Science Olympiad Summer InstitutePhoenix, AZ July 15 - 19, 2013

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

Science Practices1.Asking questions 2.Developing and using models 3.Planning and carrying out

investigations 4.Analyzing and interpreting data 5.Using mathematics and

computational thinking 6.Constructing explanations 7.Engaging in argument from evidence 8.Obtaining, evaluating, and

communicating information

WHST.6-8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes.

a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples.

c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic.

e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone. f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows

from and supports the information or explanation presented.

Same object and materials for all teams Commercial

K’nex Lego Tinker Toys

Raw Materials Straws Pins Popsicle sticks Anything goes

Writing25 minTime not a factor

Doing20 minTime is used as a tie-breaker

AllowedNumeralsWordsSingle letters

AbbreviationsMust be defined

At beginning 1st time used

No prepared abbreviations on labels

Not allowedSymbolsDiagramsDrawings

Allowable Symbols printable punctuation marks/editing

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

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 - shortest time of

construction

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

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

Terminology▪ Potential definitions▪ Potential abbreviations

Cardinal Points North East South West

Compass RoseClock Face

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

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

Writing If time is left read newly created

instructions and check for clarity

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

breaker