What is Science Olympiad?
• Science Olympiad is a student-driven, science sport
program in which teams of students various events at
regional, state, and national levels
• Events divided into 3 different categories:
– Study events
– Lab/station events
– Engineering events
– List of events available at
www.sciencenc.com/events.php
• Links to specific event rules go live as added, usually during
late September/early October
Important Websites
• NCSO webpage
– www.sciencenc.com
• CDS’s SO webpage
– https://sites.google.com/a/
charterdayschool.org/7th-grade-team/
Engineering Events
• Events involve building something
ahead of time
– Examples bottle rockets, bridges
-- Strict engineering parameters and
specifications
Engineering Model
• This model allows for a cyclical
pattern designed to aid teams in
deciphering and successfully
building any engineering event.
Station/Lab Events
• Events are set up to perform lab
Station/Lab Model
• Follow the following sequence for Stations and
Labs in order to obtain the best outcome:
– Research/Gather
– Design/Study
– Practice
– Research/Gather
Study Events
• Events are tests based on a subject
given ahead of time
Study Event Model
• Study events can be easily overwhelming
for students. This model is designed to
teach students to break down a large
subject topic into manageable pieces.
– Gather
– Study
– Test
Events and Descriptions
•
Air Trajectory
Engineering Event
– Build a device powered by a falling mass to launch a projectile at a target, similar to a stomp rocket
•
Anatomy & Physiology
Study Event
– Study of human body, specifically the structure and function of the following systems: immune, integumentary, and cardiovascular plus the effects of aging and disease on them
•
Bio-Process Lab
Lab/station Event
– Lab event based on life science/biology; using lab equipment, interpreting data, drawing conclusions
•
Bridge
Engineering Event
– Build a bridge that spans 35cm and can hold up to 15kg of sand held in a bucket
•
Bottle Rocket
Engineering Event
– Build 2 rockets out of plastic soda bottles capable of being launched with pressurized water
•
Crave the Wave
Lab/station Event
•
Crimebusters
Lab/station Event
– A lab event where you are to solve a crime given evidence. Specific evidence this year is powders, chromatography, shoeprints, and tire treads
•
Disease Detectives
Study Event
– Teams are presented with information regarding public health problems. They will be asked questions based on the information provided. This year’s topic is environmental quality.
•
Duct Tape Challenge
Engineering Event
– Teams are given a challenge to solve with minimal items and duct tape. Challenges include boats, parachutes, tallest towers, free-standing walls, but could be anything.
•
Dynamic Planet
Study Event
– Given data, teams will be asked to make predictions, answer questions, and solve problems. This year’s topic is physical and geological oceanography.
•
Elastic Launched Glider
Engineering Event
– Teams will build up to 2 gliders that are launched with an elastic band. A flight log needs to be brought to the competition and teams get 5 official flights for maximum time aloft.
•
Entomology
Study Event
•
Experimental Design
Lab/station Event
• Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of the scientific method. This event may be done as a
whole lab or stations.
•
Fossils
Study Event
• Teams will be tested on knowledge of ancient life, with emphasis on identification of fossils. An
official list is provided.
•
Green Generation
Study Event
• Teams will be tested on knowledge of general ecological principles, consequences of human impact,
and solutions. Specific topics this year are aquatic issues, air quality and climate change.
•
It Matters!
Lab/station Event
• Teams will answer questions and perform basic tasks related to the properties and behavior of solids,
liquids, gasses, and plasmas before and after they undergo changes or interactions.
•
Meteorology
Study Event
• Teams will be presented with information and answer questions based on the information provided.
Specific topic is climate and climate change.
•
Picture This
Lab/station Event
• Teams will be given 4 minutes to guess as many words as possible. One person draws, the other
•
Simple Machines
Lab/station Event
•
Teams will be tested on their knowledge of simple machines. Also, a class 1 lever for
testing masses must be built and brought to the event.
•
Road Scholar
Lab/station Event
•
Teams will use their map reading skills to go on a journey. They will be asked
questions along the way.
•
Solar System
Study Event
•
Teams will answer questions based on given materials. The specific topic this year is
extraterrestrial ice and water.
•
Wheeled Vehicle
Engineering Event
•
Teams will build a vehicle that uses elastic material as its only means of propulsion.
Vehicles must travel a specific distance, turn around an object, and stop as close as
possible to a finish point.
•
Write It, Do It
Lab/station Event
CDS Regional Competition
2014 Results
• Competed against 23 other teams
• Placed 15
th
out of 24 varsity teams
• First year to bring home multiple medals and a top 3
finish
• Brought home 5 medals
•
Duct Tape Challenge 2
nd•
Crimebusters 6
th•
Sounds of Music 7
th•
Bottle Rocket 7
thEvent Recommendations
• This year, we are recommending not participating in all
events.
• Consider student interests when choosing events.
• Specific recommendations
•
Bottle Rocket
•
Bridge
•
Duct Tape Challenge
•
Elastic Launch Glider
•
Picture This
•
Simple Machines
•
Write It, Do It
Events to Avoid
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Bio-Process Lab
• Disease Detectives
• Entomology
• Fossils
Event Tips
• Some events allow you to bring written pages of notes, field
guides, etc
• Many events require eye protection!
– Disqualification from event and even tournament can happen from not
following this rule!
• Many engineering events require you to impound your previously
built structure ahead of event time
– Be aware of WHEN and WHAT must be impounded
– Tip: anything extra that may be needed for event can be impounded
• Examples
» Extra launchers for elastic launch gliders
» Rolls of duct tape for bottle rocket, air trajectory
NCSO Teacher
Responsibilities
• Day-to-day Responsibilities
– Chief program liaison for school, administration, and community
– Recruiting students for SO team
– Finding event coaches (parents, teachers, and experienced students)
– Scheduling afterschool practice sessions
– Ordering materials
– Coach a few events yourself
– Checking student progress
– Supporting coaching staff
– Providing direction for program per quarter.
•
First quarter plans
: Team Building, practice events, etc
•
Second quarter plans
: Event assignments
•
Third quarter plans
: “Home stretch”, final competition preparations
•
Fourth quarter plans
: Celebration, prepare for next year, States!?
• Day of Competition
Tips to grow your program
• Enlist parent help
– Parents can help in a variety of ways
• As coaches
• On day of competition
• Fundraisers
Event Coaches
• Importance of Event Coaches
– In charge of a single event
– Less load on head coach(es)
• Responsibilities
– Provide general direction for team
– Assist students in following models
– Keep students motivated
Expenses
•
Cost of team participation
–
$300 per team
•
T-shirts
–
Student designed
•
NCSO coaching institutes and workshops (costs may vary)
•
Materials
–
Revolving costs
–
One time costs (according to NCSO website)
•
Bottle Rocket Launcher ($100 -$300 range)
Day of Competition
• Regional Competition Date
– Regional tournament date: Saturday, March 7, 2015
• Event Schedule
– Block schedule with several events operating at the
same time
– Events done as walk-ins cover 2 event times and done in
order of showing up
– Be aware of impound times
– Lunch break
• Home Base
• Awards
