Science Olympiad Summer Institute Phoenix, AZ July , 2013

Determine a team’s ability to design, conduct, and report the findings of an experiment

 STUDENTS (mandatory)  ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles  Writing instrument(s)  STUDENTS (optional)  Timepiece  Ruler  Any type of calculator NOTE: Chemicals requiring safety clothing will not be used.

 Supervisors will provide teams with a blank copy of the Experimental Design Rubric  Supervisors will provide teams with identical sets of materials  If materials are given to teams in a container the container is considered part of the materials

 Nature of the experiment is determined by a question/topic area assigned by Supervisor  Same for all teams  Allow for experiments involving independent and dependent variables

Experimental Design Rubric  Max. Pts.: B – 120C  Tiebreaker Sequence 1. Variables 2. Procedure 3. Analysis of results 4. Graph 5. Data table  Teams not addressing the question/topic will be ranked behind others

1. Not a yes/no question 2. Include independent and dependent variables 3. Problem is clearly testable 4. Written in a clear and concise manner

1. Predicts a relationship or trend 2. Gives specific direction to the prediction 3. Includes both independent and dependent variables 4. Provides a rational for the hypothesis

1. One point for each correctly defined constant 2. up to a maximum of 8 points

1. Operationally defined 2. Correctly identified 3. Has at least 3 levels

1. Correctly defined (2 pts) 2. Operationally defined

1. Correctly identified 2. Makes logical sense for the experiment

1. All materials used are listed 2. No extra materials are listed 3. Listed separately from procedure

1. Well organized 2. In logical sequence 3. Enough information is given to make experiment replicable 4. Includes diagrams 5. Has repeated trials

Includes observations about 1. Results 2. Procedure/deviations from procedure 3. Results not relating to dependent variable 4. Things that happen during course of experiment VIDEO

1. All raw data is provided 2. All data has units 3. Condensed table with most important data 4. Table is correctly labeled 5. Example calculations are include 6. Uses correct figures (significant figures included in C division)

1. Appropriate type of graph 2. Has a title 3. Labeled correctly (2 pts) 4. Units included 5. Appropriate scale

B Division – 2 pts 1. Uses average, median, or mode 2. Statistic used is appropriate for data C Division – B + 6 pts 1. Measure of central tendency 2. Measure of variation 3. Other appropriate statistic used

All statements must be supported by data collected 1. All data is discussed and interpreted 2. Unusual data points commented upon 3. Trends in data explained 4. Enough detail provided to explain data

1. Reasons for errors 2. Important information about data collection 3. Effect of errors on data

1. Hypothesis is evaluated by given data 2. Hypothesis is restated 3. Reasons to accept/reject hypothesis 4. All statements are supported by data

1. Improvement of experiment 2. Alternative interpretation of data 3. Future experiments 4. Practical application(s) of information discovered from experiment