Science Olympiad Summer InstitutePhoenix, AZ July 16 – 20, 2011

The Competition

One member will write a description of an object and their partner will construct the object from the description

Materials Used for ConstructionSame object and materials for all teams Commercial

K’nex Lego Tinker Toys

Raw Materials Straws Pins Popsicle sticks Anything goes

Time Allocations

Writing 25 min Time not a factor

Doing 20 min Time is used as a tie-breaker

Written Description

Allowed Numerals Words Single letters

Written Description (cont)

Abbreviations Must be defined

At beginning 1st time used

No prepared abbreviations on labels

Written Description (cont)

Not allowed Symbols Diagrams Drawings

Written Description (cont)

Allowable Symbols printable punctuation marks/editing

symbols on a PC standard 101 keyboard Single key or single key w/ shift key

Scoring

Team that builds object nearest to the original Points are given for each piece of material

placed in proper connection and location Pieces connected correctly beyond the incorrect

connection will be given credit No penalty for unused parts Tie-breaker is the shortest time of

construction

Scoring (cont.)

Scoring violations Unlabeled abbreviations Improper use of symbols or codesPenalty – 1 % for each minor infraction Example

Total possible score = 50 Initial team score = 45 # of infractions = 4 Final score = 43

45 – (50 * .01) * 4 = 45 – (0.5*4) = 45 – 2 = 43

Strategy

Practice, practice, practice Helps identify the best writer/doer Helps define rule system for writing

Terminology Potential definitions Potential abbreviations

Orientation of Parts of the Object Cardinal Points

North East South West

Compass Rose Clock Face

Estimating Distances

Most tournaments do not provide one object/team so…

Students are not allowed to touch the object Almost impossible to measure distances

exactly so teams will need to estimate Metric is better than English Use fists or finger joints

Use Texting Skills

Be clear and concise Do not use unnecessary words

Cannot create “new” words Proper grammar is not critical

Partner must be able to make sense of what is written

Checking Work

Writing If time is left read instructions and

check for clarity

Doing If time is left check work Remember time is used as a tie-breaker