure to show honesty and/or courtesy by a participant, coach, or guest of the team may result in the disqualification of the team from that event, the entire tournament or future tournaments.

STUDENT'S PLEDGE

I pledge to put forth my best effort in the Science Olympiad tournament and to uphold the principles of honest competition. In my events, I will compete with integrity, respect, and sportsmanship towards my fellow competitors. I will display courtesy towards Event Supervisors and Tournament Personnel. My actions will exemplify the proud spirit of my school, team, and state.

COACH'S PLEDGE

On behalf of the coaches and assistants at this tournament, I pledge to encourage honesty and respect for tournament personnel, our fellow coaches, and other team members. We want our efforts to bring honor to

our community and school.

PARENT'S PLEDGE

On behalf of the parents and spectators I pledge to be an example for our children by:

• respecting the rules of Science Olympiad, • encouraging excellence in preparation and investigation, • supporting independence in design and production of all competition

devices, • and respecting the decisions of event supervisors and judges. Our examples will promote the spirit of cooperation within and among all our participating teams.

EVENT SUPERVISOR'S PLEDGE

On behalf of my fellow supervisors and tournament personnel, I pledge to run my event with fairness and respect for the participants and their coaches. Our actions will reflect the principles of the Science Olympiad program and display the pride we feel as representatives of our colleges, universities, companies, states or organizations.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Since 1985, Science Olympiad has required 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 or $4 per student). There is no exception to this requirement, regardless of what a single team or multiple team from the same school is called (Varsity, Junior Varsity, Alternate Team, Extra Team, Team Two, Team B, etc.). If a school does permit multiple teams from the same school, Science Olympiad recommends that the best team or at least the best members from the school be permitted to advance to the next level of competition. No school, region or state

Science Olympiad organization is allowed to alter or amend these national membership requirements. Please see the Science Olympiad Copyright Statement outlining use of Science Olympiad Rules and procedures at sanctioned tournaments. Members are asked to pay only a small fraction of the approximately $290 annual cost to support each member. No part of the National membership fee has been used to pay for the Science Olympiad National Tournament or administrative office expenses, which are generously supplied by sponsors, contributions, host institutions, thousands of volunteers and other income.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

• Each team receives a Science Olympiad Rules Manual - developed by the six Rules Committees which meet, plan and write year-round; aligned to the National Education Science Standards

• Each team receives eligibility to participate and advance in Local, Invitational, Regional, State and National Tournaments

• Each team is provided access to resources on the national Science Olympiad web site, including Power Point presentations, sample tests, videos, surveys and the Frequently Asked Questions forum

• Each team is provided the opportunity to win Scholarships (over $2,500,000 has been awarded to National winners)

• Each sanctioned Science Olympiad tournament is granted access to the one million dollar Science Olympiad Chapter and Club Liability Policy

• Each state receives first, second and third place medals and trophies from Science Olympiad

• Each state organization receives training and materials throughout the year and at the annual three-day State Directors and Event Supervisors Meeting (room, board and materials courtesy of Science Olympiad)

• Each state organization receives marketing materials such as brochures, grant templates, press articles, administrative materials and DVDs

• Each state organization receives public relations, grant-writing assistance, director communication, national policy writing and

sponsor reports • Each state organization and its members benefit from Science Olympiad

National Partnerships and Sponsors, which provide workshop presenters, free equipment (such as probes and calculators), dedicated web sites, educational resources, DVDs, books, school visits, access to grant programs, free trips and awards, national publicity, in-kind support, event supervision and regional funding

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

• Anatomy (B) - Teams will be tested on their knowledge of anatomy and health concepts including respiratory and digestive systems.

• Anatomy & Physiology (C) - This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to respiratory, excretory and digestive systems.

• Astronomy (C) - Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and type Ia supernovas.

• Awesome Aquifers (B) - Students will construct an aquifer and answer questions about groundwater concepts - includes a presentation.

• Bottle Rocket (B) - Prior to the tournament, teams construct two rockets designed to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time.

• Chemistry Lab (C) - Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to selected topics.

• Compute This (B) - Teams will be presented with a problem which requires quantitative data capture from the Internet and the presentation of data in a graphical format. The 2012 domain is www.cdc.gov.

• Crime Busters (B) - Teams will identify the perpetrators of a crime or crimes by using paper chromatography and analysis of unknown solids, liquids, and plastics found at the scene of a crime.

• Disease Detective (B/C) - This event requires students to apply

principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. (Food Borne Illness)

• Dynamic Planet (B/C) - Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions. (Earth's Fresh Waters)

• Experimental Design (B/C) - Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment.

• Fermi Questions (C) - A Fermi Question is a science related question that seeks a fast, rough estimate of a quantity which is difficult or impossible to measure directly. Answers will be estimated within an order of magnitude recorded in powers of 10.

• Food Science (B) - Using their understanding of the chemistry and physical properties of baking ingredients, teams will answer questions at a series of stations.

• Forensics (C) - Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario.

• Forestry (B/C) - This event will test student knowledge of North American trees that are on the Official National Tree List.

• Gravity Vehicle (C) - Teams design, build and test one vehicle and ramp that uses gravitational potential energy as the vehicle's sole means of propulsion to reach a Target Point as quickly, as accurately and as close to their predicted time as possible.

• Helicopters (C) - Students will construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters prior to the tournament to achieve maximum flight times.

• Keep the Heat (B) - Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat. Students must also complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts.

• Meteorology (B) - This event involves the use of process skills as applied to meteorology (Climate).

• Microbe Mission (B/C) - Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes.

• Mission Possible (B)- Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a "Rube Goldberg-like device" that

completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive tasks.

• Mousetrap Vehicle (B) - Teams will design, build and test a vehicle using one mousetrap as the sole means of propulsion to reach a target as quickly, accurately and close to their predicted time as possible.

• Optics (B/C) - Teams compete in activities and answer questions related to geometric and physical optics.

• Protein Modeling (C) - Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide them in constructing physical models of proteins and in understanding how the structure of the protein determines the function. For 2012, students will model proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis as they explore the discovery and treatment of a rare (one in a billion) genetic trait discovered through genome sequencing.

• Reach for the Stars (B) - Students will demonstrate an understanding and basic knowledge of the properties and evolution of stars, open clusters and globular clusters, and normal and star-forming galaxies.

• Remote Sensing (C) - Teams use remote sensing imagery, science and math process skills to complete tasks related to an understanding of Earth's Hydrosphere.

• Road Scholar (B) - Requires the accurate interpretation and understanding of various map features using a variety of road and topographic maps.

• Robot Arm (C) - Prior to the competition teams must design, build, document and test one robotic device to move scored items.

• Rocks and Minerals (B/C) - Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals.

• Sounds of Music (C) - Prior to the competition, students will build two different instruments of any type based on a 12 tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operation and be able to perform a major scale, a required melody and a chosen melody with each.

• Storm the Castle (B) - Prior to the tournament, teams design, construct and calibrate a device that uses only the energy of a falling counterweight to launch a projectile as far and as accurately as possible.

• Technical Problem Solving (C) - Teams will gather and process data to solve problems.

• Thermodynamics (C) - Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat. Teams must also complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts.

• Towers (B/C) - Team members design and build the most efficient tower.

• Water Quality (B/C) - The event will focus on evaluating aquatic environments.

• Write It/Do It (B/C) - A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

How Utah Science Olympiad Works

Registration

Registration opens in August and ends January 16, 2012. A letter and registration form will be mailed to schools that have previously competed in Science Olympiad. The registration form can also be found online. (2012 Registration Form) A late fee of $20 will be added after December 15, 2011. Until December 15, schools may register only ONE team in a division, meaning a junior high/middle school could bring a B Div team with 7-8th graders and a C Div team with 9th graders OR a high school could bring a B Div team with 9th graders and a C Div team with 10-12th graders. However, after December 15, we will begin to accept registrations from schools for a second team in the same division that the first team was registered in. The second team is a JV team. The late fee DOES NOT apply to a JV team. Also at this point, teams wishing to compete only at the regional level may register with no added late fee.

Membership Fees

The National, State, and Regional registration fee is $150 per team and includes one rules manual. $60 of the fee goes towards the National dues. Extra manuals cost $10 each. There is an added $3 shipping fee for mailing the manual(s). If a team wishes to only compete at a regional tournament, the fee is $100. $60 of the fee goes towards the National dues. These fees can be paid by check (please make check payable to Weber State University and include the registration form with the check) or online by credit card. (Credit Card Payment Link) Note: To avoid the shipping fee, manuals may be picked up at the Center for Science and Math Education at Weber State University or at the October Coaches' Clinic.

Regional Tournaments

All Utah teams are expected to compete at a regional tournament to advance to the State competition. We are happy to have four regional competitions. Guidelines for the regional competitions are as follows:

• Each regional will host both a B and C division competition. • At least 10 events will be offered for each division. • Teams will be assigned to the regional tournament that is held

closest to their school. • Each team must attend one regional tournment to be considered for

advancement to the State competition. They may compete at a second regional (not for medals) IF there is space at the second regional.

• All teams from the same school must compete at the same regional. All teams from the same school must compete in the same time slot for matching events. This means if a school has both a varsity and a JV team, both of which are competing in the same event, both teams must compete in the same slot for that event.

• This year, (2012) we are transitioning to a qualifying regionals model. This means only the top teams (36 schools per division) will advance from the regional level to the state competition.

State Tournament

The Center for Science and Mathematics Education and Weber State University are proud to host the Utah Science Olympiad for Division B (grades 6-9) & Division C (grades 9-12). This event (April 7, 2012) will be held on the campus of Weber State University with the awards

ceremony at the Browning Center. Each year, 36 teams from both Division B and C compete at the State tournament.

Utah Coaches' Clinic

The Utah Coaches' Clinic is held at the end of October. At this clinic coaches have the opportunity to vote in 3 events for each division to be hosted at the State tournament in addition to the 23 events printed in the rule manual by National Science Olympiad for each division.

New Teams

All new teams (schools competing for the first year) are eligible for a grant to help with start-up costs (i.e. materials, equipment and resource costs). This grant will be available to a new team after they compete at the State tournament. We ask that you submit a proposal via email regarding what the money was spent on (just a brief explanation). To continue this grant program, it is important that we receive a brief paragraph from you reflecting on the impact of this small grant. Please email this reflection to scienceolympiad@science.weber.edu by the middle of April.

Team Information

Both B Division (grades 6-9) and C Division (grades 9-12) teams are allowed to have up to 15 students that compete for medals; as well as an additional 6 alternate team members. Alternate team members are only eligible to compete in non-medal events. Coaches will be asked to fill out a form telling us the names of students on their team, including alternates, as well as the students' grades. This form is due the Saturday before the competition. Click here for the official Utah Science Olympiad Team Affiliation Policy.

9th Graders

9th graders can compete in either B or C Division; however, not at the same time. Example: If a school has both a B team and a C team, "Sally" cannot compete on both teams - she would have to choose which team to compete on/belong to. In addition there can be only FIVE 9th graders on a Division B team and SEVEN 12th graders on a Division C team.

Alternates

Each team may bring up to 6 alternate team members with them to the competition. Alternate team members are allowed to compete

ONLY in events their team chooses not to compete in for medals (non-medal events). Wristbands for the alternate team members will be yellow for B Division and green for C Division. Alternates CAN consist of all 9th graders on a B team or all 12th graders on a C team.

JV Teams

AFTER December 15th, we accept registrations from schools wanting to register a second team in the same division as their original team, IF there is room. These teams are called JV (junior varsity) teams. JV teams do not compete for medals at the State tournament - they are mainly participating for the experience. JV teams may compete for medals at a REGIONAL tournament only. This is a great way to involve more students and introduce them to Science Olympiad. JV teams use Junior Varsity Team Cover Sheets in place of the official event vouchers and wear different colored wristbands from the "varsity" team (Yellow for B Division and green for C Division). B Division JV teams can be all 9th graders, and C Division JV teams can be all 12th graders if desired.

Science Olympiad Colors

Utah Science Olympiad traditional colors are blue for B Division and crimson (we use pink) for C Division. Our non-medaling and JV colors are yellow for B Division and green for C Division. Wristbands and event signs in these colors will be used to denote the two divisions.

Events

At the State tournament 26 events are hosted for each division. 23 of these events are printed in the rule manual by National Science Olympiad and the additional 3 events are voted in by coaches at the Utah Coaches' Clinic. Teams may only compete in 20 of these 26 events for medals. Teams are not required to compete in all 26 events.

Event Voucher System

Please Note: At the time of the competition students competing in events for medals MUST have with them these official vouchers with their name labels and must also have RED (C Division) or BLUE (B Division) wristband(s) (or corresponding YELLOW or GREEN wristband(s) for JV or non-medaling teams). Wristbands will be given to coaches at final registration on the day of the State competition.

Team members and/or alternates may compete in the remaining events the team does not plan to compete in for medals (non-medal events).

• Medal Events: Each team is allowed to compete for medals (and points towards Nationals) in a maximum of 20 events. In the State Coaches' Packet (mailed late February), you will find 20 official event cover sheets (aka vouchers). These vouchers include the division, team number, and school name. If your team is a Division B team, your vouchers will be BLUE; if your team is a Division C team, your vouchers will be PINK (crimson is not available). These are to be used only for your official 20 events. It is the choice of the coach and team to decide which events (from the 26 offered currently) to medal in. NOTE: There are places on the vouchers for event title, location, and time; these spots can be filled in by hand. We ask that the students that are competing in the event have TYPED labels that have their names on them, and, if necessary, phonetics.

• Non-Medal Events: Non-medal events are events that teams choose to particpate in without competing for medals. Both offical team members and alternates may particpate in events the team chooses as their non-medal events. A Non-Medal Cover Sheet (GREEN for C Division and YELLOW for B Division) will be used in place of the pink or blue Medal Vouchers.

Team Numbers

Each team will be assigned a team number when they register their team. The team number will be written on the manual and will also be sent in a letter or email confirming registration. Team numbers include the letter corresponding to the divison the team is registered in. B Division is for grades 6-9 and C Division is for grades 9-12. For example, team numbers will be B-1, B-2, B-3... or C-1, C-2, C-3, etc.

Overall Team Scores

Points will be awarded for all 26 events. First place in an event receives 1 point second place receives 2 points and so on. Places in each event will be awarded up to 36th place (36 points). Teams that do not compete in an event will automatically receive 40 points for

that event. Points for each event will be added together to make up the team’s overall score. The team with the lowest overall score wins in each division. The top team in B and C Division will also qualify to compete at the National Science Olympiad Tournament.

For example: A team only competes in 5 events at the State tournament. They place 1st in two, 3rd in one, and 8th in the remaining two. They will receive a score of 40 for the remaining 21 events. Total Score: First place – 1pt First place – 1 pt Third place – 3 pts Eighth place – 8 pts Eighth place – 8 pts 21 Events not competed in – 40 pts each

Sum: 861 points

Awards

Trophies will be awarded to the top three Division B and C school teams compiling the least total points during the Olympiad. Awards will also be given for each event, and a Sportsmanship Award will be given to a team in both Division B and C with the best sportsmanship. Additionally, the first place team in each of Divisions B and C will be invited to represent Utah at the National Science Olympiad tournament.