Science Olympiad Summer Institute Phoenix, AZ July , 2013

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

 Science Practices 1. 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 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

Writing  25 min  Time not a factor Doing  20 min  Time is used as a tie-breaker

Allowed  Numerals  Words  Single letters

Abbreviations  Must be defined  At beginning  1 st time used  No prepared abbreviations on labels

Not allowed  Symbols  Diagrams  Drawings

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 codes Penalty – 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 Rose  Clock 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