SCIENCEOLYMPIAD

DIVISIONCRULESMANUAL
TableofContents
Anatomy& Physiology... 1 MousetrapVehicle 16
Astronomy ; :.... 2 Optics 18
ChemistryLab 3 Ornithology 20
i s e a s ~ Detectives........................................ 4 Remote Sensing 20
Dynamic Planet............................................. 5 ProteinModeling 21
Ecology 6 SoundsofMusic 22
ExperimentalDesign..................................... 7 Sumo Bots 24
Forensics 8 Technical ProblemSolving 26
Fossils 10 Towers , 27
Helicopters................................................... 11 WindPower 29
MicrobeMission 13 WriteItDoIt. 31
MissionPossible 14 GeneralRules/TentativeNational Schedule..32
Please read theGeneralRulesontheback insidecover- theyapplytoallevents. Note: allchanges areinbold.
Coaches: Please remembertoregisterearlyfortheScienceOlympiadSummerInstitute- soldout lastyear!
Please visit the Science Olympiadweb site:http://www.soinc.orgforNews, Clarifications,FAQs, Membership
Information,TeamSizeRequirements,New Store Items andothervaluableinformation, tips andresources.
Thesites for theupcomingScience OlympiadNationalTournamentare:
UniversityofWisconsin, Madison, WI,May20-21,2011
UniversityofCentralFlorida, Orlando, FL,May 18-19,2012
Wright StateUniversity,Dayton, OR, May 17-18,2013
Copyright 2011Science Olympiad.Inc.
Science Olympiad, Inc. owns the intellectual property rights to the contents of this resource. It may not be
reproduced in any form for other individuals or teams. It is meant for the sole use ofthe school or team that
purchased it. Teams that have paid Science Olympiad National dues and are registered with Science Olympiad,
Inc. may use this resource for the purposes ofpreparing for and participating in events that are sanctioned by
Science Olympiad, Inc. Thisresource maynotbeplaced onanywebsite andnoonemayedit,post, republish, sell,
rent,orotherwise sub-license them.Useofthesecopyrightedmaterialsbyunregistered usersisstrictlyforbidden.
ANATOMY&PHYSIOLOGY
Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.org asthey applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology ofthe muscular, respiratory and
endocrinesystem.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 APPROXIMATETIME: 50Minutes
2.EVENT PARAMETERS: Each participant must bring a writing implement and may bring a non-
programmable, non-graphing calculator. Each team may bring one 8.5" x 11" two-sided page ofnotes
that containinformationinany formfrom anysource.
3.THE COMPETITION: Students should know the basic anatomy and physiology of the muscular,
endocrine, and respiratorysystemsand how aging and specificdiseasesaffectthem. Processskills expected
may include data collection, making observations, inferences, predictions, calculations, analyses and
conclusions. The test may include various formats (e. g., timed stations, written test, PowerPoint slides,
anatomicalspecimens,etc.) forthefollowingtopics:
a. MUSCULARSYSTEM- Seewww.soinc.orgforListofSkeletalMuscles.Alllevels shouldknow:
i. The interactionof the skeletal andmuscularsystemstoallow movement.
ii. Musclefibers - thecellularandgross anatomyofskeletal muscle, cardiacmuscle&smoothmuscle.
iii. Physiologyof the skeletalmuscle contractionsystemandthe neuromuscularjunction.
iv. Howthe skeletalmusclesmove bone, maintainposture,andproduceheat.
v. Skeletalmuscleactions- origin, insertion,interactionsofdifferentmuscles.
vi. Locationand identificationofthe majorskeletalmuscles ofthe body includingorigin, insertion, and
function. Seewww.soinc.orgforalist of theMajorSkeletal Muscles.
vii. The effects ofexerciseonthecellularand gross anatomicalstructureofthemuscularsystem.
viii.Muscleandtendon injuries andtheirprevention(i.e., strainsand sprains).
ix. The diseases on each level from the cell to the whole person as listed: Poliomyelitis, Muscular
Dystrophies,Myastheniagravis, tetanus,myositis.
National Level Only: Kinds of muscle contraction, Classes of muscle fibers and their functions,
Understand cardiac and smooth muscle roles in the body, Understand muscle sensory systems (e.g.
spindles and Golgi tendon organs). Additional diseases: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Botulism,
Fibromyalgia,and Chronicfatigue syndrome,Treatmentsand/orpreventionfor allconditionslistedabove
(drugs, surgery,etc.),Role of the nervoussysteminmusclefunction.
b.ENDOCRINESYSTEM- All levels shouldknow:
i. The three classesofhormones- steroids,peptides,andamines
ii. Mechanismsof hormoneaction- watersolublevs. fatsoluble
iii. Endocrinerelatedproblems- hypersecretion,hyposecretion
iv. Hormoneproducingglands,their hormonesand the function ofeach
v. Understanddisorders: diabetes mellitus,hypoglycemia,Gravesdisease,goiter
NationalLevelOnly:Endocrinecycles andnegativefeedback,Autonomicnervoussystemcontrol of
endocrinefunction,AdditionalDisorders: Cushing'sSyndrome,Addison'sDisease,andMyxedema,
Treatmentsand/orpreventionforallconditionslisted above (drugs,surgery,etc.).
c.RESPIRATORYSYSTEMAlllevels shouldknow:
i. Anatomyof theRespiratorySystem- Principalorgans, theirstructureandfunction.
ii. Functionsof the RespiratorySystem
iii. Mechanismsof PulmonaryVentilation ft
iv. PMattems ofBfprealthin
g
V '1' ,
v. easures0 umonary enti anon
vi. Gas Exchangeand Transport
vii.Howexerciseandhighaltitude affectthe respiratorysystem
viii.Understanddisorders: COPD,asthma,emphysema,pneumonia,sleep apnea
NationalLevelOnly:
ix. Additionaldiseases/disorderstoknow: tuberculosis,pulmonaryedema,Pleurisy
x. Treatmentsand/orpreventionforall conditionslistedabove (drugs,surgery,etc.)
xi. Bloodchemistryand therespiratoryrhythm
xii. Regulationof theRespiratorySystem
xiii. Abilityto readaspirogramas relatedto pulmonaryventilation
4. SCORING:Pointsareawardedforcorrectanswers. Selectedquestions/free-responsequality willbreakties.
RecommendedResources:Allreferenceand trainingresourcesincludingtheBiolEarthCDareavailableon
the OfficialScienceOlympiadStore andWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
THISEVENTISSPONSOREDBYTHESOCIETYFORNEUROSCIENCE(www.sfn.org)
2011-Cl
ASTRONOMY
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
1.DESCRIPTION: Students will demonstrate an understanding ofthe basic concepts ofmathematics and
physicsrelatingtogalaxies.
ATEAMOFUPTO:2 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS: Eachteam member ispermittedtobring eithera laptopcomputeror one3-ring
binder(anysize)containinginformationinanyformfromanysource.Thematerialsmustbe3-holepunched
andinserted into the rings (notebook sleeves are allowable). Each team member is permitted to bring a
programmable calculator.NoInternetaccessisallowed.
3. THE COMPETITION: Using information which may include H-R diagrams, spectra, light curves,
motions, distance equations and relationships, stellar magnitudes and classification, multi-wavelength
images, charts, graphs, and animations, participantswill be asked to complete activitieswhich include the
following:
a. Use all available information to determine answers relating to quasars,AGNs, galaxy clusters and
groupsofgalaxies, including starformation,massiveandsupermassiveblackholes,galacticstructure,
globularclusters,TypeIa& TypeIIsupernovae,eclipsingbinariesandX-raybinaries.
b. Use all available information, including Kepler's laws, to determine answers relating to the orbital
motions ofbinaries; cosmologicaldistance equationsandtheperiod-luminosityrelationship(Cepheids
andRRLyrae)toanswerquestionsrelatedtocharacteristicsanddistancesofgalaxies,Hubble'sLawor
spectra to answer questions about Hubble's constant and the recessional velocities and distances of
galaxies.
c. Studentswillbeaskedtoidentify,beknowledgeableabout,andanswerquestionsrelatingtothecontent
areas outlined above for the following Deep Sky Objects (DSOs): *EpsilonAurigae, NGC 6240,
3C321, Cen A, Stephan's Quintet, MACSJ0717.5+3745, Bullet Cluster (IE 0657-56), Perseus A
(NGC 1275), SN 2006gy, SN 1996cr, NGC 4603, NGC 7771, NGC 2623, JKCS041, NGC 1068.
H2356-309 *EpsilonAurigaeispartofanationwideobservingcampaignfor2010and2011,andwillbe
includedintheAstronomyEventfor2011.
d. Competition may include one or more stations. Examples include sequencing images of galaxies by
distanceor activity;placingimagesofdifferenttypesofobjectsinthecorrectlocationswithingalaxies;
matching imagesoflightcurves withthe appropriate objects;using charts,datatables and/orgraphsto
determine distances and calculate Hubble's constant; using graphing calculators to plot observational
dataandcalculateperiodicityordistance.
4.SCORING:Allquestionswillhavebeenassignedapredeterminednumber of
points. The highest score wins. Selected questions having differentiated
weightswillbeusedtobreakties.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the
AstronomyCD Rev. 2011areavailableontheOfficial ScienceOlympiadStore
orWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
National Science Education Standards: Science as Inquiry, Content Standard A: Use Technology and
Mathematics to Improve Investigationsand Communications; Formulate and Revise ScientificExplanation
and Models using Logic and Evidence; Earth and Space Science, Content Standard D: The Origin and
Evolutionof theUniverse(Grades9-12).
THIS EVENTISSPONSORED BY:ChandraEducationand Public OutreachOfficeforthe ChandraX-RayObservatory
2011-C2
CHEMISTRYLAB
Read the GeneralRules in the manualsandon www.soinc.orgasthey apply toeveryevent.
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series ofquestions involving the
scienceprocessesofchemistryfocusedinthe areas ofaqueous solutionsandoxidation/reduction.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 EYEPROTECTION:#4 APPROX.TIME:50min.
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a. Students: must bring goggles and a writing implement and may bring a non-
programmable,non-graphingcalculator,but no referencematerialsareallowed.
b. Supervisors: mustprovide whatever otherreagents/glassware are appropriate for the tasks students are
askedtodo (e.g., PeriodicTable, table ofstandardreductionpotentials,any constantsneeded,etc.)
c. Safety Requirements: Students must wear the following or they will not be allowed to participate:
closed-toed shoes, ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles (see http://soinc.org), pants or skirts
thatcoverthe legs to the ankles, andalongsleevedshirtthatreachesthewrists,anda chemicalapron
or a lab coat that reaches the knees. Chemical gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their
safety clothing/goggles or are observedhandling any ofthe material or equipmentin a hazardous/unsafe
manner (e.g., tasting or touching chemicals or flushing solids down a drain and not rinsing them into a
designatedwastecontainerprovidedby thesupervisor)will be disqualifiedfrom the event.
3. THE COMPETITION: The competition will consist ofa series oftasks similar to those in first year high
school courses. These tasks could include hands-on activities, questions about each topic, interpretation of
experimental data (graphs, diagrams, etc.), and/or observation of an experiment set up & running.
Supervisors are encouraged to use computer or calculators with sensors/probes. Students may be asked to
collectdata usingprobewarethat has beenset-up & demonstratedby the Supervisor. Or the supervisormay
provide students with data sets collected by such sensors/probes following demonstration of the data
collection. Datawill be presentedin atabularand/orgraphic format & studentswill be expectedto interpret
the data. Studentsshouldbe awarethat nomenclature,formulawriting,& stoichiometryare essentialtools of
chemistry & may always be included in the event. Stoichiometry includes mole conversions & percentage
yield. For purposes ofnomenclature & formula writing, students are expected to know the symbols &
charges for the following ions: nitrate, carbonate, phosphate, acetate, sulfate, ammonium, bicarbonate, &
hydroxide. Students shouldknowhow to use the "ite"form ofan ion (oneless oxygenthan the "ate"form).
Studentsshouldbe able touse the periodictable toobtainthe chargeformonatomicions (e.g., Na+,S2').
4. SAMPLEQUESTIONS
a. Aqueous Solutions: Studentswill demonstrate anunderstandingofthe principals&propertiesofaqueous
solutions. Theymustbe able to calculatesolutionconcentrationsgivenquantities ofsolute& solvent,&
calculate quantities ofmaterial required to produce a solution ofspecified concentration. Molarity,
molality, mass percentage, & parts per million may be required. At the state & national levels,
conversions between concentration units may be required. Tasks will be chosen from the following: 1)
Use density to experimentally determine the concentration of a solution. 2) Determine solution
concentrationusinga series ofstandardabsorbencies & Beer'sLaw. 3) Usefreezing pointdepressionto
determinethe molarmassofasolute. 4) Use titrationto determinean unknownconcentration. 5) Identify
& explain factors that effect solution formation or construct.asolubility curve. 6) Determine whether a
solutionissaturated,unsaturatedorsupersaturated.
b. OxidationlReduction: Students must be able to write oxidation & reduction half reactions, assign
oxidationnumbers,balanceredoxreactions in neutral,acidic, &basic solutions,& calculatestandardcell
potentialsusingatableofstandardreductionpotentials.Taskswillbe chosenfrom the following 1) Use a
sequence ofredox reactions to constructan activity series. 2) Constructa simplevoltaic cell & measure
its potential. 3) Stoichiometry.& electrochemical processes (such as electrochemical deposition). 4)
Construct simple electrolytic cells. 5) At state & national levels, knowledge offuel cells, knowledge &
applicationof the Nemstequation&commonstoragebatteriesmaybe included.
5. SCORING:OxidationlReduction:50%& AqueousSolutions: 50%. Timemay be limitedateachtask, but
will not be used as a tiebreakeror for scoring. All ties will be brokenby selected questions chosenby the
supervisorthatmayormaynotbe identifiedtothe students.
RecommendedResources: Allreference andtraining resources including the Chem/Phy Sci CDRev.
2011 are availableonthe OfficialScienceOlympiadStoreor Websiteathttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C3
DISEASEDETECTIVES

s q ~ ~ l l
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Studentswillusetheir investigativeskillsinthescientific study ofdisease, injury, health,
anddisabilityinpopulations orgroups ofpeoplewithafocusonfood borneillness.
ATEAMOFUPTO:2 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each participant must bringa writing implement and may bring a non-
programmable,non-graphing calculator. Each team may bring oneRS"x II"two-sided page ofnotes
thatcontain information inanyformfromanysource.
3. THECOMPETITION:SampleProblemsandResourcesmaybefound athttp://www.soinc.org
a. This event combines abasic understanding ofbiological and physical agents that cause disease with an
ability toanalyze, interpret, evaluate anddraw conclusions fromsimpledataandcommunicate results to
peers. Students shouldbeabletodistinguish betweeninfectious andnon-infectioushealthburdens.
b. Abroad definition ofhealth will beused for this event. Potential topics include health aswell as illness
(mental, physical,infectious, chronic.environmental,societal,genetic, injuriesandhealthbehaviors).
c. This eventwillincludequestionsbasedon: aJIIII-.
i. Datacollection ~
ii. Creating graphicdisplays ofdata II]
iii. Interpretingtrendsandpatterns ofepidemiologicdata
iv. Communicatingresults
d. Students will bepresentedwith one ormore descriptions ofpublic health problems such as anoutbreak
offoodpoisoning, acluster ofcasesofWestNile encephalitis orstatedataonbicycle injuries.
e. Based onthesedescriptions, theywillbeexpectedtodothefollowing:
i. Generate hypotheses andrecognize various fundamental studydesigns.
ii. Evaluate thedatabycalculatingandcomparingsimpleratesandproportions.
iii. Identify patterns,trends andpossible modes oftransmission, sourcesorriskfactors.
iv. Recognize factorssuchasstudydesign/biasesthatinfluenceresults (moreforDiv. C-lessfor Div. B).
v. Propose interventions based onpromotingpositive healthbehaviors, eliminatingorreducing risks of
environmental exposures, ordisrupting clearlyidentifiable chainsoftransmission.
vi. Translate results/findingsintoapublichealth/preventionmessage foridentifiedpopulations atrisk.
f. Theywillalsobeexpected to:
i. Define basic epidemiological and public health terms (e.g., outbreak, epidemic, pandemic,
surveillance, risk,vector, fomite,zoonosis, etc.).
ii. Recognize variouscategories ofdisease causingagents & giveexamples ofillnessescaused byeach.
iii. Recognize and understand differences betweenthe major groups ofinfectious agents (e.g., viruses,
bacteria, protistans, fungiandanimals).
iv. Recognize examples of various epidemiologic and public health phenomena such as types of
outbreaks andmodes oftransmission.
g. Calculations andmathematical manipulations should bepart ofthe competition. Data may be contrived
ormodified tomakeitmore appropriateforthis agegroupaslongasitdoesnotradically alterresults or
interpretation.
h. Process skills may include hypothesis, observations, inferences, predictions, variable analysis, data
analysis, calculations, andconclusions.
1. The level of questioning for Division B and Division C competitions should reflect the age-
appropriatenessforthetwogroups.
J. The event formatmaybeexam-based, station-basedoracombinationofboth.
4. SCORING:
a. Points will be assigned to the various questions and problems. Both the nature ofthe questions and
scoring rubric should emphasize an understanding that is broad and basic rather than detailed and
advanced.
b. Dependingontheproblem, scoring maybebased onacombination ofanswers, including graphs/charts,
explanations, analysis, calculations,andclosed-endedresponses tospecific questions.
c. Points shouldbeawarded forboth quality and accuracy ofanswers, the quality ofsupporting reasoning,
andtheuse ofproper scientific methods.
d. Highest number ofpoints will determinethewinner. Selectedquestions maybeusedastiebreakers.
RecommendedResources: Allreference andtraining resources includingtheDiseaseDetectiveCD are
available athttp://www.soinc.org.
THISEVENTIS SPONSOREDBYTHEU.S.CENTERSFORDISEASECONTROLANDPREVENTION
2011-C4
DYNAMICPLANET
Read theGeneralRulesinthemanualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
1. DESCRIPTION: Studentswill useprocess skillstocomplete tasksrelated toEarth'sfreshwaters.
ATEAMOF UPTO: 2 APPROXIMATETIME: 50minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring four 8.5" x 11" double-sided page of notes containing
informationinanyformfromanysourceandbring uptotwonon-graphingcalculators.
3. THE COMPETITION: Participants will be presented with one or more tasks, many requiring the use of
process skills (i.e., observing, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, communicating, and using
number relationships)fromthefollowing topics:
a. Interpretationoffreshwater features shown onUSGS topographic maps
b. Stream drainage systems: drainage patterns, mainchannel, tributaries, V-shaped valleys,watersheds
c. Channel types:braided, meandering,straight
d. Sediment: weathering, erosion, formsand sizes,transportation,deposition
e. River valley formsandprocesses: geology, gradient, base level,floodplain features, dynamic equilibrium,
nickpoints, waterfalls, stream capture,deltas andfans
f. Perennialandintermittentstream flow,streamgauging andmonitoring, stream flowcalculations,
discharge, load,floods, recurrenceintervals, Chezy andManning equations(Division Conly)
g. Groundwater:zoneofaeration, zoneofsaturation, watertable,porosity, permeability,aquifers, confining
beds, hydraulicgradient, water table contour lines,flowlines,capillarity,recharge anddischarge
h. Karst features: sinkholes, solutionvalleys, springs, disappearingstreams, caves
1. Lake formation andtypes: faulting, rifting,volcanic action, glaciation, damming ofrivers, changes over
time
J. Lake features: inflowandoutflow, physicalandchemicalproperties,stratification,shorelines, waves
k. Wetlands: bogs andmarshes, interactionsbetween surface andgroundwater
1. Destruction/Effectsoflanduse changes, damsand levees:
sedimentation,down-cutting, diversion ofwater, flooding,
ecologicalchanges
m.Hydrologiccycleandwater budgets: precipitation,runoff,
evaporation
n. Pollution:types, sources, transport
4. REPRESENTATIVETASKS:
a. Analyzeandinterpret features andactions ofastream orriverappearing onatopographicmapincluding
watershedboundaries,elevation, gradient, direction offlow, drainage pattern, valley shapes, erosional
landscapes,anddepositionalfeatures ,
b. Constructawater tablecontourmap andindicate thedirectionofgroundwatermovement
c. Analyzedataonthethermal structure ofalakeanddetermine howthe stratificationchanges seasonally
5. SCORING:Points willbeawarded forthequality andaccuracyofresponses. Tieswillbebroken bythe
accuracy and/orquality ofanswers topre-selectedquestions.
RecommendedResources: All reference and trainingresources including the Bio/EarthCD are available
ontheOfficial Science OlympiadStoreorWebsite athttp://www.soinc.org.
2011-C5
ECOLOGY
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsandonwww.solnc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Studentswillanswerquestionsinvolvingcontentknowledgeandprocessskillsinthearea
ofecologyandadaptationsinfeaturedNorthAmericanbiomes.
ATEAMOFUPTO: 2 APPROXIMATETIME:50Minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each participant must bring a writing
implement and may bring a non-programmable, non-graphing
calculator. Each team may bring one 8.5" x 11" two-sided page of
notesthatcontaininformationinanyformfromanysource.
3. THECOMPETITION:
a. The event will emphasize these process skills as they apply to ecology: defining variables; analyzing
data from graphs and tables; presenting data in graphs and tables; forming hypotheses; making
calculationsandpredictions.
b. Questionswilldealwiththefollowingecologicalprinciples:Energyflowthroughfoodwebsandtrophic
pyramids including quantitative analysis ofdata; nutrient cycling, community interactions; population
dynamics including density dependent/independent limiting factors, carrying capacity, doubling time,
exponential/logistical growth and how to calculate population growth; extinction, selection and
migration; human impact upon ecosystems (climate change, invasive species, acid rain, erosion,
pollution). Inaddition,studentsshouldbefamiliarwiththeprosandconsofusingalternativeenergyand
itseffectontheenvironment. Ifstationsareused, studentsmust spendthesameamount oftimeateach
station. Division C: State and Nationals only: life history strategies (e.g., age structure, survival
curves,lifetables,succession,RandKstrategies).
c. Approximately50%ofthequestions shouldspecifically addresstaigaecologyandtundraecology.The
remainderofthequestionswillcovergeneralecologicalprinciples. At theregionalandstatelevel,the
general ecological principles should focus on local and regional ecology. In each subsequent year,
one biome will remain and one replaced by the next biome on the list: freshwater lakes and streams,
marine(includingestuaries),forests,deserts,grasslands,taiga,tundra.
4. SAMPLEQUESTIONS:
Division B:
a. Fromthedescription ofcommunity interactions, createafoodweb.Thenpredictwhat wouldhappento
thefoodwebiftheprimaryproducers weregreatlyreducedinnumberbyadisease.
b. Givenadescriptionoftheinteractionbetweentwospecies,identifythetypeofcommunityinteraction.
c. Providethreereasonshowatundra isdifferentthanataiga.
d. Compareatundrawithataiga. Whatkindsofadaptationsmaybecommoninbothenvironments?How
aretheorganismsineachenvironment adapted forthe ratesofnutrient recyclingthatyouwouldexpect
tofind?
Division C:
e. Given acomplex foodweb, create atrophic pyramid and determine theamount ofenergy ineachlevel
whengivenaquantityofenergyenteringtheproducerlevel.
f. Studentsaregivenagraph depicting thechanges intwo interactingpopulations ofdifferent speciesina
habitat.Predictwhichpopulation isthepredator andwhichistheprey.Givereasonsforyourchoices.
g. Determine the population growth rate for an area given r (rate of increase) and N (number of
individuals).
h. Students are given three age structures and asked to determine which population has the highestbirth
rate,deathrate,doublingtime,andmeanage.
5. SCORING: Questions willbe assigned pointvalues. Students willberanked fromhighest tolowestscore.
Tieswillbebrokenbypre-determinedtiebreakerquestions.
RecommendedResources: Allreference andtraining resources including the BiolEarthCD are available
ontheOfficialScienceOlympiadStoreorWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org.
2011-C6
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandon www.soinc.orgas they applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:This eventwill determine ateam'sabilityto design,conduct,and reportthe findings ofan
experimentactuallyconductedon site.
ATEAMOFUP TO:3 EYEPROTECTION:#4 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students must bring ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles and a
writing instrument(s). Students may also bring a timepiece, a ruler, and a non-programmable calculator.
Chemicalsthatrequireothersafetyclothingwill notbe used.
3. THECOMPETITION:
a. Supervisors must provide teams with identical sets ofmaterials at a distribution center or in a container.
The materials will be listedon the boardorplacedon a card for eachteam. Ifprovided,boththe cardand
the containerwill be consideredpart ofthe materials. The identity ofthe materials is to remainunknown
until the start ofthis event and will be the same for each team. The students must use at leasttwo ofthe
providedmaterialstodesignand conductan experiment.
b. The supervisor must assign a question/topic area that determines the nature of the experiment. The
assigned question/topic area should be the same for all teams and allow students to conduct experiments
involvingrelationshipsbetweenindependentand dependentvariables(likeheightvs. distance).
c. The students will be given an outline (patterned after the scoring rubric) to follow when
recording/reportingtheirexperimentwithadditionalpapertorecorddata, graphsandprocedures.
d. Whenthe teams are finished, all materials must be returned to the event supervisor along withall written
materials.The contentofthe reportmustbe clearlystatedand legible.
4. SCORING: Scoringofthe eventwillbe doneusingthe scoringrubricatthe bottomofthis page. Zero points
will be givenfor an inappropriate or no response. Pointswill be awardeddependentuponthe completeness
ofthe response.Ties will be brokenby comparingthe pointtotals inthe scoringareasin the following order:
Total points for I-Variables, 2-Procedure, 3-Analysis ofResults, 4-Graph, 5-Data Table. Any team not
following proper safety procedures will be askedto leave the roomand will be disqualified from the event.
Anystudentnot addressingthe assigned questionor topic area willbe rankedbehindthosewhodo, because
not conductingan experimentisaviolationofthe spiritofthe event.
EXPERIMENTALDESIGNRUBRIC/REPORTINGFORM
a. Statementof Problem:ExperimentalQuestion(2Points)
b. Hypothesis:Includingpriorknowledgethatcontributedtohypothesis(4Points)
c. Variables:
i. Constants:(ControlledVariables)Factorsthatarepurposefullykeptthesame(4Points)
ii. IndependentVariable:Factorbeingmanipulated(3Points)
iii. DependentVariable:Factorbeingmeasuredwhichresponds(3Points)
d. ExperimentalControl:(Standardof Comparison)(2Points)
e. Materials(3Points)
f Procedure:IncludingDiagrams(6Points)
g. QualitativeObservationsDuringExperiment& SummaryofResults:(4Pts)
h. DataTable:IncludingUseofSignificantFiguresforDivisionC(6points)
1. Graph(s):(6Points)
J. Statistics: Div, B: Average (mean), median, mode, range, ordrawnin lineofbest-fit (2 Points).
Div.CallofB:+standarddeviationandanyotherrelevantstatisticsthatteamschoose(4Points).
k. Analysisof Results:Interpretation(4Points)
1. PossibleExperimentalErrorsincludingidentifiedhumanerrors(3Points)
m. Conclusion:Includewhyyourresultsdidordidnotsupportthehypothesis:(4Points)
n. RecommendationsforFurtherExperimentationBasedonYourData& PracticalApplications:(4Points)
Hints: a.Statementofproblem shouldnothave ayesornoanswer.Itshouldbe specifictothe experimentbeing
conducted and isnotthe same asthe assignedtopic area.b.Experiments should consist ofrepeatedtrials.c.The
variablesshouldbeoperationallydefined.d.Experimentsshouldbesimpleandhaveonlyoneindependentandone
dependentvariable.
RecommendedResources:All reference and training resources includingthe ExperimentalDesign Guide
orCD are availableonthe OfficialScienceOlympiadStoreorWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C7
FORENSICS
Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Given ascenarioand some possiblesuspects, students will performaseries oftests. These
tests, along withother evidenceortest results will beusedto solveacrime.
-
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 EYEPROTECTION:#4 APPROXIMATETIME: 50minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a. Studentsmaybring only these items:
i. test tubes and test tube holders or any {C. hand lens
devices inwhichthey canperformthetests Xl. writinginstruments
11. droppers XlI. apencil andruler (forchromatograms)
Ill. funnel(s) &/or filter paper X111. papertowels
IV. pH or litmuspaper XIV. metal tongs
v. spatulas,plastic spoons, &/or stirring rods, xv. Each team may bring one 8.5" X 11" two-
VI. 9 volt conductivity tester (no testers will be sided page ofnotes containing information
allowedthatrun onAC current) inany form from anysource.
VIl. thermometer xvi. anon-programmablecalculator
~ l l flame test equipment(nichrome wire, cobalt Note: Students not bringingthese items will be at
blue glass, etc.) a disadvantage. The event supervisor will not
IX. slides &cover slips providethem.
b. Supervisorwillprovide:
1. iodine reagent(I, dissolvedinKIsolution) Thesupervisormayprovide:
11. 2MHCl x. other equipment(e.g., amicroscope,probes,
Ill. 2MNaOH etc.) or
IV. Benedict'ssolution Xl. candle& matchesiffibers given,or
v. ahotwaterbath XlI. differential density solutions or other
VI. a Bunsenburner or equivalentBTUheat source method of determining density of
toperformflame tests polymersifplasticsgiven or
VIl. awaste container X111. reagents toperformothertests.
V111. chromatography materials - e.g., beakers, Petri
dishes, etc.
IX. awash bottle with distilledwater
c.Safety Requirements: Students must wear the following or they will not be allowed to participate:
closed-toed shoes, ANSI Z87 indirectvent chemical splash goggles (see http://soinc.org), pants or skirts
that cover the legs tothe ankles, andalongsleevedshirt thatreachesthewrists,andachemicalapron
or a lab coatthat reaches the knees. Chemical gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their
safety clothing/goggles or are observed handling any ofthe material or equipment in a hazardous/unsafe
manner (e.g., tasting or touching chemicals or flushing solids down a drain and not rinsing them into a
designatedwaste containerprovidedbythe supervisor)will bedisqualifiedfrom theevent.
3. THECOMPETITION:
Level
Re iona1
State
National
#Part asam
3-8
6-10
8-12
les #Partbsam
5-9
6-12
10-18
Partd
1-2to
1-3to
3-5to
a.Qualitative Analysis: Substances to identify: sodium acetate, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogen
carbonate, sodium carbonate, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate,
calcium carbonate, cornstarch, glucose, sucrose, magnesium sulfate, boric acid, and ammoniumchloride
(there will benomixtures).All teams will have the same setofsolids toidentify.
2011-C8
FORENSICS (CONT.)
Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandon www.soinc.org asthey applytoevery event.
b. Polymers: Studentsmay be askedto identify:
i. PETE,HDPE, non-expandedPS, LDPE,PP, PVC,PMMA, PC (Studentsmay not performany bum
testson these polymers. Bumtest resultson theseplasticsmaybeprovidedby the eventsupervisor).
11. cotton,wool, silk, linen, nylon,spandex,polyester(Bumtests will be permittedonthe fibers)
111. human, dog, cat, bat, and horse hair. (Students will need to know hairstructure including medulla,
cortex,cuticle,and root.)
c. Chromatography/Spectroscopy: Students will be expected to separate components using paper
chromatography,TLC, and/oranalyzemassspectra. Studentsmay be expectedtomeasureRfS.
d. CrimeScenePhysicalEvidence:
i. FingerprintAnalysis: Students may be expected to know the 8 NCIC classifications (arch, tented
arch, radialloop, ulnarloop, plainwhorl, centralpocketwhorl, accidental,and doubleloop). Students
should also be familiar with the common fingerprint development techniques of dusting, iodine
fuming, ninhydrin, and cyanoacrylate fuming. Students should understand terminology such as
bifurcation, ridges, island, enclosure, loop, whorl, and arch. Students should be able to answer
questionsaboutskin layers and howfingerprints are formed. Studentsmaybe askedquestions on the
differentmethodsofdetectingfingerprints and the chemistrybehindeachofthese methods.
11. DNA: Students may be asked to compare DNA chromatograms/electropherograms from materials
found at the scene to those ofthe suspects. Students willbe expectedto know howDNAis copied.
See http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/chemistry/pcr/index.html
111. Glass analysis: Students may be asked to use index ofrefraction to determine the type ofa glass
foundbrokenat acrimescene. Theymay be askedto analyzewhichhole or fractures occurredbefore
othersbasedon apieceof glass availablefor examinationor apictureofapieceofglass.
IV. Entomology: Studentsmaybe askedto identifyhowlong an animalhas beendead basedon the type
ofinsectsfoundonthe bodyat the scene.
v. Spatters: Students may be asked to analyze actual spatters or photographs ofspatters to determine
the angle and velocity with which the liquid approached the solid object bearing the spatter & the
spatterorigindirection.
VI. SeedsandPollen: Studentsmay be askedto comparepicturesofseeds/pollenfoundatthe scenewith
eitherseeds/pollenfound on the suspectsorseeds/pollenfrom differentcountryregions.
Vll. TracksandSoil: Students maybe askedto matchtire tracks or footprints found at the sceneto tires
or shoes ofthe suspects. Students may be given the compositionofsoil found at the scene or on the
suspectsand askedto determineif this implicatesany ofthe suspects.
viii. Blood: Studentsmay be askedto identifythe ABObloodtype usingartificialblood(eventsupervisor
required to provide instructions on how the typing system works) or students may be asked to
identify ifbloodsample, eitherprepared microscope slide or pictures ofmicroscope slide is human,
avian,mammalian,or reptilian/amphibian.
ix. Bullet striations: Students may be asked to match the striations on bullets or casings found at the
crimesceneand fired from agivengun. ,
e. AnalysisoftheCrime: Studentswill be askedto writean analysisofthe crimesceneexplainingnot only
which pieces ofevidence implicate which suspect and why the suspect(s) was (were) chosen as the
culprit(s), but also why the other suspects were not chosen. They will also answer any
othercrimesceneanalysisquestionsposedby the eventsupervisor.
f. The collectedevidenceand otherdatagivencouldbe usedin amockcrimescene.
4. SCORING: Teamwiththe highest score wins. Timewill not be usedfor scoring. The score
willbe composedofthe followingelements(percentagesgivenare approximate):
a. Part3.a. 20%,Part3.b. 20%,Part3.c. 15%, Part3.d. 15%, and 3.e. 30%.
b. Tiebreaker:Ties will be brokenby the highestscoreonthe analysisof the crimescene,whichincludesthe
reasonswhycertainsuspectshavebeeneliminatedor othersremaininthe poolofpossiblecriminals.
c. A 10%penaltymaybe givenif the area isnot cleanedup as designatedby the eventsupervisor.
RecommendedResources: All reference and training resources including the ForensicsCDare available
onthe OfficialScienceOlympiadStoreorWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
THIS EVENT ISSPONSOREDBYFOX BROADCASTINGAND"FRINGE"
2011-C9
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FOSSILS


Readthe GeneralRulesinthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Teams will demonstrate theirknowledge ofancientlifeby completing selected tasks ata
series ofstations. Emphasis will be on fossil identification and ability to answer questions about
classification,habitat,ecologicrelationships,behaviorsandtheuseoffossilstodateandcorrelaterockunits.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:Each teammaybringonlyonemagnifyingglass;onepublished fieldguide that
theymaytab and writein andone3-ringbinder(anysize)containinginformationinanyform fromany
source.Thematerialsmustbe3-holepunched andinsertedintotherings(sheetprotectorsareallowed).
3. THECOMPETITION: Emphasis willbeplaced upon task-orientedactivities.Participantswillmove from
station to station, with the length oftime at each station predetermined and announced by the event
supervisor. Participants are not permittedto return to stations, but may change or add informationto their
original responses while at other stations. Identification will be limited to species on the list, butother
speciesmaybeusedtoillustratekeyconcepts.Thequestionswillbechosenfromthefollowingtopics:
a. Conditionsrequiredforaplantorananimaltobecomefossilized.
b. Commonmodesof preservation:permineralization,petrifaction/petrification/silicification,mineral
replacement,cast/mold,imprint, actualremains.Uncommonmodesofpreservationinclude
encasementinamber/copal,mummification,freezing, entrapmentintar/asphalt.
c. Relative dating:lawof superposition,originalhorizontality, crosscuttingrelationships,unconformities
(buriederosionsurfaces).
d. Absolutedating:radiometricdating,half-life,carbondating, volcanicashlayers.
e. GeologicTimeScale
f IndexFossils
g. Fossilbearingsedimentaryrocks: limestone,shale, sandstone,
mudstone,coquina,etc.
h. Modesoflife: filter feeder,predator,scavenger,depositfeeder,
benthic,pelagic,etc.
i. Environments:marine,terrestrial,freshwater,etc.
j. Mineralandorganiccomponentsofskeletons,shells, etc:(calcite,aragonite,silica, chitin)
k. Taxonomichierarchy:kingdom,phylum,class, order,family, genus,species
1. Adaptationsandmorphologicfeaturesof majorfossils groups(i.e.,Trilobites-eompoundeye on
Phacops;lack of eyes onCryptolithus;bodyparts-eephalon,thorax, pygidium)
m.Importantpaleontologicalevents anddiscoveriesandtheirsignificancee.g.,Ediacaranfossils,
Lagerstatten,BurgessShale,Permianextinction,dinosaurswith feathersfromChina,Cretaceous
extinction,PleistoceneIce Age.
4. REPRESENTATIVESTATIONTASKS:Possiblequestions,tasks, stationsand/orexamples:
a. Identifyeachfossil andrecorditsmodeof preservation.
b. Identifyeachdinosaur(model/image)byname. Recordeach specimen'sorder(Saurischiaor
Ornithischia)andtheperiod(s)inwhichitlived(Triassic,Jurassic,orCretaceous).
c. Identifyeachindexfossil by itsinformalnameand recordthe geologicperiod(s)duringwhichit
thrived.
d. Ordereach specimenaccordingtoage, oldesttomostrecent. GeologicTimeChartprovided.
e. Basedonthe fossiland rockassociations,determinethe environmentinwhichthe organismlived.
f Constructarangechartand determinethe age ofthefossil assemblage.
5. SCORING:Pointswillbeawardedforthequality andaccuracy ofresponses.Tieswillbebrokenbythe
accuracyand/orqualityof responsestoseveralpre-identifiedquestions.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Smithsonian Fossil
Handbook and the Fossil CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at
http://www.soinc.org
2011-ClO
HELICOPTERS
Readthe GeneralRulesin the manualsandon www.soinc.orgas they applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Teams constructandtest freeflight rubber-poweredhelicoptersprior tothetournamentto
achievemaximumflight times.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 IMPOUND:motors only atcheck-in TIME: 15minutes
2. CONSTRUCTIONPARAMETERS:
a. DESIGN: Helicopters may be constructed from published planes), commercial kits, and/or a student's
design.
b. MATERIALS:The functionalcomponents(rotors, rotor blades, vertical stabilizingsurfaces, andmotor
stick) ofthe helicoptermust be constructedonly from wood, paper,plastic film covering, and glue. The
functional components mustnotbe constructed from rigid plastic. The functional components may
be attached to each other using tape, thread, music wire, malleable wire, paper, metal or plastic tubes,
and/orrubberbands. Thehelicopter may be bracedwith stringofany base material. Kits must not
contain anypre-gluedjointsorpre-coveredsurfaces. Plastic orrubbero-ringsmaybe used to attach the
motortothehelicopterrotor(s).
c. MASS: Total mass ofthe helicopter throughout the flight, excluding the rubber motor, must be 4.0
grams ormore.
d. ROTORS: Rotorsaredefinedas surfacesthatcontributeliftby rotatingon a commonpatharound
a vertical axis. The helicopter may use up to three fixed pitch rotors, not exceeding a maximum
diameterof40.0 em.There isnomaximumlimit onthenumberofblades ortheir chord. There must not
beany other lifting surfaces.
e. ROTOR CONSTRUCTION: Competitors must construct the rotors themselves. Commercially
available rotors or propellers must not be used in whole or part. Rotor thrust bearings may be
commerciallyavailableitems.
f. POWER: The helicopter must be powered by rubber motor(s) not exceeding a total mass of2.0 g,
including any attachments such as o-rings. Motor(s) must be removable from the helicopter for
check-in.The motor(s) mustbe massedseparatelyfrom thehelicopter. Motors may be lubricatedbefore
and/or after check-in. Motors will be massed at check-in, and officials will impound qualified motors.
Qualifiedmotors willbemade availabletothe team forofficialflights.
g. MARKING: Each helicoptermust be labeledsothe EventSupervisorcan easilyidentifyto which team
itbelongs.
3. THECOMPETITION:
a. The event must be held indoors. Tournament officials must announce the room dimensions
(approximate length, widthand ceilingheight) in advanceofthe competition. Tournamentofficials and
the Event Supervisor are urged to minimize the effects ofenvironmental factors such as air currents
(e.g.,doors, fans). ,
b. Once competitors enterthe cordonedoffcompetitionareato trim, practice, or compete, they mustnot
receiveoutsideassistance, materials, or communication. Teams violating this rule will be rankedbelow
allotherteams. Theremust beaseparate area designatedforspectators.
c. Each team must present a flight log ofrecorded data during inspection. Data must include at least 6
parametersforatleast 10test flights priortothe competition.The requiredparametersare: I) motorsize
before windup, 2) number ofturns on the motor at launch, 3) flight time. The team must choose 3
additionaldata parametersbeyondthoserequired, (e.g.turns remainingafter landing, estimated/recorded
peak flightheight, thetorqueatlaunch).
d. At the Event Supervisor's discretion, practice flights may occurthroughoutthe event but must yield to
any official flight. Multiplepracticeflights may occuratthe same time. No trim (practice)flightswill be
permittedinthe lasthalf-hourofthe event, exceptforteamsthatdeclarea trimflightduringtheir8-
minute flightperiod.
2011-Cll
HELICOPTERS(CONT.)
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.solnc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
e. Aself-checkinspectionstationmay bemade availabletocompetitorsforcheckingtheirhelicoptersprior
tobeingcheckedbythe EventSupervisor.
f. Competitorsmay useany type ofwinder, but electricitymay notbe available.
g. Team members must present their event materials (helicopter(s), motor(s), and log) for inspection
immediately prior to a team's 2 official flights. Qualified motors mustbe held by theofficial timer
and dispensed at the team's choosing during the team's offlcial flights. Event supervisors are
stronglyurged to returnflight logs afterinspection. Timers mustfollow and observeteams as they
arewindingtheir motors. -
h. Teams maymake uptoatotal of2officialflights using 1or2helicopters.
1. Teams will be given an 8-minute "Flight Period," starting when their first
flightaftercheck-inutrlmorofficial)begins. Any flight beginningwithin
the 8-minute period'will be permitted to fly to completion. Competitors
may make adjustments/repairs/trim flights andqualify additionalmotors
during their official 8-minute period. Teams must declare before any
launches during their flight period whether it is an official flight or trim
"flight. Ifteams do not indicate the flight type before launch, it must be
considered official. Teams must not be given extra time to recover or
repair their helicopter(s).
J. The team may select any previously approved motors held by the
timerforeachofficialflight.
k. The timingofficialwill measureand recordthe "Time Aloft" in hundredthsofasecond foreachflight.
Time Aloft for each flight starts when the helicopter leaves the competitor's hand and stops when any
part ofthe helicoptertouches the floor orthe rotors no longersupporttheweightofthe helicopter
(suchas thehelicopterlandingon a girderorbasketballhoop).
1. The Event Supervisormay permitotherofficialflights duringtheflight ofanotherteam'shelicopter.
m. Competitorsmust not steer the helicopterduringflight. In the unlikelyeventofa collisionwith another
helicopter, a teammay elect a re-flight. The decisionto re-fly may be made after the helicopter lands.
The eight-minuteperioddoes not apply tosuch aflight.
4. SCORING: The base score isthe team's longestsingleflight time. Ties will be brokenby the longestnon-
scoredflighttime.
a. Teams with incompleteflight logs musthave 10%oftheir flight time deductedfrom each flight.
b. Teams withoutflight logs musthave 30% oftheirflight time deductedfrom each flight.
c. Teams that violate a rule under "CONSTRUCTION" or "THE COMPETITION" that does not have a
specificpenaltymust berankedafter allteams that donotviolatethose rules.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Helicopters DVD are
availableontheOfficialScienceOlympiadStore orWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
National Science Education Standard: Content Standard E: All students should develop abilities of
technologicaldesignandunderstandingsaboutscienceandtechnology.
THISEVENTIS SPONSOREDBYTHEACADEMYOFMODELAERONAUTICS
http://www.modelaircraft.org/
2011-C12
MICROBEMISSION
Read the GeneralRulesin the manualsandon www.soinc.orgas they apply toevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Teamswill answerquestions,solve problems, and analyzedata pertainingtomicrobes.
A TEAMOFUPTO:2 EYEPROTECTION:#4 APPROXIMATETIME: 50Minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each participant must bring Z87 chemical splash goggles and a writing
implement and may bring a non-programmable, non-graphing calculator. Each team may bring one 8.5" x
11"two-sidedpageofnotes that containinformationinany form from any source.
3. THECOMPETITION:The eventmay be run astimedstations. Studentswillbe givenquestionspertaining
to different types ofmicrobes. Some questions/stations may involve the actual use ofa microscope. Ifno
microscopes are available, high quality photographs with appropriate scales may be used instead. Most
questions should emphasize age/division appropriate process skills such as: data interpretation from graphs
and tables, use ofa dichotomous key, drawing conclusions, calculations, metric conversions, determining
actual size ofthe organism, inferences, and making observations. Students maybe askedto performsimple
laboratory procedures as measurements or using probes (sufficient information will be provided at the
station). Possiblelive specimensmay includeonlybaker'syeast,ciliates,amoebae,lichens,greenalgae, and
diatoms.Pictures& preparedslidesare appropriatefor allmicrobialtypes. Thecontentareas may include:
RegionalandStateTournaments(B& C)
a. Differentkinds ofmicroscopes and theiruses. Name& function ofthe lightmicroscopeparts, principles
ofmicroscopyand magnificationdetermination.
b. Recognitionand functionofnucleus,mitochondriaand chloroplasts,and theirpossiblemicrobialorigin.
c. Differences (e.g., size, environment, structure, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic, etc.) among prions, viruses,
bacteria,Archaea,fungi, and algal and animal likeprotists.
d. Rolesofmicrobesincommercialproduction,spoilage,preservation& decompositionofvariousfoods.
e. Diseasescausedby differentkindofmicrobesand the treatment/preventionofthese diseases.
f. Estimation/calculation of size based on scales in pictures or microscopic
informationand amountofthe visualfield occupied.
g. Growthcurves;graphinterpretation.
h. Beneficialmicrobesvs.Dangerousmicrobes.
DivisionC (only) NationalTournament(B& C)
i. Namesfor and recognitionof
1. All state/regionallevelmaterial
m.Resistancetovariousantimicrobialagents
variousbacterialshapes
n. Roleof microbesin the causesof plant diseases
J. Gramstainuses and difference
o.Causesand effectsofmicrobialpopulationexplosions
betweengram+ & gram-
p.Parasiticworms
k. Importantaspectsofspores& cysts q.Microbialcompetition
4. SAMPLEQUESTIONS:Note: Diseasequestionsmust berestrictedtothe 2011MicrobialDiseasesonwww.soinc.org
a.Providetwo differencesamongbacteria,viruses,and fungi.
b.Usingthe followingkey, determine(frompictures)whichcell, A,B, or C isconsideredan alga.
c.Basedon the followinggraph,determinewhichorganismisbestsuitedfor growthinacid environment.
d.A cell is observedthrougha lightmicroscopeat 4x magnification.Thecell takes up abut halfofthe visual
field. Whatisthe approximatelengthofthis organism? .
e.Students observe a picture ofa plate with different colonies on it. Based on the color ofthe colony, how
many different kinds of organisms do you detect? Which type of organism appears to be the most
prevalent?
f.Fromthis pictureidentifythe organelle,itsfunction, and statewhichtypeofmicrobeitisuniqueto.
g.Whattype ofmicrobeisinvolvedin theproductionof mostbreads?
h.Whattype of microbeisresponsibleforpolio?
i. Basedon the followinggraph,whatwillbe the microbialpopulation/mlafter3.5hoursofgrowth?
j. Matchthe diseasewiththe typeoforganismthat causesit.
5. SCORING:Highestscorewill determinethewinner. Selectedquestionsmaybe usedastiebreakers.
RecommendedResources:All referenceand trainingresourcesincludingthe MicrobeMissionCD are
availableon the OfficialScienceOlympiadStoreand Websiteathttp://www.soinc.org.
2011-C13
MISSION POSSIBLE
o ~
q ~ ~ ~
Read the GeneralRulesinthemanualsandonwww.soinc.orgasthey apply toeveryevent.
1.DESCRIPTION: Prior tothe competition, the teams design, build, test,and documenta "Rube Goldberg-
likeDevice" thatcompletes arequired task.
ATEAMOFUP TO: 3 IMPOUND:Yes EYEPROTECTION:#2 TIME:Set-up-30 min/Run: 3min
2.EVENTAND CONSTRUCTIONPARAMETERS:
a.Allcompetitorsmustproperly wear safety spectacleswith sideshields.
b. Allparts ofthedevicemust fitwithinan imaginary box (50emx50emx80em).
c.Each device must pass a safety inspection before operation. Devices with potential hazards or unsafe
procedures must not run unless safety concerns are resolved to the satisfaction ofthe event supervisor.
Unsafe devices receive only participationpoints.
d. Thedevice mustbedesigned andconstructedtoexecute asequence oftasks fromthe listinsection 4.
i. The StartingTaskmustbeTask4.a. andtheFinalTask mustbeTask4.n.
ii. Teams maychoose upto8additional tasks from4.b.- 4.m.These mayoccurinanyorder.
iii.Afterthe StartingTask, thedevicemust operate autonomously.
iv.Each task inthedevice mustcontributetothecompletionoftheFinalTask.
v. Parallel tasks are not allowed. Other non-listedtasks may be built into the device but must contribute
tothecompletionoftheFinal Taskandthey willnotearnanypoints.
e.Electric components must be limited to batteries, wires, resistors, motors, capacitors, solenoids,
mechanical switches, electro-mechanical relays, LEDs, and light bulbs. Computers or integrated circuits
mustnotbeused inthedevice.
f. The onlyliquids allowed arewater andvinegar. Substances maybeadded tothese during operation.
g. Uncontrolled projectiles, hazardous spills, flames, and hazardous materials (e.g. matches, rat traps,
candles, modelrocket engines, lighters, fireworks, gunpowder, flammable substances)arenotpermitted.
h. No more than 10.0 volts will be permitted to power any single electrical circuit. All batteries must be
factory-sealedandvoltage labeled bythe manufacturer. No lead-acid batteries willbeallowed.
1. Energy devices such as flashlights, batteries, and mousetraps may be set/activated prior to starting the
device, butnotthemotors (seePenalties, 8.d.).
j. Devices mustnotberemotely timed orcontrolled.
k. Tasks receive points onlyifsuccessful, listed, andcontributetoward FinalTaskcompletion.
3.THETASKS:Nopartes)ofamousetrapwill countas asimplemachine.
a.Starting Task- Drop a U.S. quarterfrom above the entire device. The quarter must physically touch and
snapthe mousetrap, which begins thechain ofevents. (l00points)
b. (20points) Use aforcetopush awedge betweentwo objects toseparate andcausethe nextaction.
c.(20points) UseanIMA 3pulley system toliftamass atleast 15cm.Themass mustcause thenextaction.
d. (20points) Tumascrew soitstip staysincontactwith an object, forcingthe objectto move atleast2em
andcause thenext action.
e. (20points) Useathird-classlevertocause thenext action.
f (30points) Inflate aballoonwith agassuchthattheinflatedballoon causes thenext action.
g. (30points) Useaclosedhydraulicsystemtocause thenext action.
h. (30points) Move avolume ofair(notpneumatic)such thatthemoving aircausesthenext action.
1. (40points) Initiate anenclosed chemical reactionthat creates gasandusethatgastocausethenextaction.
J. (40points) Convertcircular motion tolinear motion, withouttheuse ofgears orscrews, andusethelinear
motion tocause thenextaction.
k. (50points) Decreaseanobject's temperaturesuchthatthechange intemperaturecauses thenextaction.
1. (50 points) Stack 5wooden blocks, no smallerthan 5em x 5 em x 2 em, such that the stack of5blocks
causes the next action. The blocks cannot touch each other in their un-stacked state and must stay
completely within the boundary ofthe device. Once stacked, each block must completely support the
blocks stackedontop ofit.
m.(Variable points) Use sand that acts as atimer by allowing a stream ofsand to fall from one containerto
another. The sand timer must operate for at least 15seconds andthe mass ofthe accumulatingsandmust
causethe nextaction. Electricitymustnotbe usedforfurther actions afterthe sandtimer hasstarted.
2011-C14
MISSIONPOSSIBLE(CONT.)
Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgasthey apply toeveryevent.
n. Final Task- Raise a sign completelyabovethe top ofthe device using a singlepre-filled(priorto device
operation) helium balloon. The signmust startin contactwith the lowestpoint in the device, hang from
the bottom ofthe balloon, and display the team school name. The balloon must be released from the
device, remain tethered to the device by a string, and rise only due to its buoyancy. The sign must be
easily detached and given to the judges to be massed after the task is completed. The sign and
attachments,exceptthe balloontether, are includedin the signmass.
4. TASKSEQUENCELIST(TSL): (An examplelist is onthe Nationalwebsite.)
a. The TSL details the scorable sequence oftasks to occur during device operation. Tasks in section 4,
intendedto earn points,mustbe numberedandidentifiedby letterinthe TSLanddevice.
b. Additionalactionsor tasksneednot be identifiedinthe TSL.
c. TheTSLmustbe submittedat impoundoras announcedby the tournamentdirector.
5. OPERATIONOFDEVICE:
a. The timingofthedevicebeginswhenateammemberreleasesaquarterintothe device(4.a).
b. Timingstops whenthe final taskhas been completed or when 180 sec have elapsed (whichevercomes
first); the points earned up to then determine the score. The ideal operation time is 60 sec at Regionals,
between60-90sec at States,and between90-120sec atNationals(timeannouncedafterimpound).
c. Ifthe device stops, jams or fails, the team may adjust it to continue operation with penalty points
deducted. Any obviousstallingto gainatimeadvantageresultsin disqualification.
d. Ifan action inadvertently starts a task out ofsequence on the TSL then all tasks skipped in the listed
sequencewillnotearn pointseveniftheyare completed.
e. Ifthe team completes a task themselves or makes an adjustment that leads directly to completionofthe
taskin the verynextaction,that taskwillnotreceivepoints(evenifit isthe final task).
6. SCORINGPOINTS:
a. 25 points, ifthe TSLissubmittedontime.
b. 25points, ifthe TSLusesthe formatspecified.
c. 25points,ifthe TSLis 100%accuratein documentationofexpecteddeviceoperation.
d. 25points,ifthe tasksare labeledproperlyinthe device.
e. 50points,ifthe teamusesno morethan30 minutesfor set up.
f. 100points, ifthe teamstartsthe devicecorrectly.
g. 2points,for eachfull secondofoperationup to the idealtime.
h. 20,30,40,or 50pointsfor the first timeeachletteredtaskfromsection4is successfullycompleted.
1. 100points,ifall conditionsofthe sandtimerare successfullymet.
J. 2 points for each full second ofsand timer operation before causing next action, including the 15 sec
requiredfor taskcompletion.No sandtimerpointsawardedafterthe devicereachesthe idealtime.
k. 1pointper0.1 g ofsignmass(onlyiffinal taskis successfullycompleted).
1. 250 points,ifall conditionsfor the FinalTaskare successfullycompletedin 180 sec.
7. PENALTIES:
a. 1 point deducted for each second that the device operates beyond the "ideal" time until the device
completesthe FinalTask,or reachesthe three-minutetimelimit(whicheveroccursfirst).
b. 15pointseachtimethe deviceis touched,adjusted,or restarted.
c. 50 points, onetime, for any substancethatleavesthe boundaryofthe deviceduringoperation(exceptthe
balloon,tetherstring,and signatthe pointoftaskcompletion).
d. 100pointsfor eachmotorrunningpriorto the startofthe device.
e. 100pointsif the devicedoesnotbeginwiththe StartingTask.
f. Teamswithconstructionviolations,paralleldesign,or "deadend"pathsare rankedbelowall otherteams.
g. Teamswithan unsafedevicemustnot be allowedto runtheirdevicebutreceiveparticipationpoints.
8. TIESare brokenby this order: a. fewest penaltypoints; b. greatestsignmass roundedto 0.1 g (onlyifthe
final taskiscompleted);c.longestrun timeof sandtimerup to idealtime;d. closestto idealtime.
RecommendedResources:All referenceandtrainingresourcesare availableathttp://www.soinc.org.
THISEVENTISSPONSOREDBYLOCKHEEDMARTIN
2011-C15
MOUSETRAPVEHICLE
Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams design, build, and test a vehicle using one or two snap mousetraps as the sole
propulsionenergysourceto pushaplasticcupout adistanceand returnto apointbehindthe startingline as
quicklyaspossible.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 IMPOUND:None EYEPROTECTION:#5 APPROX.TIME: 15minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students must bring and correctly wear eye protection while preparing and
runningtheirvehicleorthey will not beallowedtocompete.
3. CONSTRUCTIONPARAMETERS:
a. Only one or two unmodified snap mousetraps (with bases less than 6.0 ern x 12.0 em) must be used as
energy sources. An unmodified mousetrap is one that still retains all ofits original parts and structural
integrity to function as intended. Altering the structural integrity ofthe mousetrap includes, but is not
limitedto,welding, bending,and cutting. Items may beaddedtothe mousetrap. Soldering,taping,tying,
gluing,andclampingareallowed.HolesmayNOTbe madeanywhereon themousetrap.
b. All partsofthe vehiclemustmoveas awhole; no anchors, tie downs, launchingramps, or otherseparate
pieces are allowed. If any piece falls offduring the run, it is considered a construction violation. The
plasticcupisnotconsideredpartofthevehicleatanytime.
c. All ofthe vehicle's kinetic energy must originate from the unmodified mousetrap. Items must not be
addedto the mousetrap to increase the potentialenergyofthe unmodified mousetrap. Conversion
ofthe mechanical energy ofthe mousetrap spring is permissible, but any additional sources ofkinetic
energymustbeattheirloweststates atthe beginningoftherun.
d. Reversing and stopping mechanisms must work automatically. The vehicle must not be tethered or
remotelycontrolledinany way toguide, reverse,orstop it.RecoilisNOTconsideredreversing.
e. Electricdevicesare not permitted.
f. The vehiclemusthave a fixed, pointedobject, (e.g., pin or toothpick) somewhereon the perimeterofthe
vehicle chassis that extends down to within 1.0 em ofthe track's surface. The point ofthe fixed object
nearestthe tracksurfaceisusedasthereferencepointfordistancemeasurements.
g. The entire vehicle must fit within a 1.0 m x 1.0 m box in ready to start mode only before a run.
Thereisno restrictionon theheightofthevehicle.
h. Competitors muststart the vehicleby actuating some sort oftriggerusing a pencil,pen, dowel or similar
device(which is not part ofand does not travelwith the vehicle). Thetriggermustbe designed so that
the actuation of it is perpendicular(up ordown) to the floor. A horizontally activated trigger is a
constructionviolation.
1. Sightingdevicesnot usingelectricityarepermittedandmay beremovedbeforethevehicleruns.
j. The wheels and drivestring(s)are the only vehicleparts permittedtocontactthe floor atany time.
4. THETRACK:
a. The competitionmustbeon astraightand level lane witharelativelysmooth,hard, low-frictionsurface.
b. EventSupervisorsmustmarkthetrackwithtape asfollows:
i. StartLine: The edge ofthetape closesttothe 3mtape isthe StartLine.
ii. 3 m Line: Aparallel line 3.00 m in FRONTofthe Start Line. The edge ofthe tape closestto the Start
Line isthe 3m Line andmustbeaccuratetowithin 1mm of3m.
iii.Minus 4 m Line: A parallel line 4.00 m BEHIND the StartLine. The edge ofthe tape closestto the
Start Line istheMinus4m Lineandmustbe accuratetowithin 1mm of4 m.
iv.Lane Boundaries: Parallel lines 1.00 m apart extending from the 3 m Line to the Minus 4 m Line.
The Lane Boundariesmay be extendedbeyondthe 3m and Minus4 m Lines to help withdetermining
theLane Bonus.
c. The centerofthe Minus4mLinemustbe clearlymarked.
d. Additionalspace must beprovidedinall4directionsofthe lane toallowfortrackover-runs.
5. THECOMPETITION:
a. Thevehiclemustpusha 16oz. disposableplasticcup(providedby theEventSupervisor)to the3 m
Line, leave it there, reverse direction, and stop at the center ofthe Minus 4 m Line in order to
receivetheidealDistanceScore.
b. Thecompetitors mustplace the plastic cup upside down and tangentto theStartLine on the side
closest to the 3 m Line. The cup may be placed anywhere along the Start Line as long as it is
completely within theLaneBoundaries.Thevehicle must be placedso thatit is in contactwith the
cup.Thefixed pointofthevehicledoes nothaveto be on theStartLine, nordoes theentirevehicle
haveto be behindtheStartLineorwithintheLaneBoundaries.
2011-C16
MOUSETRAP VEHICLE (CONT.)
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Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgasthey apply toeveryevent.
c. The competitorsmust notpush orconstrain thevehicle during release nortouch theirvehicle during arun.
d. The vehicle must be able to remain at the starting position without being touched until triggered. Ifthe
vehiclemoves anydistance afterthetrigger hasbeen releaseditisconsideredarun.
e. Teams have 10minutes ofEventTime to setup, make anyadjustments,take measurements, andstart two
runs. Ifthe second run has started before the 10minute period has elapsed, itmust be allowed to run to
completion. Timeused bythe EventSupervisorformeasuringmust not count toward the 10minute Event
Time.
f. Run Time starts when the vehicle begins forward motion and ends when the vehicle comes to acomplete
stop. Ifavehicle does notmove upon actuationofthe switch itdoes not countas arun andthe team may
requesttosetupforanother arun, butmust notreceiveextra time.
i. Run Time isinseconds, recordedto0.01seconds.
ii. Ifthe vehicle does not reverse within 3 seconds after coming to a stop, the run is considered to have
ended. In this instance, the Run Time is the time it took the vehicle to start and stop in 1direction
including the 3 seconds. Any action occurring after the vehicle has stopped for 3 seconds must not
count aspart oftherun.
iii.Ifthe vehicle reversesdirection, theRunTime stops once allmotionceases (includingrecoils).
g. Ifthe time or distance cannot be measured for a vehicle (e.g. a team starts a vehicle before the Event
Supervisorisready ortheteampicks upthevehiclebefore itismeasured)itisafailed run.
h. If thecuptipsoverduringa run,measurementismadefromwherethecupcomesto rest.
1. Once the vehicle starts a run the competitors must move outside the lane, not follow their vehicle, and
wait until called bythe Event Supervisortoretrieve their vehicle following measurement.
j. Teams who wish tofileanappeal must leavetheir vehicle with theEventSupervisor.
6. SCORING:
a. Run Score: The Run Score is the sum ofthe Distance Score, Lane Bonus, and Time Score. Negative
scores arepossible. Lowestscore determinesthewinner.
b. DistanceScore:
i. The Distance Score is the sum oftwo distance measurements. 1)The perpendiculardistance (point to
line) in em (to the nearest 0.1 em) from the nearest edge ofthe cup to the 3 m Line. Ifthe cup is
touchingthe3mLine itsdistance score is0ern.2)Thedistance (pointtopoint) inem(nearest0.1ern)
fromthefixedpointonthevehicletothecenterofthe Minus 4mLine.
ii. Both distance measurements are absolute value positive measurements. Itdoes NOT matter on which
side ofthe linesthe cupandthefixed point cometorest.
iii.The cup must pass at least 1.5m or receive 500 pointsplus the cup distance measurement. The team
may elect tonotpush the cupbut receives 300points asthe cup to 3m Line measurementplus the 500
pointsfornotpassing1.5m.
iv.Vehiclesnotreversingdirectionreceive 1500 pointsadded totheDistanceScore forthat run.
c. Lane Bonus: Ifthe fixed point remains within the Lane Boundaries through the entire run, a -30 point
bonus isawarded.
d. Time Score: Regional, 1pointper second; State,2points per second; National,4points per second.
e. Tiers: Teams arerankedusing the single runthat givesthem thebest overall rank.
~ Tier: Arunwith noviolations.
ii. 2
nd
Tier: Arunwith competitionviolations. ;
iii.3
rd
Tier: Arunwith constructionviolationsorboth competitionand constructionviolations.
f. Tiebreakers: 1st: Distancescore ofthebetterrun.2
nd
: Thevehicle'sotherrun score.
g. Teams receiveparticipationpointsifthey have nosuccessfulruns.
SCORINGEXAMPLE: At a State competition, the run took 20.21 seconds. The
cup came to rest 42.4 ern from the 3 m Line. The fixed point was 75.8 em away
fromthe centerofthe Minus 4m Line and remainedwithinthe lane boundaries the
entire time.
DistanceScore 118.2 points(42.4+75.8)
LaneBonus -30 points
Time Score 40.42 points (40.42 sec.=20.21 sec.x2points/1 sec.)
Run Score 128.62 points
RecommendedResources:Allreferenceand trainingresourcesincludingtheMousetrapVehicle(Out&
Back)DVD areavailableonthe OfficialScienceOlympiadStore orWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C17
OPTICS
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Read theGeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgasthey applytoeveryevent.
I. DESCRIPTION:Thisevent includes activities and questions related togeometricandphysicaloptics.
ATEAMOFUP TO: 2 EYEPROTECTION:None Required APPROX.TIME:50Minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a. Competitors may bring tape measures, rulers, protractors, and use any type ofcalculator for use during
anypart ofthecompetition.
b. All reference materials to be used during the competitionmust be securedin a 3-ring binder, must be 3-
holepunchedandinserted inthebinder sothatregardlessoforientationnothing canfallout.
3. THE COMPETITION: The competition consists of three parts that include experimental tasks and
questions related to geometric optics and physical optics. All answers are to be provided in SI units with
propersignificantfigures.,
a. Part I:Geometric Optics, which mayinclude thefollowing topics:
i. Lawofreflection (Spectral /Diffuse)
ii. Refraction(measurementofindex ofrefraction, Snell'sLaw,critical angle)
Fi. Prism(DeviationandDispersion)
iv. Convex, concave, and plain mirrors: ray tracing, focal length, real object, Images (real/virtual,
erect/inverted,magnification)
v. Convex and concave lens: ray tracing, focal length, real object, thin lens equation, lensmaker's
equation, andimages (real/virtual,erect/inverted,magnification)
StateandNationalTournamentsmay also include:
vi. Propagationofwave fronts(Huygens' Principle)
vii. Raytracing oftwoperpendicularorparallelplane mirrors (comerreflectorand/orperiscope)
viii.Ray tracing of two lens systems: real and virtual objects, images (real/virtual, erect/inverted,
magnification)
b. Part2:Physical Optics,which mayincludethefollowing topics:
i. Visible Spectrum (colors: primary/secondary, additive/subtractive, color absorption, color reflection,
andhuman colorsensitivity)
11. Structure andfunction oftheparts ofthe eye
111. Wavelengths,frequencies, velocities, andnomenclatureofthevarious portionsoftheEMspectrum
IV. Dopplershift
v. BrightLine Spectra
VI. AbsorptionSpectra
vii. LightIntensity (Inverse square law, SIunits)
viii,Energyandmomentumofphotons
StateandNationalTournamentsmay alsoinclude:
ix. Interferenceand superposition ofwaves (Young's experiment-Iocationoflight anddark peaks only,
notintensity)
x. Lasers(theory ofoperation, differencebetweencoherent andnon-coherentlight)
c. Part 3:Laser Shoot - The objectiveistoreflecta laser beamwith two mirrors, aroundabarriertostrikea
given target.
i. The maximumset-up time is5minutes. The event supervisorwill use atimer torecord tothenearest
second theamount oftimetheteamusestoset-up themirrors.
11. The Laser Shoot Surface (LSS) is a horizontal flat surface enclosed by a 2 0.5 em thick wall; the
surfacemaybeatable top.
111. Thesizeoftheenclosedhorizontal surface is56 Iernx35 Iern.
IV. Theheight ofthewall above the lasershootsurface is 100.5ern.
v. The mirrors must have a width and height ofat least 5 em. The mirror is mounted so that it stands
vertically(ata90degree angle tothe LSS) andcanbeeasily relocatedonthe LSSbythestudents.
2011-C18
OPTICS (CONT.)
Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsandon www.soinc.org asthey apply toevery event.
VI. A laser(providedby the EventSupervisor) ismounted inahorizontalplanethroughthe approximate
centerofone ofthe 35 em long walls ataheightof2 0.5 em above the LSS.
vii. Class2Lasers(lmWorless) aretobeused. Greenlasers arepreferredbut not required.
viii. The lasermust be securelymountedthroughthe wall suchthat itcannotbe movedand the laserbeam
isperpendicularto the wall throughwhichitismounted.
IX. A line is drawnon the LSS from apointdirectlybelowthe emittingtip ofthe laserto apointdirectly
belowthe centerofthe laserbeamwhere it strikes the opposite wall. The eventsupervisormusttest
the beam'salignmentbeforethe next teamispermittedtosee the LSS.
x. Competitors are not permittedto touchthe laser or change its orientation and/orposition. The laser
mustremainfixed throughoutthe entire event.
Xl. Ametricscale witharesolutionofatleast Imm will be attachedhorizontallyto the targetwall atthe
level at whichthe laser strikes. One ofthe marks on the scale must align withthe centerofthe laser
beamwhereitstrikesthe wall. This markistheTarget.
XII. A barrierisplacedsomewherebetweenthe emittingtip ofthe laserand the Target. The barriermust
have a width of2 to 4 em and the laserbeammust strike the barrierat approximately the horizontal
center. The barrier must be in the same position and orientation in respect to the LSS for all
competitors.
xiii. Competitorsmustmake all measurements, calculations,and mirrorplacement/alignmentwithinthe 5
minute time allowed. The laser must not be turned on until the competitor(s) complete the mirror
placement/alignment.
xiv. All mirrors must be placed in a home position designated by the event supervisor before the next
competitorsarepermittedto seethe laser shootstation.
xv. Competitorsmustnotmarkon ormodifythe LSS.

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4. SCORING:
a. The highest total points wins. Points are awarded for correct answers, measurements, calculations,
analysisofdata, lasershootset-uptime and lasershootaccuracy. Supervisors are encouragedtoprovidea
standardizedform on whichstudentscanshowallray tracings,measurementsand calculations.
b. Pointsare distributedinthe followingmanner:
i. Part I: GeometricOptics %correctanswersX 30points
ii. Part2: PhysicalOptics %correctanswersX 30points
iii. Part3: LaserShootset-uptime (300-t)/300X 10points
IV. Part3: LaserShootAccuracy 30- (distancefrom TP to centeroflaserbeam(inmm)/lO)
(Note: if the distanceis>300 mm, set the resultto 0forc.b.iv.)
c. Ties are brokenusingadesignatedtask(s)or question(s).The eventsupervisorwill identifythe tiebreaker
question(s) or task(s) on the answer form provided to the students at the beginning ofthe competition
period.
RecommendedResources:All referenceand trainingresourcesare availableathttp://www.soinc.org.
2011-C19
ORNITHOLOGY & REMOTE SENSING

Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
ORNITHOLOGY
1. DESCRIPTION:This eventwill testknowledgeof NorthAmericanbirdsonthe officiallist.
ATEAMOFUPTO:2 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
Each student may bring one commerciallypublished book (or field guide), one
two-sided page ofthe Official National Bird List and one 8.5" x 11" two-sided
pageof notes that containinformationin any form from any source(teamsmay tab
{limit3 words}the guide and write on any ofthese). No otherresources, electronic
devicesorprintedlabelswill beallowed.
3. THECOMPETITION:Eachteamwill be givenananswersheetonwhichthey will recordanswers.
a. The competitionmaybe run as timedstationsand/orasatimedslidesPowerPointpresentation.
b. Specimens/pictures will be lettered or numbered at each station. The event may include preserved
specimens,skeletalmaterial,recordingsofsongs, and slidesorpicturesofspecimens.
c. Participantsshouldbe able to dobasicidentificationto the level indicatedon the OfficialList. States may
have a modifiedstate or regional list. See yourstate web site. No more than50% ofthe competitionwill
requiregivingcommonor scientificnames.
d. Each specimen will have one or more questions accompanying it on some aspect ofits life history,
distribution, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, habitat characteristics, ecology, diet, behavior,
conservationandbiogeography.
e. The ecology questions may pertain to any ecological aspect ofthe species, including behavior, habitat,
niche, symbiotic relationships, trophic level, adaptive anatomy such as bill size and shape, migration,
distributionoroccurrence(rare, common,specialconcern,endangered.)
f. All questionswill berestrictedto specimenson the OfficialNationalList-seehttp://www.soinc.org.
4. SCORING: The teams withthe highestnumberofcorrectanswers will be the winners. Selectedquestions
may beusedastiebreakers.
RecommendedResources: All specimens listed on the Official Science Olympiad NationalBirdListare
representedinthe PetersonFieldGuideto BirdsofNorthAmerica(08), both areavailableonthe Official
ScienceOlympiadStoreand Websiteathttp://www.soinc.orgasareallreferenceandtrainingresources.
REMOTESENSING
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will use remote sensing imagery, science and math process skills to complete
tasks relatedtoanunderstandingof the causesand consequencesofhumanimpactonthe environment.
ATEAMOFUPTO:2 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring five 8.5" x 11" two-sided sheets ofpaper containing
any information from any source. Eachparticipant maybring a metric ruler, a protractor, a triangle,
andanykindof (non-graphing)calculator,butnootherresources.
3.THECOMPETITION:Theeventwill be organizedasfollows:
a. Thecauses, consequences,&evidenceforhumanimpacton theenvironment.
b. Studentswill analyzeand interpretremotesensingimages.
c. Studentswillusemath computationstoanalyzeorexpressquantitativedata
d. Students should understand concepts and terms related to the sustainability of
the terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric environments on earth and the
interactions which support life and civilization as we know it: development and resource extraction,
radiativebalanceoftheatmosphere, natural andman-madesources ofgreenhouse gasses, changes
in land, atmospheric andoceanictemperatures, carboncycles,hydrologiccycles, andplantgrowth.
e. Students should be familiar with the principles ofsatellite imagery, including orbital missions and
sensor systems related to climate change, land use monitoring, oceanic and atmospheric monitoring,
the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and interactionsbetween EMenergy and the atmosphere (particularly
radiometric measurements oftemperatures; greenhouse gasses; land, sea and ice elevations; land, sea
andvegetative color;passive andactivesensors;andprinciplesof digitalimageprocessing).
f. Studentsmaybeaskedtointerpretdigital datapresentednumericallyinagrid.
4. SAMPLEACTIVITIES:
a. Comparethe area ofinsect infestationinagivenlocationwithrecordedamountsinpreviousyears.
b. Evaluateareadamagedbydeforestationorforest fires.
5. SCORING:Teamswiththe highestscorewill be the winners. Selectedtaskwillbeusedasatiebreaker.
RecommendedResources: All reference and training resources including the RemoteSensingCD are
availableon the OfficialScienceOlympiadStoreorWebsiteathttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C20
PROTEINMODELING
Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgasthey apply toevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide them in
constructing physical models ofproteins. Forthe 2011 competitions, students will model proteins involved
inreprogrammingadultcellsto becomestemcells, alsoknownas inducedpleuripotentstemcells(IPS).
ATEAMOFUP TO:3 IMPOUND:Yes APPROXIMATETIME:50 minutesfor PartII& III
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:Pre-buildmodelswillbe impoundedonehourbeforethe eventbegins.
a. Studentsmaybringup to five double-sided, 8.5"x11" pagesofnotes. Internetaccessisnot permitted.
b. Studentsmustbringa writinginstrument.
c. Supervisorswillprovideall materialsfor on-sitemodelconstruction.
3. THECOMPETITION:This eventhas three parts: apre-buildmodel, an on-sitebuildmodel, & an exam.
a. PartI: ThePre-BuildModel. Studentswill use acomputervisualizationprogram(Jmol;
http://cbm.msoe.edu/includes/jmoliSOlmols/2011PreBuild.html)to designand constructamodelofaspecific
proteinbasedonatomic coordinatedata. Studentswill constructamodel ofKlf4, basedon the coordinatedata
foundinthe 2wbu.pdbfile. Structuralinformationaboutthis file can be accessedfor free throughthe RCSB
ProteinDataBank(www.pdb.org). The same constructedmodelofthe Klf4 proteinwill be broughtto all
competitions; asthe competitionlevel increases,the scoringrubricsfor the pre-buildmodelwill reflecthigher
expectationsfor modelaccuracy,detail and creativity.
b. The final pre-buildmodelmustbe basedonthe alphacarbonbackbonedisplayofthemodeland mustuse a
scaleof 2em peraminoacid. Studentsmay use Mini-Tooberstomodeltheirprotein,oruse other
comparablematerial(e.g., KwikTwists, 12gaugedimensionalhousewire, etc.). Studentswill representother
importantparts oftheprotein,such as amino acid sidechains,DNAor associatedmolecules,with materialsof
theirchoosing.The additionstothe modelshouldfocus on illustratingthe significanceofthe structuretothe
function ofthe protein.A significantportionofthe scorewill be derivedfrom the creativeadditionsto the
model. Studentsmustprovidea3"x5"note cardexplainingthe additionstotheirmodeland whatthey
represent. Studentsmustdelivertheirpre-buildmodeland 3"x5"card tojudgesatthe competitionsite for
impounding. Modelswill be returnedtothe studentsafter the competition.
c. PartII:TheOn-SiteModel.Duringthe on-sitecompetitionatRegionalCompetitions,studentswill design
and buildaphysicalmodelofaselectedregionofOct4 (lgtO.pdb),whichisdescribedinthe April2009 RCSB
Molecule ofthe Month (http://dx.doi.org/l0.221O/rcsb-.rdb/mom_2009_4)byDavidS.Goodsell.Duringthe
on-sitecompetitionatthe StateCompetition,studentswill designand buildaphysicalmodelofaselected
regionofNanog(2ktO.pdb). Duringthe on-sitecompetitionatthe NationalCompetition, studentswill design
and buildaphysicalmodelofaselectedregionofc-myc(1nkp.pdb),whichisdescribedinthe April2009
RCSB Molecule ofthe Month (http://dx.doi.org/l0.2210/rcsb-.rdb/mom_2009_4)by DavidS. Goodsell.
d. Studentswill utilizeacomputerprovidedwith the Jmolapplicationatthe competition. Studentsmustutilize
onlyone ofthe identicalcomputersprovidedatthe competitionwith the above-mentionedfiles onitto guide
theirmodelconstruction.All constructionmaterialsfor the model(Mini-Toobersl,foam aminoacid .
sidechains,crosslinkersandplasticred and blue end caps) will be provided.Any modelnot handedtothe
judgesby the end ofthe competitiontime will not be acceptedfor scoring.
e. PartIII:TheOn-SiteWrittenExamwill be multiplechoice/shortanswerquestionsabout the relationship
betweenproteinstructureand function, with anemphasisoninducedpleuripotentstem cells.
4. SCORING:40%oftheeventscorewillbe basedon thepre-buildproteinmodel(PartI), 30%on theon-site
build (Part II) and 30% onthe writtenexam (Part III). Thepre-buildproteinmodel (partI) will be scored
basedon theaccuracy&scaleofthealpha-helix&beta-sheetsecondarystructures,as wellas othercreative
additionsto theproteinbackbonesuchas sidechains,DNAor associatedmolecules. Thefocus ofthemodel
should be on creatively telling the story ofthe molecule's significance, structure & function. Creative
additionsthatdo notsupportthemolecularstory willnotreceivefull credit. Theon-sitebuildproteinmodel
(PartII) will be scoredbasedon accuracyoffolding theMini-Toobermodel& positioningspecific amino
acid sidechains and/or accessory molecules. The exam(Part III) will be scored for accuracy. Ties will be
brokenusingspecificquestionsfromthe writtenexamselectedbytheeventsupervisor.
Resources:Eventdetailsand availablekit informationcan be found at: http://cbm.msoe.edu/stupro/so/index.html
ThiseventissponsoredbytheHowardHughesMedicalInstitute,MSOEand3DMolecularDesigns
2011-C21
SOUNDS OF MUSIC
Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsandon www.soinc.org asthey applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the competition each team will build one wind instrument and one percussion
instrumentbased on a 12tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operationand
beableto-performamajor scale,arequired melody andachosenmelody witheach.
ATEAMOF:2 EYEPROTECTION:NoneRequired APPROXIMATETIME:20min/Set-up5min
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a.Teams must provide a score ofall music (both chosen and required) to be performed and submit it in
notatedformatthebeginning oftheirpresentation. Copiesofthisrulespagewillnotbe accepted.
b.Allmusic mustbewritten intheappropriateclefforeachoftheinstrumentsas statedinthechartbelow.
c.Eachmemberwillplay atleastoneinstrument.
d.Notes, calculators,books, etc.willnotbeallowedforanyportionofthejudging.
3. THECOMPETITION:
a.Part1:
1. Each team membermust play the required scale as given inthe following chart and will be evaluated
on range, pitch, and sound quality. However, to help teams select music and to improve their overall
score they may wish to include notes within the maximum allowable scoring range. Corresponding
frequencies foreachnotebelow havebeenrounded tothenearestwhole number.
11. Theteam willthenperform, inanykeywithinthemusicalranges specified, thelinesofmusic included
below. The piece will be played as a duet including melody and harmony. Students must supply
theirown harmony.
in. Each instrumentmust be capable ofplaying the required lines as written or as transposed into a key
adaptedtotheirinstrumentbut stayingwithin theallowable range.
IV. Theymustalsoplayaduetoftheirchoosing whichbest demonstratestheir instruments' capabilities.
v. Students willbegiven amaximumof4minutes toplay boththerequiredduetandthechosen duet.
Scale WindInstrument- Instrument1 PercussionInstrument- Instrument2
MandatoryScale C major(C4 [262Hz] to C5 [523Hz)) G major(G2 [98Hz] to G3 [196Hz))
AllowableScoringRange F3 [175Hz] toG5 [784Hz] C2 [65Hz] toD4 [294Hz]
Music submittedin Treble Clef BassClef
1111 ~ ~ l h I I l ~ r I I III II I III II IIIII II IIIII II ~ ~ r
t
I
Instrument2
I
Instrument 1AllowableRange I
AllowableRange
b.Part2:
1. Instruments will be evaluated on creativity and originality, variety, and workmanship through an
interview process.
11. Members willbeaskedtoplayanynotefromtherequiredscalewhich willbejudgedforaccuracy.
111. No electric or electronic devices, toy or professional instruments or parts ofsuch instruments will be
permittedincluding items such asbells, whistles, mouthpieces, reeds orreed blocks, audio-oscillators,
rosin, tuning pegs, etc. The only exception is that strings (instrument or others) of any type are
permitted.
IV. Noelectricity isallowed. Allenergyput intotheinstrumentsmustoriginate fromthestudents.
v. Allinstruments mustbeabletogothrough astandard classroom door(80emwide).
2011-C22
SOUNDSOFMUSIC(CONT.)
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
c. Part3:
1. The students will be asked to describe the scientific principles used in the design and construction of
their instruments (e.g., How does it make a sound? What determines the pitch? How is volume
changed?).
11. This will bedone asan oral interviewand/or with awrittensetofquestions, with approximately3to 6
pre-selectedquestions adaptabletovarious instruments.
111. Students must be able to define or explain basic terminologyregarding sound, sound production, and
related science terms. These include the fundamental elements ofwave theory, Bernoulli Effect,
acoustics,musical sound perception,andharmonics.
4. SCORING:
a.All scoring mustbe done by the same set ofjudges (preferably 2-3). Ifmore than one person isjudging,
eachjudgewillscore aseparatepartofthecompetition.
b.All sectionswillbeadded forthe totalscore.
c.Judges must have knowledgeofboth music andthephysics ofsound.
d. Range ofnotes: quality ofsound (22points) (Judge 1accuracyandqualityandJudge 3 octave)
i. Demonstratedrange __octaves(for instrument#1)__notes __Points (6)
11. Sound quality (comparedtostandardinstruments#1) __Points (5)
111. Demonstratedrange __octaves (for instrument#2)__notes __Points (6)
iv. Sound quality (comparedtostandardinstruments#2) __Points (5)
e. Creativity,variety, andworkmanshipofinstruments(25points) (Judge 1)
i. Originality/creativity (traditional/unusual) __Points (5)
11. Appropriatetypes ofinstrumentsused __Points (5)
111. Workmanship(appearance, easytoplay, durability,etc.) __Points (15)
f. Knowledgeoftheoreticalbasis ofinstruments(30points) (Judge 2) __Points (30)
Includesparticipationofboth team members.
g. Sound of the ensemble (25 points) (Judge 3) Group Performance points for both
required/chosen songs will be based on harmony, blend, technique, timbre, suitability of
tune forinstruments,rhythm, interpretationofmusic, etc.
i. Group Performancefor therequiredsong (10points) __Points (10)
ii. Group Performanceforthechosensong (15points) __Points (15)
h. Bonus Points: Each ofthefollowingwillreceivethespecifiedbonus points.
i. Teams thatfollow allofthe rules __Points (16)
ii. Teams thatfurnish music for thejudgeswith team name andnumber __Points (4)
iii. Teams that write their music inthecorrect clefs andcorrectlynotated __Points (4)
iv. Teams thatplay allmusic inthecorrect range __Points (4)
v. Teams thatuse only allowedmaterials inbuildingandplaying __Points (4)
RequiredSong
Shenandoah

7 .
cd IF" n 1(.... 0 J
Notethat the first note ofthe song isbelowthe requiredoctave. Studentsmay substituteaG forthe D that iswrittenwith
no penalty.Also note that for ease ofreadingthemusiciswrittenin slightlyhigherkey than eitherofthe given rangesand
itisexpectedthat studentswill chooseakey tomatchthe abilityoftheirinstruments.
RecommendedResources:All referenceand trainingresourcesincludingthe SoundsofMusicDVD are availableon
the OfftcialScienceOlympiadStore or Websiteathttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C23
SUMOBOTS
Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgasthey applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION:Studentswill designandconstructarobot (bot)thatwill attempt tomoveanopponent's
robot fromaring.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 IMPOUND:Yes APPROXIMATETIME:2min. competitiontime.
2. CONSTRUCTIONOVERVIEW:
b. Remote control carsmaybeused ifthecarismodified. Modifiedmeans somethinghasbeen altered on
thecar (eg.differentbody, wheels,oradditions likescoops, arms, orotheroffensive devices.)
c. Robots mustbecontrolledbyradio remote, nocordsorwires willbepermitted. Thebotmust beableto
operate onthree frequencies. (Seeathttp://www.soinc.orgfordetails).
d. Robots mustbepoweredbyelectricity,nofuelorcombustionenginedesigns willbeallowed.
e. Therobot's maximumdimensionswillbe40 emlongby40emwide by40emhighatany timeduring
thecompetition. Teams must include theschool nameonthebot.
f. Themaximumweight ofthebotis2.0kg,includingbatteries. Theweightoftheremote isexcluded.
g. Thecombinedvoltage ofallbatterieslocatedinsidethebot cannot exceed 14.4volts.
h. "Therobotmayhavedevicestoremove theopponentfrom thesquare except anyprojectilestetheredor
untethered, flames, sharpobjects,andmagnets. Pneumaticdevices arenotallowed.
1. Impoundedbatteriesarerestrictedtothebatteries thatrun thebot andspares forrunning thebot.
J. Event supervisorsmayrequire teams tosubmitthe3frequencies theirbot canuseprior tothe
competition.
3. COMPETITION:
b. Competitionwillproceedintournamentfashion; doubleeliminationwith randompairings forthe first
round. Ifpreliminaryrounds arenecessary,thetoptwoteams fromeach ofthepreliminaryrounds will
havetwo (2)bonus points addedtotheirscore andwill advance tothe finalround.
c. Whenaround ofthe double-eliminationtournamenthasanoddnumberofteams, oneteamwillbe
randomlyselectedtoreceive abye. Abye doesnotcount aseither awinoraloss.No teamwill receive
morethanonebye inatournamentunless around isreachedwithanoddnumberofparticipantsandall
participatingteamshave alreadyreceivedabye, inwhich case thesecondbyewillbeissued ona
randombasis.
d. Once called tocompete,teams will haveamaximumof90seconds toprepare theirbot.Iffrequency
needs tobechanged, teamswillbe givenanadditional30seconds inprep time.Anybotnotready to
competewithin90(or90+30seconds) ofbeing calledwill forfeitthematch.
e. After impound, teams cannotworkontheirbots priortobeing calledfortheirfirstbout.
f. Norechargingfacilities willbeprovidedbythe event supervisor.
g. The ringwillbeafivefootby fivefootsquare with designatedstarting points inoppositecomers.
h. Botswill startfacing eachotherinopposite comersof thesquare.
1. Teams will havetwominutes toforce theopponentfromthearena.Ifnorobothasbeendeclareda
winnerattheendofthetwo minutes, then thelighter ofthetwowillbe declared thevictor.
J. Anybotdamagingordepositingforeign substancesonthesurface oftheringwillforfeit thematch.
k. Ifapart fallsoffduring thecompetition,theclockwillbestopped,piece(s)removed, andthe
competitionwill continue.
l. Ifanyjudgedetermines thatabotistaking adefensive posture orisbackingawaycontinuallyfor 15
seconds, timewillbecalled and thatteamwillreceive astallingpenalty. Ifthisistheteam'sfirststalling
penaltyofthematch, theteamwill receive a 15 secondpenaltyandcompetitionwillresume where itleft
off.Ifitisthe second stalling penalty,theteamwill forfeitthematch.
m. Ifbotsbecome entangledsothat neither botcan move for 10seconds, thejudgeswill stoptheclock,the
teamswillplace theirbotatthering'sstartposition, andcompetitionwill resume.
n. Ajudgemaycalltime ifeitherofthebots isobviouslyexperiencingradio interference. Ifthecause of
theinterferencecannotbedetermined,theteam mayasktochange theirfrequency.
2011-C24
SUMOBOTS (CONT.)
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
o. Anyteamthat continues tooperatetheirbotaftertimehasbeen calledwill forfeitthematch.
p. Except asdescribedinsections 3.k,1, mandn,oncethematchhasstarted,therewillbenotime outs
alloweduntilthematchisover.
q. Definitionof"out ofring:" Abotisdeclared thewinner whentheotherbotiscompletelyoutofthering.
r. Any botinadvertentlyleaving theringunder itsownpowermust re-enter theringwithin fiveseconds. If
thebot outside ofthering cannot re-enterwithin fiveseconds itforfeits the match.Ifbothbotsare
outside ofthering(duetodriver error)forfiveseconds,thelighterofthetwobotswillbedeclaredthe
victor.Note: 1)anybotinside theringmayattempt topreventreentryofthebotoutsideofthering. 2)If
ajudgedetermines thatabot isleavingtheringasastallingtactic, stallingpenalties willbeenforced.
s. Ifarobot isdamaged during competition,thestudents maymakerepairs tothebotbetween matches.
4. SCORING:
b. Any teamthat deliberatelyattemptstodophysicaldamagetoanopponent'sbotwillbedisqualified.
c. Final rankingswillbedeterminedasfollows: theteamthatwinsthetournamentwillbeawarded first
place. Theteam defeated bythewinning teaminthelastboutofthetournamentwillbeawardedsecond
place. Allotherteamswillberankedbyeachteam'snumberofwins.Ties willbebroken by: 1)thetotal
oftheir losingtimes divided bythemass ofthebot(highscorewins), 2)themassoftherobots (lower
mass wins).
d. Botsthat donotmeet specscannot competeagainst botsthatmeet specs.Ifmorethanoneteamfailsto
meet constructionspecs,theseteams maycompete againsteachothertodetermine theirrank(if
preliminaryhours areused, teamsmay berequired tochangetheir competitiontimetocompete against
otherteams). Teamsthatdonotfollowtherules andcannotcompeteagainst anysimilarteams willbe
ranked bytheir mass.Teams whofailto followtheruleswillberanked behindallthosewhodid.
e. Students maytaketheirbotwiththemwhenthey areeliminatedfromthetournament. Note: noappeals
maybefiledoncetheteamhasremoved thebotfromimpound.
f. Anybotthat isdeterminedbytheeventsupervisortobeunsafe shallbedisqualified.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Sumo Bots DVD are
availableontheOfficial Science OlympiadStoreorWebsite athttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C25
TECHNICAL PROBLEM SOLVING

Readthe GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgasthey applytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be required to gather and process data to solve a given problem.
Intermediatemeasurementsandcalculationsmayberequired.
ATEAMOFUP TO:2 EYEPROTECTION:#4 APPROXIMATETIME:50minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students may bring only non-programmable and non-graphing calculators.
Where astation requires amore advancedcalculator,probes orother labequipment,theevent supervisor
will provide them. The event supervisor will provide a list ofmathematical relationship, formulas or
constants. No other resources are allowed. Students must bring and use chemical/splash protection
goggles where required.
3. THECOMPETITION:
a. The event will consist ofup to five lab stations and use materials commonly found in a high school
laboratory.
b. The students are required to apply scientific theories and principles in the solution ofthe problems
presented. Students will make measurements and determine specific values. The solution to some of
theproblemsmaybearrivedatbyusing an indirectmethodofobtainingthenecessarydata.
c. Alldata collectedandequationsused mustbe shown inanorganizedmannerontheanswer sheet.
d. The students are expected to use mathematical expressions that are required for the values and the
correct equation for basic relationships. Students will be expected to apply the proper statistical
analysis. Students will be required to use correct metric units throughout calculations and to work
with significantfigures.
e. Supervisorsare encouragedto use calculatorsand probes wherever possibleorprovide students with
data sets collected by such sensors/probes following a data collection demonstration. At the State
level, teams will be required to utilize probes at one or more stations. Students may be asked to
collect data to solve aproblemusing probewarethat has been provided, setup, and demonstratedby
the Supervisor. Probes willbe limitedtothe measurementoftemperature,voltage,light,gaspressure,
pH, photo-gate, or motion detector at the state level. Various probes will be utilized attwo or more
stations attheNational Tournament.
4. SCORING: Problems may have different point values depending upon the difficulty ofthe problem.
Points will be awarded for the correct answers and/or the use ofproper mathematical relationships.
Points will be deducted for failure to express values in the proper units and the incorrect use of
significantfigures. Nopoints will beawarded foranswers thatarenotsupportedbydataandcalculations.
Tiebreakerswill beproblems selectedinadvance ofthe competitionby theevent supervisor. If theevent
isheld overaseriesoftimeperiods, the tiebreakerswill bethesameforallgroups.
THISEVENTIS SPONSOREDBYTEXASINSTRUMENTS
2011-C26
TOWERS
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toeveryevent.
1. DESCRIPTION:Teammembersdesignandbuildthe mostefficienttower.
A TEAMOFUPTO: 2 IMPOUND:NO EYEPROTECTION:#2. MAXIMUMTIME: 10minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a. Eachteammayenteronlyonetower,builtpriorto the competition.
b. Teammembersmustweareyeprotectionduringthe set-upandtestingofthetower.
c. TheEvent Supervisorprovides the assessmentdevices, testing apparatus, hardware, andclean, dry sand
or similardry, free-flowingmaterial(referredto subsequentlyas "sand").
3. CONSTRUCTIONPARAMETERS:
a. Thetowermustsupporta standardloadingblock(see4.a.)a minimumof50.0emabovethe testbasein
bothDivisionB andDivisionC. Thereis no maximumtowerheight.
b. The tower must span a 20.0 em x 20.0 em
LoadingBlock
openingon atestbase(see4.b.).
Above here
c. The tower must not be braced against any edge
ofthe testbasefor lateralsupportat anytime. No
device must
portion ofthe tower is allowed to extend below passthrough
the topsurfaceof thetestbasepriorto testing.
8emhole
----'------r .
d. The portion of the tower more than 30.0 em
above the test base for Division B, or more >= 50ern
than 15.0 em above the test base for Division
C, must pass through an 8.0 em diameter
circularopeningorhole(see4.e.).
e. The loading point on the tower must permit
placement ofa loading blocksupporting a chain
(see4.d.).
f. The chain must pass through the tower and be
within 2.5 em of the center of the test base
openingwhenthe bucketis attached.
g. The tower must be a single structure with no
separateor detachablepieces.
h. The tower must be constructed of wood and
bonded by glue. Other materials must not be used (e.g. no particleboard, wood composites, bamboo,
paper,or commerciallylaminatedwood). .
1. There are no limits on the cross section sizes ofindividual pieces ofwood. Wood may be laminated
withoutrestrictionby theteam.
J. Anytypeof commerciallyavailablebondingmaterial(glue)maybe used.
4. TESTINGAPPARATUS:
a. Theloadingblockmustbea squareblockmeasuring5.0 ern x 5.0 emx::::2.0emhighwitha hole in the
centerof thesquarefaces for a W'threadedrodor eyebolt.
b. Thetestbaseshallbe asolid,levelsurfaceas follows:
i. Thetestbasemustbeat least32.0emlongx 32.0emwide.
ii. Thetestbasemusthavea 20.0emx 20.0em squareopeningat its center.
iii.Thetestbasemusthaveasmooth,hard, low-frictionsurface.Thetestbasemustbestiffenoughthatit
doesnotbendnoticeablywhenloaded.
14---->=32 cm-----.J
2011-C27
TOWERS(CONT.)
Readthe GeneralRulesinthe manualsandon www.soinc.orgasthey applytoeveryevent.
c. A W' threaded eyebolt must be suspended from the loading block. The head ofthe eyebolt must be at
least 5.0emfromthe loading block.
d. The head ofthe eyebolt and the chain must fit through a 3.0 em diameter hole. A five-gallon plastic
bucket must be suspendedfrom the chain by means ofone.or more hooks with enough clearance above
the floortoallow fortowerdeflection.
e. Team members must add sand to the bucket during testing. The Event Supervisor must verify that the
combinedmass ofthe loading block, chain, bucket, sand, and attaching hardware is between 15.000 kg
and15.200 kg priortotesting.
5. THE COMPETITION:
a. Team members must not make: alterations, repairs, or substitutions to the tower after check-in for
competition. Once teams enter the event area to compete, they must not leave or receive outside
assistance,materials, orcommunicationuntil they are finished competing.
b. All towers must beassessedpriortotesting forcompliancewithConstructionParameters.
c. Team members must place their tower on the scale for the Event Supervisor to determine the mass, in
grams tothenearest0.01 g.
d. Teammembers mustplacethetoweronthetest base, assemblethe loading block, eyeboltandchain, and
hang the bucketfrom the chain as required to test the tower. Teammembers may adjustthe toweruntil
they start loading sand. Once loadingofsand has begun, thetower mustnot beadjusted.
e. Team members have a maximum often minutes to set up and test their towers either to the maximum
load orfailure.
f. Failureisdefinedastheinabilityofthetower to supportanadditionalload.
g. Loadingmust stop immediatelywhen failure occurs. The Event Supervisormayremove any sand which,
inhisorherjudgment,wasaddedafter failure.
h. The loadheld must bemeasuredinkilogramstothenearestgram.
1. Pending no arbitration teams may take their towers with them after
testing.
6. SCORING:
a. Towers must be scored and ranked as defined by the following
equation:
i. Score= (LoadSupportedi/(MassofTower).
ii. Loadsupportedisin kilogramsto the nearest0.001 kg; massof
thetowerisin gramsto thenearest0.01 g.
b. Load scored shall not exceed 15.000 kg, and includes the mass ofall
testing apparatus supportedby the tower. Theleastamountofloadto
be scoredshallbe themassoftheloadingblock.
c. Tiers:
i. Tier 1: Towers meeting all the Construction Parameters are to be
rankedbyhighestscore.
ii. Tier 2: Towers not meeting Construction Parameters are to be
rankedbyhighestScore.
iii.Tier 3: Towers unable to be loaded for any reason (e.g., cannot
accommodate loading block, chain, failure to wear eye protection,
etc.) arerankedbylowestmass.
d. Ties arebroken bythe lightesttowermass.
RecommendedResources: All reference and training resources including the TowersDVD are available
ontheOfficialScience OlympiadStoreorWebsite athttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C28
WINDPOWER
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgastheyapply toevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will build a blade assembly that consists ofany kind ofpropeller/pinwheel/rotor
attached to acompact disc (CD), which will beused to capture wind power. Students will also be tested on
their knowledge regarding alternative energy.
ATEAMOFUPTO: 2 EYEPROTECTION:#2 IMPOUND:Yes APPROX.TIME:50minutes
2. EVENTPARAMETERS:
a. All reference materials to be used during Part II ofthe competition must be secured in a 3-ring binder,
must be 3-hole punched and inserted in the binder so that regardless of orientation none can fall out.
Materials such as pencils, pens, protractors, rulers, nonprogrammable calculators, and any other similar
toolsmay alsobeusedduring thesetupandactivity.
b. Blade assemblies mustbeplaced inabox (assemblies andboxmustbe labeled withtheteam#)andmust
beimpounded.
c. Team members must bring and wear Safety Spectacles with Side Shields during Part I ofthe event, but
theyneednotbeimpounded.
d. The supervisorwill provide a20" multispeed box fan tobe used asthe wind source fortesting the blade
assembliesandalltesting materials, whichwillbethesameforallteams,including:
i. thefanes)
ii. supportstand(s) (whichallows forvertical andhorizontal adjustments ofthebladeassembly)
iii. clamp(s) (toallowteams toorientthemounttoanyanglewithreference tothefan)
iv. motor/generator(s)(aportable CDplayermotorwillbeusedatNationals)
v. load resistor(s) (in parallelwiththe motor/generators,thevalueoftheload resistance must be
between5and7.5ohms.Theloadresistancevaluemustbe thesamefor all contestants.)
vi. computerprobe(s) (torecord voltage measurementsacrosstheloadresistor.)
e. Teamsmaynotknowanydetailsofthematerialslistedaboveuntilafterimpoundiscomplete.
f. The motor/generator must be equipped with a spring-loaded type CD clip mount such as those
found on portable battery powered CD players. The motor/generator must be removed from the
CD playerandmountedon asupportrod. 6ClTI
g. Consultwww.soinc.orgforasamplesetup. Edge K' +j
2cmMax
3. CONSTRUCTION:
a. Each team may bring one pre-constructed
bladeassembly attached toaCD.
b. The CD must fit on the mount found in a
standard CD player. Modification ofthe CD
(except forthe center hole) isallowed. When
mounted, no partoftheblade assembly may
have a radial distance from the center of
the axis of rotation of more than 14 em.
The blade assembly may be made of any
nonmetallic substance. Commercial blades
(modifiedorunmodified)arenotpermitted.
c. When mounted no part of the blade
assemblymayextendbehindthemounting
planeof the CD for a radial distance of 3
em, Beyond a radial distance of3 em the
bladeassemblymustnotextendmorethan
2 em behind the mountingplaneof theCD. This is to ensureclearancewith the motor/generator,
clampandsupportstand.Thereisnolimiton howfarforwardthebladeassemblymayextend.
-.
-t .
Front
View
View rvun
2011-C29
WIND POWER (CONT.)

Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsand onwww.soinc.orgasthey applytoevery event.
4. THECOMPETITION:
Part I:
a. There maybe one ortwo teststations.Ifthere aretwo, one will be used to testat higherwindspeed
and one will be usedto testatlowerwindspeed.
b. The fanes)mustbemountedinafixedpositionwith thebottomof the grill atleast 15emabove the table.
c. The blade assembly maybe orientedand placedin any positionor angle in front of the fan. Teams must
mounttheirblade assembliestothe motor/generatorandposition/orientthem.
d. Attherequestofthestudents,theeventsupervisorsmayturnon oroffthefanduringtheset-upto
assistthestudentsin positioningand/ororientatingtheirbladeassembly.
e. Theteamsmaymodifythebladeassemblyduringtheset-up,butnotduringthetesting.
f. Whenthe students areready, they musttell the eventsupervisorwho will then start the fan and/orbegin
the data collection and storage ofthe voltage across the load resistance during a one-minute time
period. A computershouldbe used to recordand storevoltagedata.Ifa computerrecordingis not
available,thenthemaximumvoltageoccurringduringtheone minuteperiodisrecorded.
g. Teamsmust complete set-up and testing in no morethan4minutes ateachtestingstation.Ifonlyone
"stationisused,set-upandtestingforbothrunsmustbe completedin no morethan8minutes.
h. When both a high speed and a low speed test station are used, the load resistances may not be
exactlythesamevalue,however,all contestantsmustuse bothstations.
1. Theteam maygive theirbladeassemblya singletapto startit spinningoncethe testing phasehas
begun.
PartII:
j. Teams will begiven asetamountof time (20-30minutesissuggested)tocompleteawrittentest.
k. The followingtopics may beincluded:
i. Basic information and definitions about energy, work, power, heat and heat transfer including: the
concepts ofheat, temperature, temperature scales, thermal energy, conduction, convection, radiation
and insulation.
11. General information about renewable energy including: solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, ocean
thermalenergyconversion,and geothermal.
iii. General information about energy conservation practices including: recycling, reusing, and using
materialswithgreaterefficiency.
IV. Mathematical relationships and equations used in determining heat loss and heat gain, specific heat,
power,efficiency,intensity(powerperarea),and heat transfercalculations.
5. SCORING:
a. Thepoweroutputofthebladeassemblyiscalculatedusingtheequationbelow(IftheMeanVoltage
isnotavailable,thenuse theMaximumVoltage): Power= (MeanVoltage)2/loadresistance
b. The rawscore forPartIisthe sum ofthe lowspeedPower+high speedPower.
c. Ifthe device failsduring arunorstopsturningforaperiodof15seconds,the scoreatthat speed will
bezero.
d. The Part IIwrittentest willbewortha total of50 points.
e. Ateam'sfinal scorewill bedeterminedas follows (with highestscore winning):
Final score= 50x(PartIrawscore /HighestPart Irawscore ofallteams) +Part IIscore
f. Teamswill be rankedin tiersbasedupon:
i. Teamswhosedevicesmeetall specificationswill be ranked,byscore,in Tier1.
ii. Teamswhosedevicesdo notmeetspecificationslistedin section3will be rankedin Tier2.
iii. Teamswho missedimpoundwill be rankedin Tier3
g. Ties will be broken I"by the highesthigh speed meanvoltage and2
nd
by thehighestlow speedmean
voltage.
RecommendedResources: All reference and training resources includingthe WindPowerDVD are available
ontheOfficialScience OlympiadStore orWebsite athttp://www.soinc.org
2011-C30
WRITEITDO IT
Read the GeneralRulesinthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
1. DESCRIPTION: One student willwriteadescription ofan object andhow to build it, andthen theother
studentwillattempttoconstructtheobjectfromthisdescription.
ATEAMOF:2 APPROXIMATE TIME:55Minutes
2. THECOMPETITION:
a. A student isshown anobject (whichmaybe abstract andisthe samefor all teams)builtfrom,butnot
limited to, such items as science materials, inexpensive materials (e.g., straws, push pins, Styrofoam
balls,paper cups,Popsicle sticks,etc.) orcommercial sets (e.g.,Googoplex, K'nex, TinkerToys,Lego,
LincolnLogs,etc.).
b. The student hastwenty-five (25)minutestowriteadescription ofthe
object and how to build it. There will be no advantage to finishing
early.Onlynumerals,wordsandsinglelettersmaybeused. Symbols,
drawings and diagrams are not allowed, with the exception of
common punctuation and editing symbols. Printable punctuation
marks/editing symbolsthatcanbeproducedonaPCstandard 101 key
keyboard bypressing asinglekeyorasinglekeyincombinationwith
theshiftkeymaybeused.Thesemustbeusedintheirnormalcontext
and not as symbols to form a key/code. All abbreviations (not
symbols) must be defined either at the beginning or when the
abbreviation isfirstused.Noprepared abbreviations onlabelswillbe
permitted.
c. The supervisor ofthe event will pass the description to the remaining team member who will take the
description andattempttorecreate(build)theoriginalobjectintwenty(20)minutes.
d. Supervisorswillattempttousedifferentmaterialsthanthematerialsthatwereusedlastyear.
3. SCORING:
a. Theteamthatbuildstheobjectnearesttotheoriginalandhasproperlywritteninstructionsisdeclared
thewinner.
b. Pointswillbegivenforeachpieceofmaterialplacedintheproperconnectionandlocationcomparedto
themodel.
c. Piecesthatareconnectedcorrectlybeyondtheincorrectconnectionwillbecountedinthescore.No
penalty willbeassessedforpartsthatwerenotused.
d. Scoring Violations: Use of diagrams or drawings will result in disqualification. A one percent
(1%)penaltywillbe assessedfor eachminorinfraction(e.g.,unlabeledabbreviationsorimproper
use of editing symbols or codes). Scoring Example: Ifa team has seven infractions and the total
possible scoreis50,thentheteamscorewouldbe46.5= 50-[7(50x.Ol)].
e. Timefortheconstructionphasewillbeusedasatiebreaker.
Resources:AllreferenceandtrainingresourcesareavailableontheOfficialScienceOlympiadStoreand
Websiteathttp://www.soinc.org.
NationalScience EducationStandard:ContentStandardG:Scienceasahumanendeavor"Somescientists
workinteamsandsomeworkalone,butallcommunicateextensivelywithothers." PleaseseetheWebsiteat
http://www.soinc.orgforreferencestoallothereventcontentstandards fromtheNationalScienceEducation
Standards.
2011-C31
GENERALRULES

r Read the GeneralRules inthe manualsandonwww.soinc.orgastheyapplytoevery event.
GENERALRULES,CODEOFETHICSAND SPIRITOFTHEPROBLEM
Students, coaches, event supervisors, parents, and guests are expected to follow current Science Olympiad
Rules. The goal of competition is to give one's best effort while displaying honesty, integrity, and
sportsmanship,andnotviolate thespirit oftheproblem. Allareexpectedtodisplay courtesy andrespecttoward
one another. Failure to show honesty or courtesy by a participant, coach, or guest ofthe team may result in
penalty points being assessed or disqualification ofthe team from the event, the entire tournament or future
tournaments. Ourcollective example willpromote thespiritofcooperationamongallparticipants. Therefore:
1. Teams maynotinterpret therules sothattheyhaveanunfair advantage overtherules oranother team.
2. Unless otherwise stated, itisgenerally understoodthatifnotes,resources, calculators, actions, etc., arenot
excluded, thentheyarepermitted unless theyviolate thespiritoftheproblem.
3. Allnon-permittedelectronic devices mustbeturned offandifsodirected, leftinadesignatedspot.
4. Once teams have entered the event area to compete, they must not: leave until they are finished, return
oncethey have left, communicate.with outside resources, including people, places, etc.by anymeans (this
effectively excludes the use ofany computer, PDA, calculators, wireless devices, phones, etc. that have
access toexternalcommunicationordataretrieval during aneventunless specificallypermitted).
5. Safety is ofthe utmost importance. Event supervisors are obligated to prevent unsafe acts and devices.
Safety decisions are not subjectto appeal. Students should not risk being penalized for safety violations
"suchasactivating devices orremoving goggles without supervisorpermission. Contestantsmust notbring
harmful itemstoatournament. Teams may onlybring itemsthatarespecified intherules.
6. Coaches, teachers, parents, students, andother adultsareresponsible forensuringthatany applicable laws,
regulations,andschoolpolicies arenotbroken.
7. Oneormore ofthe 15current teammembers must haveconstructedallpre-builtdevices presentedfor
judging.Anyofthecurrentteam members maydemonstrateoroperatethedeviceatthecompetition
unless statedotherwise intherules.
8. Anyperson designatedbythecoachcan impound devices unlessstatedotherwise intherules.
9. Dependinguponthelevelofaninfraction, atthesupervisor'sortournamentofficial'sdiscretion,astudent
orteammaybepenalized,removed fromtheevent atthatpoint, ordisqualified.
Tentative 2011 Division C National Schedule
2011-C32