Science Olympiad 2011 Manual

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
DIVISION C RULES MANUAL

Table of Contents
Anatomy & Physiology... 1 Mousetrap Vehicle 16
Astronomy ; :.... 2 Optics 18
Chemistry Lab 3 Ornithology 20
D i s e a s ; ~ Detectives........................................ 4 Remote Sensing 20
Dynamic Planet............................................. 5 Protein Modeling 21
Ecology 6 Sounds of Music 22
Experimental Design..................................... 7 Sumo Bots 24
Forensics 8 Technical Problem Solving 26
Fossils 10 Towers , 27
Helicopters................................................... 11 Wind Power 29
Microbe Mission 13 Write It Do It. 31
Mission Possible 14 General Rules/Tentative National Schedule ..32
Please read the General Rules on the back inside cover - they apply to all events. Note: all changes are in bold.
Coaches: Please remember to register early for the Science Olympiad Summer Institute - sold out last year!
Please visit the Science Olympiad web site: http://www.soinc.org for News, Clarifications, FAQs, Membership
Information, Team Size Requirements, New Store Items and other valuable information, tips and resources.
The sites for the upcoming Science Olympiad National Tournament are:
University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, May 20-21,2011
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, May 18-19, 2012
Wright State University, Dayton, OR, May 17-18,2013
Copyright 2011 Science 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 of the 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 of preparing for and participating in events that are sanctioned by
Science Olympiad, Inc. This resource may not be placed on any website and no one may edit, post, republish, sell,
rent, or otherwise sub-license them. Use of these copyrighted materials by unregistered users is strictly forbidden.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.
1. DESCRIPTION: This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of the muscular, respiratory and
endocrine system.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes
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 notes
that contain information in any form from any source.
3. THE COMPETITION: Students should know the basic anatomy and physiology of the muscular,
endocrine, and respiratory systems and how aging and specific diseases affect them. Process skills 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,
anatomical specimens, etc.) for the following topics:
a. MUSCULAR SYSTEM - See www.soinc.org for List of Skeletal Muscles. All levels should know:
i. The interaction of the skeletal and muscular systems to allow movement.
ii. Muscle fibers - the cellular and gross anatomy of skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle & smooth muscle.
iii. Physiology of the skeletal muscle contraction system and the neuromuscular junction.
iv. How the skeletal muscles move bone, maintain posture, and produce heat.
v. Skeletal muscle actions - origin, insertion, interactions of different muscles.
vi. Location and identification of the major skeletal muscles of the body including origin, insertion, and
function. See www.soinc.org for a list of the Major Skeletal Muscles.
vii. The effects of exercise on the cellular and gross anatomical structure of the muscular system.
viii. Muscle and tendon injuries and their prevention (i.e., strains and sprains).
ix. The diseases on each level from the cell to the whole person as listed: Poliomyelitis, Muscular
Dystrophies, Myasthenia gravis, 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 Chronic fatigue syndrome, Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above
(drugs, surgery, etc.), Role of the nervous system in muscle function.
b. ENDOCRINE SYSTEM - All levels should know:
i. The three classes of hormones - steroids, peptides, and amines
ii. Mechanisms of hormone action - water soluble vs. fat soluble
iii. Endocrine related problems - hypersecretion, hyposecretion
iv. Hormone producing glands, their hormones and the function of each
v. Understand disorders: diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemia, Graves disease, goiter
National Level Only: Endocrine cycles and negative feedback, Autonomic nervous system control of
endocrine function, Additional Disorders: Cushing's Syndrome, Addison's Disease, and Myxedema,
Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above (drugs, surgery, etc.).
c. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM All levels should know:
i. Anatomy of the Respiratory System - Principal organs, their structure and function.
ii. Functions of the Respiratory System
iii. Mechanisms of Pulmonary Ventilation ft
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vi. Gas Exchange and Transport
vii. How exercise and high altitude affect the respiratory system
viii. Understand disorders: COPD, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, sleep apnea
National Level Only:
ix. Additional diseases/disorders to know: tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, Pleurisy
x. Treatments and/or prevention for all conditions listed above (drugs, surgery, etc.)
xi. Blood chemistry and the respiratory rhythm
xii. Regulation of the Respiratory System
xiii. Ability to read a spirogram as related to pulmonary ventilation
4. SCORING: Points are awarded for correct answers. Selected questions/free-response quality will break ties.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the BiolEarth CD are available on
the Official Science Olympiad Store and Website at http://www.soinc.org
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE SOCIETY FOR NEUROSCIENCE (www.sfn.org)
2011-Cl
ASTRONOMY
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of mathematics and
physics relating to galaxies.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team member is permitted to bring either a laptop computer or one 3-ring
binder (any size) containing information in any form from any source. The materials must be 3-hole punched
and inserted into the rings (notebook sleeves are allowable). Each team member is permitted to bring a
programmable calculator. No Internet access is allowed.
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, participants will be asked to complete activities which include the
following:
a. Use all available information to determine answers relating to quasars, AGNs, galaxy clusters and
groups of galaxies, including star formation, massive and supermassive black holes, galactic structure,
globular clusters, Type Ia & Type II supernovae, eclipsing binaries and X-ray binaries.
b. Use all available information, including Kepler's laws, to determine answers relating to the orbital
motions of binaries; cosmological distance equations and the period-luminosity relationship (Cepheids
and RR Lyrae) to answer questions related to characteristics and distances of galaxies, Hubble's Law or
spectra to answer questions about Hubble's constant and the recessional velocities and distances of
galaxies.
c. Students will be asked to identify, be knowledgeable about, and answer questions relating to the content
areas outlined above for the following Deep Sky Objects (DSOs): *Epsilon Aurigae, 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 *Epsilon Aurigae is part of a nationwide observing campaign for 2010 and 2011, and will be
included in the Astronomy Event for 2011.
d. Competition may include one or more stations. Examples include sequencing images of galaxies by
distance or activity; placing images of different types of objects in the correct locations within galaxies;
matching images of light curves with the appropriate objects; using charts, data tables and/or graphs to
determine distances and calculate Hubble's constant; using graphing calculators to plot observational
data and calculate periodicity or distance.
4. SCORING: All questions will have been assigned a predetermined number of
points. The highest score wins. Selected questions having differentiated
weights will be used to break ties.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the
Astronomy CD Rev. 2011 are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store
or Website at http://www.soinc.org
National Science Education Standards: Science as Inquiry, Content Standard A: Use Technology and
Mathematics to Improve Investigations and Communications; Formulate and Revise Scientific Explanation
and Models using Logic and Evidence; Earth and Space Science, Content Standard D: The Origin and
Evolution of the Universe (Grades 9-12).
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY: Chandra Education and Public Outreach Office for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory
2011-C2
CHEMISTRY LAB
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the
science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of aqueous solutions and oxidation/reduction.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROX. TIME: 50 min.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS:
a. Students: must bring goggles and a writing implement and may bring a non
programmable, non-graphing calculator, but no reference materials are allowed.
b. Supervisors: must provide whatever other reagents/glassware are appropriate for the tasks students are
asked to do (e.g., Periodic Table, table of standard reduction potentials, any constants needed, 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
that cover the legs to the ankles, and a long sleeved shirt that reaches the wrists, and a chemical apron
or a lab coat that reaches the knees. Chemical gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their
safety clothing/goggles or are observed handling any of the 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
designated waste container provided by the supervisor) will be disqualified from the event.
3. THE COMPETITION: The competition will consist of a series of tasks 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
collect data using probeware that has been set-up & demonstrated by the Supervisor. Or the supervisor may
provide students with data sets collected by such sensors/probes following demonstration of the data
collection. Data will be presented in a tabular and/or graphic format & students will be expected to interpret
the data. Students should be aware that nomenclature, formula writing, & stoichiometry are essential tools of
chemistry & may always be included in the event. Stoichiometry includes mole conversions & percentage
yield. For purposes of nomenclature & formula writing, students are expected to know the symbols &
charges for the following ions: nitrate, carbonate, phosphate, acetate, sulfate, ammonium, bicarbonate, &
hydroxide. Students should know how to use the "ite" form of an ion (one less oxygen than the "ate" form).
Students should be able to use the periodic table to obtain the charge for monatomic ions (e.g., Na+, S2').
4. SAMPLE QUESTIONS
a. Aqueous Solutions: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principals & properties of aqueous
solutions. They must be able to calculate solution concentrations given quantities of solute & solvent, &
calculate quantities of material required to produce a solution of specified 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
concentration using a series of standard absorbencies & Beer's Law. 3) Use freezing point depression to
determine the molar mass of a solute. 4) Use titration to determine an unknown concentration. 5) Identify
& explain factors that effect solution formation or construct.a solubility curve. 6) Determine whether a
solution is saturated, unsaturated or supersaturated.
b. OxidationlReduction: Students must be able to write oxidation & reduction half reactions, assign
oxidation numbers, balance redox reactions in neutral, acidic, & basic solutions, & calculate standard cell
potentials using a table of standard reduction potentials. Tasks will be chosen from the following 1) Use a
sequence of redox reactions to construct an activity series. 2) Construct a simple voltaic cell & measure
its potential. 3) Stoichiometry.& electrochemical processes (such as electrochemical deposition). 4)
Construct simple electrolytic cells. 5) At state & national levels, knowledge of fuel cells, knowledge &
application of the Nemst equation & common storage batteries may be included.
5. SCORING: OxidationlReduction: 50% & Aqueous Solutions: 50%. Time may be limited at each task, but
will not be used as a tiebreaker or for scoring. All ties will be broken by selected questions chosen by the
supervisor that mayor may not be identified to the students.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Chem/Phy Sci CD Rev.
2011 are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
2011-C3
DISEASE DETECTIVES
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s q ~ ~ 4 i l l
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will use their investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health,
and disability in populations or groups of people with a focus on food borne illness.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each participant must bring a writing implement and may bring a non
programmable, non-graphing calculator. Each team may bring oneRS" x II" two-sided page of notes
that contain information in any form from any source.
3. THE COMPETITION: Sample Problems and Resources may be found at http://www.soinc.org
a. This event combines a basic understanding of biological and physical agents that cause disease with an
ability to analyze, interpret, evaluate and draw conclusions from simple data and communicate results to
peers. Students should be able to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious health burdens.
b. A broad definition of health will be used for this event. Potential topics include health as well as illness
(mental, physical, infectious, chronic.environmental, societal, genetic, injuries and health behaviors).
c. This event will include questions based on: aJIIII-.
i. Data collection ~
ii. Creating graphic displays of data II]
iii. Interpreting trends and patterns of epidemiologic data
iv. Communicating results
d. Students will be presented with one or more descriptions of public health problems such as an outbreak
of food poisoning, a cluster of cases of West Nile encephalitis or state data on bicycle injuries.
e. Based on these descriptions, they will be expected to do the following:
i. Generate hypotheses and recognize various fundamental study designs.
ii. Evaluate the data by calculating and comparing simple rates and proportions.
iii. Identify patterns, trends and possible modes of transmission, sources or risk factors.
iv. Recognize factors such as study design/biases that influence results (morefor Div. C-less for Div. B).
v. Propose interventions based on promoting positive health behaviors, eliminating or reducing risks of
environmental exposures, or disrupting clearly identifiable chains of transmission.
vi. Translate results/findings into a public health/prevention message for identified populations at risk.
f. They will also be expected to:
i. Define basic epidemiological and public health terms (e.g., outbreak, epidemic, pandemic,
surveillance, risk, vector, fomite, zoonosis, etc.).
ii. Recognize various categories of disease causing agents & give examples of illnesses caused by each.
iii. Recognize and understand differences between the major groups of infectious agents (e.g., viruses,
bacteria, protistans, fungi and animals).
iv. Recognize examples of various epidemiologic and public health phenomena such as types of
outbreaks and modes of transmission.
g. Calculations and mathematical manipulations should be part of the competition. Data may be contrived
or modified to make it more appropriate for this age group as long as it does not radically alter results or
interpretation.
h. Process skills may include hypothesis, observations, inferences, predictions, variable analysis, data
analysis, calculations, and conclusions.
1. The level of questioning for Division B and Division C competitions should reflect the age
appropriateness for the two groups.
J. The event format may be exam-based, station-based or a combination of both.
4. SCORING:
a. Points will be assigned to the various questions and problems. Both the nature of the questions and
scoring rubric should emphasize an understanding that is broad and basic rather than detailed and
advanced.
b. Depending on the problem, scoring may be based on a combination of answers, including graphs/charts,
explanations, analysis, calculations, and closed-ended responses to specific questions.
c. Points should be awarded for both quality and accuracy of answers, the quality of supporting reasoning,
and the use of proper scientific methods.
d. Highest number of points will determine the winner. Selected questions may be used as tiebreakers.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Disease Detective CD are
available at http://www.soinc.org.
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
2011-C4
DYNAMIC PLANET
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to Earth's fresh waters.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring four 8.5" x 11" double-sided page of notes containing
information in any form from any source and bring up to two non-graphing calculators.
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) from the following topics:
a. Interpretation of fresh water features shown on USGS topographic maps
b. Stream drainage systems: drainage patterns, main channel, tributaries, V-shaped valleys, watersheds
c. Channel types: braided, meandering, straight
d. Sediment: weathering, erosion, forms and sizes, transportation, deposition
e. River valley forms and processes: geology, gradient, base level, floodplain features, dynamic equilibrium,
nick points, waterfalls, stream capture, deltas and fans
f. Perennial and intermittent stream flow, stream gauging and monitoring, stream flow calculations,
discharge, load, floods, recurrence intervals, Chezy and Manning equations (Division Conly)
g. Groundwater: zone of aeration, zone of saturation, water table, porosity, permeability, aquifers, confining
beds, hydraulic gradient, water table contour lines, flow lines, capillarity, recharge and discharge
h. Karst features: sinkholes, solution valleys, springs, disappearing streams, caves
1. Lake formation and types: faulting, rifting, volcanic action, glaciation, damming of rivers, changes over
time
J. Lake features: inflow and outflow, physical and chemical properties, stratification, shorelines, waves
k. Wetlands: bogs and marshes, interactions between surface and groundwater
1. Destruction/Effects of land use changes, dams and levees:
sedimentation, down-cutting, diversion of water, flooding,
ecological changes
m. Hydrologic cycle and water budgets: precipitation, runoff,
evaporation
n. Pollution: types, sources, transport
4. REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
a. Analyze and interpret features and actions of a stream or river appearing on a topographic map including
watershed boundaries, elevation, gradient, direction of flow, drainage pattern, valley shapes, erosional
landscapes, and depositional features ,
b. Construct a water table contour map and indicate the direction ofgroundwater movement
c. Analyze data on the thermal structure of a lake and determine how the stratification changes seasonally
5. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the quality and accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the
accuracy and/or quality of answers to pre-selected questions.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Bio/Earth CD are available
on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org.
2011-C5
ECOLOGY
Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.solnc.org as they apply to every event.
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area
of ecology and adaptations in featured North American biomes.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes
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
notes that contain information in any form from any source.
3. THE COMPETITION:
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
calculations and predictions.
b. Questions will deal with the following ecological principles: Energy flow through food webs and trophic
pyramids including quantitative analysis of data; 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). In addition, students should be familiar with the pros and cons of using alternative energy and
its effect on the environment. If stations are used, students must spend the same amount of time at each
station. Division C: State and Nationals only: life history strategies (e.g., age structure, survival
curves, life tables, succession, Rand K strategies).
c. Approximately 50% of the questions should specifically address taiga ecology and tundra ecology. The
remainder of the questions will cover general ecological principles. At the regional and state level, 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 (including estuaries), forests, deserts, grasslands, taiga, tundra.
4. SAMPLE QUESTIONS:
Division B:
a. From the description of community interactions, create a food web. Then predict what would happen to
the food web if the primary producers were greatly reduced in number by a disease.
b. Given a description of the interaction between two species, identify the type of community interaction.
c. Provide three reasons how a tundra is different than a taiga.
d. Compare a tundra with a taiga. What kinds of adaptations may be common in both environments? How
are the organisms in each environment adapted for the rates of nutrient recycling that you would expect
to find?
Division C:
e. Given a complex food web, create a trophic pyramid and determine the amount of energy in each level
when given a quantity of energy entering the producer level.
f. Students are given a graph depicting the changes in two interacting populations of different species in a
habitat. Predict which population is the predator and which is the prey. Give reasons for your choices.
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 highest birth
rate, death rate, doubling time, and mean age.
5. SCORING: Questions will be assigned point values. Students will be ranked from highest to lowest score.
Ties will be broken by pre-determined tiebreaker questions.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the BiolEarth CD are available
on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org.
2011-C6
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

1. DESCRIPTION: This event will determine a team's ability to design, conduct, and report the findings of an
experiment actually conducted on site.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 3 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes
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.
Chemicals that require other safety clothing will not be used.
3. THE COMPETITION:
a. Supervisors must provide teams with identical sets of materials at a distribution center or in a container.
The materials will be listed on the board or placed on a card for each team. If provided, both the card and
the container will be considered part of the materials. The identity of the materials is to remain unknown
until the start of this event and will be the same for each team. The students must use at least two of the
provided materials to design and conduct an 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
involving relationships between independent and dependent variables (like height vs. distance).
c. The students will be given an outline (patterned after the scoring rubric) to follow when
recording/reporting their experiment with additional paper to record data, graphs and procedures.
d. When the teams are finished, all materials must be returned to the event supervisor along with all written
materials. The content of the report must be clearly stated and legible.
4. SCORING: Scoring of the event will be done using the scoring rubric at the bottom of this page. Zero points
will be given for an inappropriate or no response. Points will be awarded dependent upon the completeness
of the response. Ties will be broken by comparing the point totals in the scoring areas in the following order:
Total points for I-Variables, 2-Procedure, 3-Analysis of Results, 4-Graph, 5-Data Table. Any team not
following proper safety procedures will be asked to leave the room and will be disqualified from the event.
Any student not addressing the assigned question or topic area will be ranked behind those who do, because
not conducting an experiment is a violation of the spirit of the event.
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN RUBRIC/REPORTING FORM
a. Statement of Problem: Experimental Question (2 Points)
b. Hypothesis: Including prior knowledge that contributed to hypothesis (4 Points)
c. Variables:
i. Constants: (Controlled Variables) Factors that are purposefully kept the same (4 Points)
ii. Independent Variable: Factor being manipulated (3 Points)
iii. Dependent Variable: Factor being measured which responds (3 Points)
d. Experimental Control: (Standard of Comparison) (2 Points)
e. Materials (3 Points)
f Procedure: Including Diagrams (6 Points)
g. Qualitative Observations During Experiment & Summary ofResults: (4 Pts)
h. Data Table: Including Use of Significant Figures for Division C (6 points)
1. Graph(s): (6 Points)
J. Statistics: Div, B: Average (mean), median, mode, range, or drawnin line ofbest-fit (2 Points).
Div. C all ofB: + standard deviation and any other relevant statistics that teams choose (4 Points).
k. Analysis of Results: Interpretation (4 Points)
1. Possible Experimental Errors including identified human errors (3 Points)
m. Conclusion: Include why your results did or did not support the hypothesis: (4 Points)
n. Recommendations for Further Experimentation Based on Your Data & Practical Applications: (4 Points)
Hints: a. Statement of problem should not have a yes or no answer. It should be specific to the experiment being
conducted and is not the same as the assigned topic area. b. Experiments should consist of repeated trials. c. The
variables should be operationally defined. d. Experiments should be simple and have only one independent and one
dependent variable.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Experimental Design Guide
or CD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
2011-C7
FORENSICS
1. DESCRIPTION: Given a scenario and some possible suspects, students will perform a series of tests. These
tests, along with other evidence or test results will be used to solve a crime.
-
a. Students may bring only these items:
i. test tubes and test tube holders or any {C. hand lens
devices in which they can perform the tests Xl. writing instruments
11. droppers XlI. a pencil and ruler (for chromatograms)
Ill. funnel(s) &/or filter paper X111. paper towels
IV. pH or litmus paper 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 of notes containing information
allowed that run on AC current) in any form from any source.
VIl. thermometer xvi. a non-programmable calculator
~ I l l . flame test equipment (nichrome wire, cobalt Note: Students not bringing these items will be at
blue glass, etc.) a disadvantage. The event supervisor will not
IX. slides & cover slips provide them.
b. Supervisor will provide:
1. iodine reagent (I, dissolved in KI solution) The supervisor may provide:
11. 2M HCl x. other equipment (e.g., a microscope, probes,
Ill. 2MNaOH etc.) or
IV. Benedict's solution Xl. candle & matches if fibers given, or
v. a hot water bath XlI. differential density solutions or other
VI. a Bunsen burner or equivalent BTU heat source method of determining density of
to perform flame tests polymers if plastics given or
VIl. a waste container X111. reagents to perform other tests.
V111. chromatography materials - e.g., beakers, Petri
dishes, etc.
IX. a wash bottle with distilled water
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
that cover the legs to the ankles, and a long sleeved shirt that reaches the wrists, and a chemical apron
or a lab coat that reaches the knees. Chemical gloves are optional. Students who unsafely remove their
safety clothing/goggles or are observed handling any of the 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
designated waste container provided by the supervisor) will be disqualified from the event.
3. THE COMPETITION:
Level
Re iona1
State
National
# Part a sam
3-8
6-10
8-12
les # Part b sam
5-9
6-12
10-18
Part d
1-2 to
1-3 to
3-5 to
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 ammonium chloride
(there will be no mixtures). All teams will have the same set of solids to identify.
2011-C8
FORENSICS (CONT.)
b. Polymers: Students may be asked to identify:
i. PETE, HDPE, non-expanded PS, LDPE, PP, PVC, PMMA, PC (Students may not perform any bum
tests on these polymers. Bum test results on these plastics may be provided by the event supervisor).
11. cotton, wool, silk, linen, nylon, spandex, polyester (Bum tests will be permitted on the fibers)
111. human, dog, cat, bat, and horse hair. (Students will need to know hair structure including medulla,
cortex, cuticle, and root.)
c. Chromatography/Spectroscopy: Students will be expected to separate components using paper
chromatography, TLC, and/or analyze mass spectra. Students may be expected to measure RfS.
d. Crime Scene Physical Evidence:
i. Fingerprint Analysis: Students may be expected to know the 8 NCIC classifications (arch, tented
arch, radial loop, ulnar loop, plain whorl, central pocket whorl, accidental, and double loop). 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
questions about skin layers and how fingerprints are formed. Students may be asked questions on the
different methods of detecting fingerprints and the chemistry behind each of these methods.
11. DNA: Students may be asked to compare DNA chromatograms/electropherograms from materials
found at the scene to those of the suspects. Students will be expected to know how DNA is copied.
See http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/chemistry/pcr/index.html
111. Glass analysis: Students may be asked to use index of refraction to determine the type of a glass
found broken at a crime scene. They may be asked to analyze which hole or fractures occurred before
others based on a piece of glass available for examination or a picture of a piece of glass.
IV. Entomology: Students may be asked to identify how long an animal has been dead based on the type
of insects found on the body at the scene.
v. Spatters: Students may be asked to analyze actual spatters or photographs of spatters to determine
the angle and velocity with which the liquid approached the solid object bearing the spatter & the
spatter origin direction.
VI. Seeds and Pollen: Students may be asked to compare pictures of seeds/pollen found at the scene with
either seeds/pollen found on the suspects or seeds/pollen from different country regions.
Vll. Tracks and Soil: Students may be asked to match tire tracks or footprints found at the scene to tires
or shoes of the suspects. Students may be given the composition of soil found at the scene or on the
suspects and asked to determine if this implicates any of the suspects.
viii. Blood: Students may be asked to identify the ABO blood type using artificial blood (event supervisor
required to provide instructions on how the typing system works) or students may be asked to
identify if blood sample, either prepared microscope slide or pictures of microscope 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
crime scene and fired from a given gun. ,
e. Analysis of the Crime: Students will be asked to write an analysis of the crime scene explaining not only
which pieces of evidence 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
other crime scene analysis questions posed by the event supervisor.
f. The collected evidence and other data given could be used in a mock crime scene.
4. SCORING: Team with the highest score wins. Time will not be used for scoring. The score
will be composed of the following elements (percentages given are approximate):
a. Part 3.a. 20%, Part 3.b. 20%, Part 3.c. 15%, Part 3.d. 15%, and 3.e. 30%.
b. Tiebreaker: Ties will be broken by the highest score on the analysis of the crime scene, which includes the
reasons why certain suspects have been eliminated or others remain in the pool of possible criminals.
c. A 10% penalty may be given if the area is not cleaned up as designated by the event supervisor.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Forensics CD are available
on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY FOX BROADCASTING AND "FRINGE"
2011-C9
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FOSSILS

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by completing selected tasks at a
series of stations. Emphasis will be on fossil identification and ability to answer questions about
classification, habitat, ecologic relationships, behaviors and the use offossils to date and correlate rock units.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring only one magnifying glass; one published field guide that
they may tab and write in and one 3-ring binder (any size) containing information in any form from any
source. The materials must be 3-hole punched and inserted into the rings (sheet protectors are allowed).
3. THE COMPETITION: Emphasis will be placed upon task-oriented activities. Participants will move from
station to station, with the length of time at each station predetermined and announced by the event
supervisor. Participants are not permitted to return to stations, but may change or add information to their
original responses while at other stations. Identification will be limited to species on the list, but other
species may be used to illustrate key concepts. The questions will be chosen from the following topics:
a. Conditions required for a plant or an animal to become fossilized.
b. Common modes of preservation: permineralization, petrifaction/petrification/silicification, mineral
replacement, cast/mold, imprint, actual remains. Uncommon modes ofpreservation include
encasement in amber/copal, mummification, freezing, entrapment in tar/asphalt.
c. Relative dating: law of superposition, original horizontality, cross cutting relationships, unconformities
(buried erosion surfaces).
d. Absolute dating: radiometric dating, half-life, carbon dating, volcanic ash layers.
e. Geologic Time Scale
f Index Fossils
g. Fossil bearing sedimentary rocks: limestone, shale, sandstone,
mudstone, coquina, etc.
h. Modes of life: filter feeder, predator, scavenger, deposit feeder,
benthic, pelagic, etc.
i. Environments: marine, terrestrial, fresh water, etc.
j. Mineral and organic components of skeletons, shells, etc: (calcite, aragonite, silica, chitin)
k. Taxonomic hierarchy: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
1. Adaptations and morphologic features of major fossils groups (i.e., Trilobites-eompound eye on
Phacops; lack of eyes on Cryptolithus; body parts-eephalon, thorax, pygidium)
m. Important paleontological events and discoveries and their significance e.g., Ediacaran fossils,
Lagerstatten, Burgess Shale, Permian extinction, dinosaurs with feathers from China, Cretaceous
extinction, Pleistocene Ice Age.
4. REPRESENTATIVE STATION TASKS: Possible questions, tasks, stations and/or examples:
a. Identify each fossil and record its mode of preservation.
b. Identify each dinosaur (model/image) by name. Record each specimen's order (Saurischia or
Ornithischia) and the period(s) in which it lived (Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous).
c. Identify each index fossil by its informal name and record the geologic period(s) during which it
thrived.
d. Order each specimen according to age, oldest to most recent. Geologic Time Chart provided.
e. Based on the fossil and rock associations, determine the environment in which the organism lived.
f Construct a range chart and determine the age ofthe fossil assemblage.
5. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the quality and accuracy ofresponses. Ties will be broken by the
accuracy and/or quality of responses to several pre-identified questions.
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
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters prior to the tournament to
achieve maximum flight times.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: motors only at check-in TIME: 15 minutes
2. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS:
a. DESIGN: Helicopters may be constructed from published planes), commercial kits, and/or a student's
design.
b. MATERIALS: The functional components (rotors, rotor blades, vertical stabilizing surfaces, and motor
stick) of the helicopter must be constructed only from wood, paper, plastic film covering, and glue. The
functional components must not be 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/or rubber bands. The helicopter may be braced with string of any base material. Kits must not
contain any pre-glued joints or pre-covered surfaces. Plastic or rubbero-rings may be used to attach the
motor to the helicopter rotor(s).
c. MASS: Total mass of the helicopter throughout the flight, excluding the rubber motor, must be 4.0
grams or more.
d. ROTORS: Rotors are defined as surfaces that contribute lift by rotating on a common path around
a vertical axis. The helicopter may use up to three fixed pitch rotors, not exceeding a maximum
diameter of 40.0 em. There is no maximum limit on the number of blades or their chord. There must not
be any 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
commercially available items.
f. POWER: The helicopter must be powered by rubber motor(s) not exceeding a total mass of 2.0 g,
including any attachments such as o-rings. Motor(s) must be removable from the helicopter for
check-in. The motor(s) must be massed separately from the helicopter. Motors may be lubricated before
and/or after check-in. Motors will be massed at check-in, and officials will impound qualified motors.
Qualified motors will be made available to the team for official flights.
g. MARKING: Each helicopter must be labeled so the Event Supervisor can easily identify to which team
it belongs.
3. THE COMPETITION:
a. The event must be held indoors. Tournament officials must announce the room dimensions
(approximate length, width and ceiling height) in advance of the competition. Tournament officials and
the Event Supervisor are urged to minimize the effects of environmental factors such as air currents
(e.g., doors, fans). ,
b. Once competitors enter the cordoned off competition areato trim, practice, or compete, they must not
receive outside assistance, materials, or communication. Teams violating this rule will be ranked below
all other teams. There must be a separate area designated for spectators.
c. Each team must present a flight log of recorded data during inspection. Data must include at least 6
parameters for at least 10 test flights prior to the competition. The required parameters are: I) motor size
before windup, 2) number of turns on the motor at launch, 3) flight time. The team must choose 3
additional data parameters beyond those required, (e.g. turns remaining after landing, estimated/recorded
peak flight height, the torque at launch).
d. At the Event Supervisor's discretion, practice flights may occur throughout the event but must yield to
any official flight. Multiple practice flights may occur at the same time. No trim (practice) flights will be
permitted in the last half-hour of the event, except for teams that declare a trim flight during their 8
minute flight period.
2011-Cll
HELICOPTERS (CONT.)
Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.solnc.org as they apply to every event.
e. A self-check inspection station may be made available to competitors for checking their helicopters prior
to being checked by the Event Supervisor.
f. Competitors may use any type of winder, but electricity may not be 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 must be held by the official timer
and dispensed at the team's choosing during the team's offlcial flights. Event supervisors are
strongly urged to return flight logs after inspection. Timers must follow and observe teams as they
are winding their motors.
h. Teams may make up to a total of 2 official flights using 1 or 2 helicopters.
1. Teams will be given an 8-minute "Flight Period," starting when their first
flight after check-inutrlm or official) begins. Any flight beginning within
the 8-minute period 'will be permitted to fly to completion. Competitors
may make adjustments/repairs/trim flights and qualify additional motors
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. If teams 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
timer for each official flight.
k. The timing official will measure and record the "Time Aloft" in hundredths of a second for each flight.
Time Aloft for each flight starts when the helicopter leaves the competitor's hand and stops when any
part of the helicopter touches the floor or the rotors no longer support the weight of the helicopter
(such as the helicopter landing on a girder or basketball hoop).
1. The Event Supervisor may permit other official flights during the flight of another team's helicopter.
m. Competitors must not steer the helicopter during flight. In the unlikely event of a collision with another
helicopter, a team may elect a re-flight. The decision to re-fly may be made after the helicopter lands.
The eight-minute period does not apply to such a flight.
4. SCORING: The base score is the team's longest single flight time. Ties will be broken by the longest non
scored flight time.
a. Teams with incomplete flight logs must have 10% of their flight time deducted from each flight.
b. Teams without flight logs must have 30% of their flight time deducted from each flight.
c. Teams that violate a rule under "CONSTRUCTION" or "THE COMPETITION" that does not have a
specific penalty must be ranked after all teams that do not violate those rules.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Helicopters DVD are
available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
National Science Education Standard: Content Standard E: All students should develop abilities of
technological design and understandings about science and technology.
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
http://www.modelaircraft.org/
2011-C12
MICROBE MISSION
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will answer questions, solve problems, and analyze data pertaining to microbes.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #4 APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 Minutes
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-sided page of notes that contain information in any form from any source.
3. THE COMPETITION: The event may be run as timed stations. Students will be given questions pertaining
to different types of microbes. Some questions/stations may involve the actual use of a microscope. If no
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 of a dichotomous key, drawing conclusions, calculations, metric conversions, determining
actual size of the organism, inferences, and making observations. Students may be asked to perform simple
laboratory procedures as measurements or using probes (sufficient information will be provided at the
station). Possible live specimens may include only baker's yeast, ciliates, amoebae, lichens, green algae, and
diatoms. Pictures & prepared slides are appropriate for all microbial types. The content areas may include:
Regional and State Tournaments (B & C)
a. Different kinds of microscopes and their uses. Name & function of the light microscope parts, principles
of microscopy and magnification determination.
b. Recognition and function of nucleus, mitochondria and chloroplasts, and their possible microbial origin.
c. Differences (e.g., size, environment, structure, prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic, etc.) among prions, viruses,
bacteria, Archaea, fungi, and algal and animal like protists.
d. Roles of microbes in commercial production, spoilage, preservation & decomposition of various foods.
e. Diseases caused by different kind of microbes and the treatment/prevention of these diseases.
f. Estimation/calculation of size based on scales in pictures or microscopic
information and amount of the visual field occupied.
g. Growth curves; graph interpretation.
h. Beneficial microbes vs. Dangerous microbes.
Division C (only) National Tournament (B & C)
i. Names for and recognition of
1. All state/regional level material
m. Resistance to various antimicrobial agents
various bacterial shapes
n. Role of microbes in the causes of plant diseases
J. Gram stain uses and difference
o. Causes and effects of microbial population explosions
between gram+ & gram-
p. Parasitic worms
k. Important aspects of spores & cysts q. Microbial competition
4. SAMPLE QUESTIONS: Note: Disease questions must be restricted to the 2011 Microbial Diseases on www.soinc.org
a. Provide two differences among bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
b. Using the following key, determine (from pictures) which cell, A, B, or C is considered an alga.
c. Based on the following graph, determine which organism is best suited for growth in acid environment.
d. A cell is observed through a light microscope at 4x magnification. The cell takes up abut half of the visual
field. What is the approximate length of this organism? .
e. Students observe a picture of a plate with different colonies on it. Based on the color of the colony, how
many different kinds of organisms do you detect? Which type of organism appears to be the most
prevalent?
f. From this picture identify the organelle, its function, and state which type of microbe it is unique to.
g. What type of microbe is involved in the production of most breads?
h. What type of microbe is responsible for polio?
i. Based on the following graph, what will be the microbial population/ml after 3.5 hours of growth?
j. Match the disease with the type of organism that causes it.
5. SCORING: Highest score will determine the winner. Selected questions may be used as tiebreakers.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Microbe Mission CD are
available on the Official Science Olympiad Store and Website at http://www.soinc.org.
2011-C13
MISSION POSSIBLE
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1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the competition, the teams design, build, test, and document a "Rube Goldberg
like Device" that completes a required task.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 3 IMPOUND: Yes EYE PROTECTION: #2 TIME: Set-up-30 min/Run: 3 min
2. EVENT AND CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS:
a. All competitors must properly wear safety spectacles with side shields.
b. All parts of the device must fit within an imaginary box (50 em x 50 em x 80 em).
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 of the event supervisor.
Unsafe devices receive only participation points.
d. The device must be designed and constructed to execute a sequence of tasks from the list in section 4.
i. The Starting Task must be Task 4.a. and the Final Task must be Task 4.n.
ii. Teams may choose up to 8 additional tasks from 4.b. - 4.m. These may occur in any order.
iii. After the Starting Task, the device must operate autonomously.
iv. Each task in the device must contribute to the completion of the Final Task.
v. Parallel tasks are not allowed. Other non-listed tasks may be built into the device but must contribute
to the completion of the Final Task and they will not earn any points.
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
must not be used in the device.
f. The only liquids allowed are water and vinegar. Substances may be added to these during operation.
g. Uncontrolled projectiles, hazardous spills, flames, and hazardous materials (e.g. matches, rat traps,
candles, model rocket engines, lighters, fireworks, gunpowder, flammable substances) are not permitted.
h. No more than 10.0 volts will be permitted to power any single electrical circuit. All batteries must be
factory-sealed and voltage labeled by the manufacturer. No lead-acid batteries will be allowed.
1. Energy devices such as flashlights, batteries, and mousetraps may be set/activated prior to starting the
device, but not the motors (see Penalties, 8.d.).
j. Devices must not be remotely timed or controlled.
k. Tasks receive points only if successful, listed, and contribute toward Final Task completion.
3. THE TASKS: No partes) of a mousetrap will count as a simple machine.
a. Starting Task- Drop a U.S. quarter from above the entire device. The quarter must physically touch and
snap the mousetrap, which begins the chain of events. (l00 points)
b. (20 points) Use a force to push a wedge between two objects to separate and cause the next action.
c. (20 points) Use an IMA 3 pulley system to lift a mass at least 15cm. The mass must cause the next action.
d. (20 points) Tum a screw so its tip stays in contact with an object, forcing the object to move at least 2 em
and cause the next action.
e. (20 points) Use a third-class lever to cause the next action.
f (30 points) Inflate a balloon with a gas such that the inflated balloon causes the next action.
g. (30 points) Use a closed hydraulic system to cause the next action.
h. (30 points) Move a volume of air (not pneumatic) such that the moving air causes the next action.
1. (40 points) Initiate an enclosed chemical reaction that creates gas and use that gas to cause the next action.
J. (40 points) Convert circular motion to linear motion, without the use of gears or screws, and use the linear
motion to cause the next action.
k. (50 points) Decrease an object's temperature such that the change in temperature causes the next action.
1. (50 points) Stack 5 wooden blocks, no smaller than 5 em x 5 em x 2 em, such that the stack of 5 blocks
causes the next action. The blocks cannot touch each other in their un-stacked state and must stay
completely within the boundary of the device. Once stacked, each block must completely support the
blocks stacked on top of it.
m. (Variable points) Use sand that acts as a timer by allowing a stream of sand to fall from one container to
another. The sand timer must operate for at least 15 seconds and the mass of the accumulating sand must
cause the next action. Electricity must not be used for further actions after the sand timer has started.
2011-C14
MISSION POSSIBLE (CONT.)
n. Final Task- Raise a sign completely above the top of the device using a single pre-filled (prior to device
operation) helium balloon. The sign must start in contact with the lowest point in the device, hang from
the bottom of the 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, except the balloon tether, are included in the sign mass.
4. TASK SEQUENCE LIST (TSL): (An example list is on the National website.)
a. The TSL details the scorable sequence of tasks to occur during device operation. Tasks in section 4,
intended to earn points, must be numbered and identified by letter in the TSL and device.
b. Additional actions or tasks need not be identified in the TSL.
c. The TSL must be submitted at impound or as announced by the tournament director.
5. OPERATION OF DEVICE:
a. The timing of the device begins when a team member releases a quarter into the device (4.a).
b. Timing stops when the final task has been completed or when 180 sec have elapsed (whichever comes
first); the points earned up to then determine the score. The ideal operation time is 60 sec at Regionals,
between 60-90 sec at States, and between 90-120 sec at Nationals (time announced after impound).
c. If the device stops, jams or fails, the team may adjust it to continue operation with penalty points
deducted. Any obvious stalling to gain a time advantage results in disqualification.
d. If an action inadvertently starts a task out of sequence on the TSL then all tasks skipped in the listed
sequence will not earn points even if they are completed.
e. If the team completes a task themselves or makes an adjustment that leads directly to completion of the
task in the very next action, that task will not receive points (even if it is the final task).
6. SCORING POINTS:
a. 25 points, if the TSL is submitted on time.
b. 25 points, if the TSL uses the format specified.
c. 25 points, if the TSL is 100% accurate in documentation of expected device operation.
d. 25 points, if the tasks are labeled properly in the device.
e. 50 points, if the team uses no more than 30 minutes for set up.
f. 100 points, if the team starts the device correctly.
g. 2 points, for each full second of operation up to the ideal time.
h. 20,30,40, or 50 points for the first time each lettered task from section 4 is successfully completed.
1. 100 points, if all conditions of the sand timer are successfully met.
J. 2 points for each full second of sand timer operation before causing next action, including the 15 sec
required for task completion. No sand timer points awarded after the device reaches the ideal time.
k. 1 point per 0.1 g of sign mass (only if final task is successfully completed).
1. 250 points, if all conditions for the Final Task are successfully completed in 180 sec.
7. PENALTIES:
a. 1 point deducted for each second that the device operates beyond the "ideal" time until the device
completes the Final Task, or reaches the three-minute time limit (whichever occurs first).
b. 15 points each time the device is touched, adjusted, or restarted.
c. 50 points, one time, for any substance that leaves the boundary of the device during operation (except the
balloon, tether string, and sign at the point of task completion).
d. 100 points for each motor running prior to the start of the device.
e. 100 points if the device does not begin with the Starting Task.
f. Teams with construction violations, parallel design, or "dead end" paths are ranked below all other teams.
g. Teams with an unsafe device must not be allowed to run their device but receive participation points.
8. TIES are broken by this order: a. fewest penalty points; b. greatest sign mass rounded to 0.1 g (only if the
final task is completed); c. longest run time of sand timer up to ideal time; d. closest to ideal time.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources are available at http://www.soinc.org.
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY LOCKHEED MARTIN
2011-C15
MOUSETRAP VEHICLE
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams design, build, and test a vehicle using one or two snap mousetraps as the sole
propulsion energy source to push a plastic cup out a distance and return to a point behind the starting line as
quickly as possible.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: None EYE PROTECTION: #5 APPROX. TIME: 15 minutes
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students must bring and correctly wear eye protection while preparing and
running their vehicle or they will not be allowed to compete.
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 of its original parts and structural
integrity to function as intended. Altering the structural integrity of the mousetrap includes, but is not
limited to, welding, bending, and cutting. Items may be added to the mousetrap. Soldering, taping, tying,
gluing, and clamping are allowed. Holes may NOT be made anywhere on the mousetrap.
b. All parts of the vehicle must move as a whole; no anchors, tie downs, launching ramps, or other separate
pieces are allowed. If any piece falls off during the run, it is considered a construction violation. The
plastic cup is not considered part of the vehicle at any time.
c. All of the vehicle's kinetic energy must originate from the unmodified mousetrap. Items must not be
added to the mousetrap to increase the potential energy of the unmodified mousetrap. Conversion
of the mechanical energy of the mousetrap spring is permissible, but any additional sources of kinetic
energy must be at their lowest states at the beginning of the run.
d. Reversing and stopping mechanisms must work automatically. The vehicle must not be tethered or
remotely controlled in any way to guide, reverse, or stop it. Recoil is NOT considered reversing.
e. Electric devices are not permitted.
f. The vehicle must have a fixed, pointed object, (e.g., pin or toothpick) somewhere on the perimeter of the
vehicle chassis that extends down to within 1.0 em of the track's surface. The point of the fixed object
nearest the track surface is used as the reference point for distance measurements.
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.
There is no restriction on the height of the vehicle.
h. Competitors must start the vehicle by actuating some sort of trigger using a pencil, pen, dowel or similar
device (which is not part of and does not travel with the vehicle). The trigger must be designed so that
the actuation of it is perpendicular (up or down) to the floor. A horizontally activated trigger is a
construction violation.
1. Sighting devices not using electricity are permitted and may be removed before the vehicle runs.
j. The wheels and drive string(s) are the only vehicle parts permitted to contact the floor at any time.
4. THE TRACK:
a. The competition must be on a straight and level lane with a relatively smooth, hard, low-friction surface.
b. Event Supervisors must mark the track with tape as follows:
i. Start Line: The edge of the tape closest to the 3 m tape is the Start Line.
ii. 3 m Line: A parallel line 3.00 m in FRONT of the Start Line. The edge of the tape closest to the Start
Line is the 3 m Line and must be accurate to within 1 mm of 3 m.
iii. Minus 4 m Line: A parallel line 4.00 m BEHIND the Start Line. The edge of the tape closest to the
Start Line is the Minus 4 m Line and must be accurate to within 1 mm of 4 m.
iv. Lane Boundaries: Parallel lines 1.00 m apart extending from the 3 m Line to the Minus 4 m Line.
The Lane Boundaries may be extended beyond the 3 m and Minus 4 m Lines to help with determining
the Lane Bonus.
c. The center of the Minus 4 m Line must be clearly marked.
d. Additional space must be provided in all 4 directions of the lane to allow for track over-runs.
5. THE COMPETITION:
a. The vehicle must push a 16 oz. disposable plastic cup (provided by the Event Supervisor) to the 3 m
Line, leave it there, reverse direction, and stop at the center of the Minus 4 m Line in order to
receive the ideal Distance Score.
b. The competitors must place the plastic cup upside down and tangent to the Start Line 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 the Lane Boundaries. The vehicle must be placed so that it is in contact with the
cup. The fixed point of the vehicle does not have to be on the Start Line, nor does the entire vehicle
have to be behind the Start Line or within the Lane Boundaries.
2011-C16
MOUSETRAP VEHICLE (CONT.)
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c. The competitors must not push or constrain the vehicle during release nor touch their vehicle during a run.
d. The vehicle must be able to remain at the starting position without being touched until triggered. If the
vehicle moves any distance after the trigger has been released it is considered a run.
e. Teams have 10 minutes of Event Time to set up, make any adjustments, take measurements, and start two
runs. If the second run has started before the 10 minute period has elapsed, it must be allowed to run to
completion. Time used by the Event Supervisor for measuring must not count toward the 10 minute Event
Time.
f. Run Time starts when the vehicle begins forward motion and ends when the vehicle comes to a complete
stop. If a vehicle does not move upon actuation of the switch it does not count as a run and the team may
request to set up for another a run, but must not receive extra time.
i. Run Time is in seconds, recorded to 0.01 seconds.
ii. If the 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 1 direction
including the 3 seconds. Any action occurring after the vehicle has stopped for 3 seconds must not
count as part of the run.
iii. If the vehicle reverses direction, the Run Time stops once all motion ceases (including recoils).
g. If the time or distance cannot be measured for a vehicle (e.g. a team starts a vehicle before the Event
Supervisor is ready or the team picks up the vehicle before it is measured) it is a failed run.
h. If the cup tips over during a run, measurement is made from where the cup comes to rest.
1. Once the vehicle starts a run the competitors must move outside the lane, not follow their vehicle, and
wait until called by the Event Supervisor to retrieve their vehicle following measurement.
j. Teams who wish to file an appeal must leave their vehicle with the Event Supervisor.
6. SCORING:
a. Run Score: The Run Score is the sum of the Distance Score, Lane Bonus, and Time Score. Negative
scores are possible. Lowest score determines the winner.
b. Distance Score:
i. The Distance Score is the sum of two distance measurements. 1) The perpendicular distance (point to
line) in em (to the nearest 0.1 em) from the nearest edge of the cup to the 3 m Line. If the cup is
touching the 3 m Line its distance score is 0 ern. 2) The distance (point to point) in em (nearest 0.1 ern)
from the fixed point on the vehicle to the center of the Minus 4 m Line.
ii. Both distance measurements are absolute value positive measurements. It does NOT matter on which
side of the lines the cup and the fixed point come to rest.
iii. The cup must pass at least 1.5 m or receive 500 points plus the cup distance measurement. The team
may elect to not push the cup but receives 300 points as the cup to 3 m Line measurement plus the 500
points for not passing 1.5 m.
iv. Vehicles not reversing direction receive 1500 points added to the Distance Score for that run.
c. Lane Bonus: If the fixed point remains within the Lane Boundaries through the entire run, a -30 point
bonus is awarded.
d. Time Score: Regional, 1 point per second; State, 2 points per second; National, 4 points per second.
e. Tiers: Teams are ranked using the single run that gives them the best overall rank.
~ Tier: A run with no violations.
ii. 2
nd
Tier: A run with competition violations. ;
iii. 3
rd
Tier: A run with construction violations or both competitionand construction violations.
f. Tiebreakers: 1st: Distance score of the better run. 2
nd
: The vehicle's other run score.
g. Teams receive participation points if they have no successful runs.
SCORING EXAMPLE: 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
from the center of the Minus 4 m Line and remained within the lane boundaries the
entire time.
Distance Score 118.2 points (42.4 + 75.8)
Lane Bonus -30 points
Time Score 40.42 points (40.42 sec. = 20.21 sec. x 2 points/1 sec.)
Run Score 128.62 points
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Mousetrap Vehicle (Out &
Back) DVD are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
2011-C17
OPTICS
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I. DESCRIPTION: This event includes activities and questions related to geometric and physical optics.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: None Required APPROX. TIME: 50 Minutes
a. Competitors may bring tape measures, rulers, protractors, and use any type of calculator for use during
any part of the competition.
b. All reference materials to be used during the competition must be secured in a 3-ring binder, must be 3
hole punched and inserted in the binder so that regardless of orientation nothing can fall out.
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
proper significant figures.,
a. Part I: Geometric Optics, which may include the following topics:
i. Law of reflection (Spectral / Diffuse)
ii. Refraction (measurement of index of refraction, Snell's Law, critical angle)
Fi. Prism (Deviation and Dispersion)
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, and images (real/virtual, erect/inverted, magnification)
State and National Tournaments may also include:
vi. Propagation of wave fronts (Huygens' Principle)
vii. Ray tracing of two perpendicular or parallel plane mirrors (comer reflector and/or periscope)
viii. Ray tracing of two lens systems: real and virtual objects, images (real/virtual, erect/inverted,
magnification)
b. Part 2: Physical Optics, which may include the following topics:
i. Visible Spectrum (colors: primary/secondary, additive/subtractive, color absorption, color reflection,
and human color sensitivity)
11. Structure and function of the parts of the eye
111. Wavelengths, frequencies, velocities, and nomenclature of the various portions of the EM spectrum
IV. Doppler shift
v. Bright Line Spectra
VI. Absorption Spectra
vii. Light Intensity (Inverse square law, SI units)
viii, Energy and momentum of photons
State and National Tournaments may also include:
ix. Interference and superposition of waves (Young's experiment-Iocation of light and dark peaks only,
not intensity)
x. Lasers (theory of operation, difference between coherent and non-coherent light)
c. Part 3: Laser Shoot - The objective is to reflect a laser beam with two mirrors, around a barrier to strike a
given target.
i. The maximum set-up time is 5 minutes. The event supervisor will use a timer to record to the nearest
second the amount of time the team uses to set-up the mirrors.
11. The Laser Shoot Surface (LSS) is a horizontal flat surface enclosed by a 2 0.5 em thick wall; the
surface may be a table top.
111. The size of the enclosed horizontal surface is 56 I ern x 35 I ern.
IV. The height of the wall above the laser shoot surface is 10 0.5 ern.
v. The mirrors must have a width and height of at least 5 em. The mirror is mounted so that it stands
vertically (at a 90 degree angle to the LSS) and can be easily relocated on the LSS by the students.
2011-C18
OPTICS (CONT.)
VI. A laser (provided by the Event Supervisor) is mounted in a horizontal plane through the approximate
center of one of the 35 em long walls at a height of2 0.5 em above the LSS.
vii. Class 2 Lasers (lmW or less) are to be used. Green lasers are preferred but not required.
viii. The laser must be securely mounted through the wall such that it cannot be moved and the laser beam
is perpendicular to the wall through which it is mounted.
IX. A line is drawn on the LSS from a point directly below the emitting tip of the laser to a point directly
below the center of the laser beam where it strikes the opposite wall. The event supervisor must test
the beam's alignment before the next team is permitted to see the LSS.
x. Competitors are not permitted to touch the laser or change its orientation and/or position. The laser
must remain fixed throughout the entire event.
Xl. A metric scale with a resolution of at least I mm will be attached horizontally to the target wall at the
level at which the laser strikes. One of the marks on the scale must align with the center of the laser
beam where it strikes the wall. This mark is the Target.
XII. A barrier is placed somewhere between the emitting tip of the laser and the Target. The barrier must
have a width of 2 to 4 em and the laser beam must strike the barrier at approximately the horizontal
center. The barrier must be in the same position and orientation in respect to the LSS for all
competitors.
xiii. Competitors must make all measurements, calculations, and mirror placement/alignment within the 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
competitors are permitted to see the laser shoot station.
xv. Competitors must not mark on or modify the LSS.

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4. SCORING:
a. The highest total points wins. Points are awarded for correct answers, measurements, calculations,
analysis of data, laser shoot set-up time and laser shoot accuracy. Supervisors are encouraged to provide a
standardized form on which students can show all ray tracings, measurements and calculations.
b. Points are distributed in the following manner:
i. Part I: Geometric Optics % correct answers X 30 points
ii. Part 2: Physical Optics % correct answers X 30 points
iii. Part 3: Laser Shoot set-up time (300-t)/300 X 10 points
IV. Part 3: Laser Shoot Accuracy 30 - (distance from TP to center oflaser beam (in mm)/lO)
(Note: if the distance is> 300 mm, set the result to 0 forc.b.iv.)
c. Ties are broken using a designated task(s) or question(s). The event supervisor will identify the tiebreaker
question(s) or task(s) on the answer form provided to the students at the beginning of the competition
period.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources are available at http://www.soinc.org.
2011-C19
ORNITHOLOGY & REMOTE SENSING

ORNITHOLOGY
1. DESCRIPTION: This event will test knowledge of North American birds on the official list.
Each student may bring one commercially published book (or field guide), one
two-sided page of the Official National Bird List and one 8.5" x 11" two-sided
page of notes that contain information in any form from any source (teams may tab
{limit 3 words} the guide and write on any of these). No other resources, electronic
devices or printed labels will be allowed.
3. THE COMPETITION: Each team will be given an answer sheet on which they will record answers.
a. The competition may be run as timed stations and/or as a timed slides PowerPoint presentation.
b. Specimens/pictures will be lettered or numbered at each station. The event may include preserved
specimens, skeletal material, recordings of songs, and slides or pictures of specimens.
c. Participants should be able to do basic identification to the level indicated on the Official List. States may
have a modified state or regional list. See your state web site. No more than 50% of the competition will
require giving common or scientific names.
d. Each specimen will have one or more questions accompanying it on some aspect of its life history,
distribution, anatomy and physiology, reproduction, habitat characteristics, ecology, diet, behavior,
conservation and biogeography.
e. The ecology questions may pertain to any ecological aspect of the species, including behavior, habitat,
niche, symbiotic relationships, trophic level, adaptive anatomy such as bill size and shape, migration,
distribution or occurrence (rare, common, special concern, endangered.)
f. All questions will be restricted to specimens on the Official National List-see http://www.soinc.org.
4. SCORING: The teams with the highest number of correct answers will be the winners. Selected questions
may be used as tiebreakers.
Recommended Resources: All specimens listed on the Official Science Olympiad National Bird List are
represented in the Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America (08), both are available on the Official
Science Olympiad Store and Website at http://www.soinc.org as are all reference and training resources.
REMOTE SENSING
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will use remote sensing imagery, science and math process skills to complete
tasks related to an understanding of the causes and consequences of human impact on the environment.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Each team may bring five 8.5" x 11" two-sided sheets of paper containing
any information from any source. Each participant may bring a metric ruler, a protractor, a triangle,
and any kind of (non-graphing) calculator, but no other resources.
3. THE COMPETITION: The event will be organized as follows:
a. The causes, consequences, & evidence for human impact on the environment.
b. Students will analyze and interpret remote sensing images.
c. Students will use math computations to analyze or express quantitative data
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,
radiative balance of the atmosphere, natural and man-made sources of greenhouse gasses, changes
in land, atmospheric and oceanic temperatures, carbon cycles, hydrologic cycles, and plant growth.
e. Students should be familiar with the principles of satellite imagery, including orbital missions and
sensor systems related to climate change, land use monitoring, oceanic and atmospheric monitoring,
the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum and interactions between EM energy and the atmosphere (particularly
radiometric measurements of temperatures; greenhouse gasses; land, sea and ice elevations; land, sea
and vegetative color; passive and active sensors; and principles of digital image processing).
f. Students may be asked to interpret digital data presented numerically in a grid.
4. SAMPLE ACTIVITIES:
a. Compare the area of insect infestation in a given location with recorded amounts in previous years.
b. Evaluate area damaged by deforestation or forest fires.
5. SCORING: Teams with the highest score will be the winners. Selected task will be used as a tiebreaker.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Remote Sensing CD are
2011-C20
PROTEIN MODELING
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide them in
constructing physical models of proteins. For the 2011 competitions, students will model proteins involved
in reprogramming adult cells to become stem cells, also known as induced pleuripotent stem cells (IPS).
A TEAM OF UP TO: 3 IMPOUND: Yes APPROXIMATE TIME: 50 minutes for Part II & III
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Pre-build models will be impounded one hour before the event begins.
a. Students may bring up to five double-sided, 8.5"x 11" pages of notes. Internet access is not permitted.
b. Students must bring a writing instrument.
c. Supervisors will provide all materials for on-site model construction.
3. THE COMPETITION: This event has three parts: a pre-build model, an on-site build model, & an exam.
a. Part I: The Pre-Build Model. Students will use a computer visualization program (Jmol;
http://cbm.msoe.edu/includes/jmoliSOlmols/2011PreBuild.html) to design and construct a model of a specific
protein based on atomic coordinate data. Students will construct a model of Klf4, based on the coordinate data
found in the 2wbu.pdb file. Structural information about this file can be accessed for free through the RCSB
Protein Data Bank (www.pdb.org). The same constructed model of the Klf4 protein will be brought to all
competitions; as the competition level increases, the scoring rubrics for the pre-build model will reflect higher
expectations for model accuracy, detail and creativity.
b. The final pre-build model must be based on the alpha carbon backbone display of the model and must use a
scale of 2 em per amino acid. Students may use Mini-Toobers to model their protein, or use other
comparable material (e.g., Kwik Twists, 12 gauge dimensional house wire, etc.). Students will represent other
important parts of the protein, such as amino acid sidechains, DNA or associated molecules, with materials of
their choosing. The additions to the model should focus on illustrating the significance of the structure to the
function of the protein. A significant portion of the score will be derived from the creative additions to the
model. Students must provide a 3"x5" note card explaining the additions to their model and what they
represent. Students must deliver their pre-build model and 3"x5" card to judges at the competition site for
impounding. Models will be returned to the students after the competition.
c. Part II: The On-Site Model. During the on-site competition at Regional Competitions, students will design
and build a physical model of a selected region of Oct4 (lgtO.pdb), which is described in the April 2009 RCSB
Molecule ofthe Month (http://dx.doi.org/l0.221O/rcsb-.rdb/mom_2009_4) by David S. Goodsell. During the
on-site competition at the State Competition, students will design and build a physical model of a selected
region of Nanog (2ktO.pdb). During the on-site competition at the National Competition, students will design
and build a physical model of a selected region of c-myc (1nkp.pdb), which is described in the April 2009
RCSB Molecule ofthe Month (http://dx.doi.org/l0.2210/rcsb-.rdb/mom_2009_4) by David S. Goodsell.
d. Students will utilize a computer provided with the Jmol application at the competition. Students must utilize
only one of the identical computers provided at the competition with the above-mentioned files on it to guide
their model construction. All construction materials for the model (Mini-Toobersl, foam amino acid .
sidechains, crosslinkers and plastic red and blue end caps) will be provided. Any model not handed to the
judges by the end of the competition time will not be accepted for scoring.
e. Part III: The On-Site Written Exam will be multiple choice/short answer questions about the relationship
between protein structure and function, with an emphasis on induced pleuripotent stem cells.
4. SCORING: 40% of the event score will be based on the pre-build protein model (Part I), 30% on the on-site
build (Part II) and 30% on the written exam (Part III). The pre-build protein model (part I) will be scored
based on the accuracy & scale of the alpha-helix & beta-sheet secondary structures, as well as other creative
additions to the protein backbone such as sidechains, DNA or associated molecules. The focus of the model
should be on creatively telling the story of the molecule's significance, structure & function. Creative
additions that do not support the molecular story will not receive full credit. The on-site build protein model
(Part II) will be scored based on accuracy of folding the Mini-Toober model & positioning specific amino
acid sidechains and/or accessory molecules. The exam (Part III) will be scored for accuracy. Ties will be
broken using specific questions from the written exam selected by the event supervisor.
Resources: Event details and available kit information can be found at: http://cbm.msoe.edu/stupro/so/index.html
This event is sponsored by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, MSOE and 3D Molecular Designs
2011-C21
SOUNDS OF MUSIC
1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the competition each team will build one wind instrument and one percussion
instrument based on a 12 tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operation and
be able to-perform a major scale, a required melody and a chosen melody with each.
A TEAM OF: 2 EYE PROTECTION: None Required APPROXIMATE TIME: 20 min/Set-up 5 min
a. Teams must provide a score of all music (both chosen and required) to be performed and submit it in
notated form at the beginning of their presentation. Copies of this rules page will not be accepted.
b. All music must be written in the appropriate clef for each of the instruments as stated in the chart below.
c. Each member will play at least one instrument.
d. Notes, calculators, books, etc. will not be allowed for any portion of the judging.
3. THE COMPETITION:
a. Part 1:
1. Each team member must play the required scale as given in the 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 for each note below have been rounded to the nearest whole number.
11. The team will then perform, in any key within the musical ranges specified, the lines of music included
below. The piece will be played as a duet including melody and harmony. Students must supply
their own harmony.
in. Each instrument must be capable of playing the required lines as written or as transposed into a key
adapted to their instrument but staying within the allowable range.
IV. They must also playa duet of their choosing which best demonstrates their instruments' capabilities.
v. Students will be given a maximum of 4 minutes to play both the required duet and the chosen duet.
Scale Wind Instrument - Instrument 1 Percussion Instrument- Instrument 2
Mandatory Scale C major (C4 [262 Hz] to C5 [523 Hz)) G major (G2 [98 Hz] to G3 [196 Hz))
Allowable Scoring Range F3 [175 Hz] to G5 [784 Hz] C2 [65 Hz] to D4 [294 Hz]
Music submitted in Treble Clef Bass Clef
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b. Part 2:
1. Instruments will be evaluated on creativity and originality, variety, and workmanship through an
interview process.
11. Members will be asked to play any note from the required scale which will be judged for accuracy.
111. No electric or electronic devices, toy or professional instruments or parts of such instruments will be
permitted including items such as bells, whistles, mouthpieces, reeds or reed blocks, audio-oscillators,
rosin, tuning pegs, etc. The only exception is that strings (instrument or others) of any type are
permitted.
IV. No electricity is allowed. All energy put into the instruments must originate from the students.
v. All instruments must be able to go through a standard classroom door (80 em wide).
2011-C22
SOUNDS OF MUSIC (CONT.)
c. Part 3:
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 be done as an oral interview and/or with a written set of questions, with approximately 3 to 6
pre-selected questions adaptable to various instruments.
111. Students must be able to define or explain basic terminology regarding sound, sound production, and
related science terms. These include the fundamental elements of wave theory, Bernoulli Effect,
acoustics, musical sound perception, and harmonics.
4. SCORING:
a. All scoring must be done by the same set of judges (preferably 2-3). If more than one person is judging,
each judge will score a separate part of the competition.
b. All sections will be added for the total score.
c. Judges must have knowledge of both music and the physics of sound.
d. Range of notes: quality of sound (22 points) (Judge 1 accuracy and quality and Judge 3 octave)
i. Demonstrated range __ octaves (for instrument #1) __ notes __Points (6)
11. Sound quality (compared to standard instruments #1) __Points (5)
111. Demonstrated range __ octaves (for instrument #2) __ notes __Points (6)
iv. Sound quality (compared to standard instruments #2) __ Points (5)
e. Creativity, variety, and workmanship of instruments (25 points) (Judge 1)
i. Originality/creativity (traditional/unusual) __Points (5)
11. Appropriate types of instruments used __Points (5)
111. Workmanship (appearance, easy to play, durability, etc.) __ Points (15)
f. Knowledge of theoretical basis of instruments (30 points) (Judge 2) __ Points (30)
Includes participation of both 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 for instruments, rhythm, interpretation of music, etc.
i. Group Performance for the required song (10 points) __Points (10)
ii. Group Performance for the chosen song (15 points) __Points (15)
h. Bonus Points: Each of the following will receive the specified bonus points.
i. Teams that follow all of the rules __Points (16)
ii. Teams that furnish music for the judges with team name and number __ Points (4)
iii. Teams that write their music in the correct clefs and correctly notated __Points (4)
iv. Teams that play all music in the correct range __Points (4)
v. Teams that use only allowed materials in building and playing __ Points (4)
Required Song
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Note that the first note of the song is below the required octave. Students may substitute a G for the D that is written with
no penalty. Also note that for ease of reading the music is written in slightly higher key than either of the given ranges and
it is expected that students will choose a key to match the ability of their instruments.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Sounds of Music DVD are available on
the Offtcial Science Olympiad Store or Website at http://www.soinc.org
2011-C23
SUMO BOTS
1. DESCRIPTION: Students will design and construct a robot (bot) that will attempt to move an opponent's
robot from a ring.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: Yes APPROXIMATE TIME: 2 min. competition time.
2. CONSTRUCTION OVERVIEW:
b. Remote control cars may be used if the car is modified. Modified means something has been altered on
the car (eg. different body, wheels, or additions like scoops, arms, or other offensive devices.)
c. Robots must be controlled by radio remote, no cords or wires will be permitted. The bot must be able to
operate on three frequencies. (See at http://www.soinc.org for details).
d. Robots must be powered by electricity, no fuel or combustion engine designs will be allowed.
e. The robot's maximum dimensions will be 40 em long by 40 em wide by 40 em high at any time during
the competition. Teams must include the school name on the bot.
f. The maximum weight of the bot is 2.0 kg, including batteries. The weight of the remote is excluded.
g. The combined voltage of all batteries located inside the bot cannot exceed 14.4 volts.
h. "The robot may have devices to remove the opponent from the square except any projectiles tethered or
untethered, flames, sharp objects, and magnets. Pneumatic devices are not allowed.
1. Impounded batteries are restricted to the batteries that run the bot and spares for running the bot.
J. Event supervisors may require teams to submit the 3 frequencies their bot can use prior to the
competition.
3. COMPETITION:
b. Competition will proceed in tournament fashion; double elimination with random pairings for the first
round. If preliminary rounds are necessary, the top two teams from each of the preliminary rounds will
have two (2) bonus points added to their score and will advance to the final round.
c. When a round of the double-elimination tournament has an odd number of teams, one team will be
randomly selected to receive a bye. A bye does not count as either a win or a loss. No team will receive
more than one bye in a tournament unless a round is reached with an odd number of participants and all
participating teams have already received a bye, in which case the second bye will be issued on a
random basis.
d. Once called to compete, teams will have a maximum of 90 seconds to prepare their bot. If frequency
needs to be changed, teams will be given an additional 30 seconds in prep time. Any bot not ready to
compete within 90 (or 90 + 30 seconds) of being called will forfeit the match.
e. After impound, teams cannot work on their bots prior to being called for their first bout.
f. No recharging facilities will be provided by the event supervisor.
g. The ring will be a five foot by five foot square with designated starting points in opposite comers.
h. Bots will start facing each other in opposite comers of the square.
1. Teams will have two minutes to force the opponent from the arena. Ifno robot has been declared a
winner at the end of the two minutes, then the lighter of the two will be declared the victor.
J. Any bot damaging or depositing foreign substances on the surface of the ring will forfeit the match.
k. If a part falls off during the competition, the clock will be stopped, piece(s) removed, and the
competition will continue.
l. If any judge determines that a bot is taking a defensive posture or is backing away continually for 15
seconds, time will be called and that team will receive a stalling penalty. If this is the team's first stalling
penalty of the match, the team will receive a 15 second penalty and competition will resume where it left
off. Ifit is the second stalling penalty, the team will forfeit the match.
m. Ifbots become entangled so that neither bot can move for 10 seconds, the judges will stop the clock, the
teams will place their bot at the ring's start position, and competition will resume.
n. A judge may call time if either of the bots is obviously experiencing radio interference. If the cause of
the interference cannot be determined, the team may ask to change their frequency.
2011-C24
SUMO BOTS (CONT.)
o. Any team that continues to operate their bot after time has been called will forfeit the match.
p. Except as described in sections 3. k, 1, m and n, once the match has started, there will be no time outs
allowed until the match is over.
q. Definition of "out of ring:" A bot is declared the winner when the other bot is completely out of the ring.
r. Any bot inadvertently leaving the ring under its own power must re-enter the ring within five seconds. If
the bot outside of the ring cannot re-enter within five seconds it forfeits the match. Ifboth bots are
outside of the ring (due to driver error) for five seconds, the lighter of the two bots will be declared the
victor. Note: 1) any bot inside the ring may attempt to prevent reentry of the bot outside of the ring. 2) If
a judge determines that a bot is leaving the ring as a stalling tactic, stalling penalties will be enforced.
s. If a robot is damaged during competition, the students may make repairs to the bot between matches.
4. SCORING:
b. Any team that deliberately attempts to do physical damage to an opponent's bot will be disqualified.
c. Final rankings will be determined as follows: the team that wins the tournament will be awarded first
place. The team defeated by the winning team in the last bout of the tournament will be awarded second
place. All other teams will be ranked by each team's number of wins. Ties will be broken by: 1) the total
of their losing times divided by the mass of the bot (high score wins), 2) the mass of the robots (lower
mass wins).
d. Bots that do not meet specs cannot compete against bots that meet specs. If more than one team fails to
meet construction specs, these teams may compete against each other to determine their rank (if
preliminary hours are used, teams may be required to change their competition time to compete against
other teams). Teams that do not follow the rules and cannot compete against any similar teams will be
ranked by their mass. Teams who fail to follow the rules will be ranked behind all those who did.
e. Students may take their bot with them when they are eliminated from the tournament. Note: no appeals
may be filed once the team has removed the bot from impound.
f. Any bot that is determined by the event supervisor to be unsafe shall be disqualified.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Sumo Bots DVD are
2011-C25
TECHNICAL PROBLEM SOLVING

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be required to gather and process data to solve a given problem.
Intermediate measurements and calculations may be required.
2. EVENT PARAMETERS: Students may bring only non-programmable and non-graphing calculators.
Where a station requires a more advanced calculator, probes or other lab equipment, the event supervisor
will provide them. The event supervisor will provide a list of mathematical relationship, formulas or
constants. No other resources are allowed. Students must bring and use chemical/splash protection
goggles where required.
3. THE COMPETITION:
a. The event will consist of up 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 of the problems
presented. Students will make measurements and determine specific values. The solution to some of
the problems may be arrived at by using an indirect method of obtaining the necessary data.
c. All data collected and equations used must be shown in an organized manner on the answer 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 significant figures.
e. Supervisors are encouraged to use calculators and probes wherever possible or provide 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 a problem using probeware that has been provided, set up, and demonstrated by
the Supervisor. Probes will be limited to the measurement of temperature, voltage, light, gas pressure,
pH, photo-gate, or motion detector at the state level. Various probes will be utilized at two or more
stations at the National Tournament.
4. SCORING: Problems may have different point values depending upon the difficulty of the problem.
Points will be awarded for the correct answers and/or the use of proper mathematical relationships.
Points will be deducted for failure to express values in the proper units and the incorrect use of
significant figures. No points will be awarded for answers that are not supported by data and calculations.
Tiebreakers will be problems selected in advance of the competition by the event supervisor. If the event
is held over a series of time periods, the tiebreakers will be the same for all groups.
THIS EVENT IS SPONSORED BY TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
2011-C26
TOWERS
1. DESCRIPTION: Team members design and build the most efficient tower.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: NO EYE PROTECTION: #2. MAXIMUM TIME: 10 minutes
a. Each team may enter only one tower, built prior to the competition.
b. Team members must wear eye protection during the set-up and testing ofthe tower.
c. The Event Supervisor provides the assessment devices, testing apparatus, hardware, and clean, dry sand
or similar dry, free-flowing material (referred to subsequently as "sand").
a. The tower must support a standard loading block (see 4.a.) a minimum of 50.0 em above the test base in
both Division B and Division C. There is no maximum tower height.
b. The tower must span a 20.0 em x 20.0 em
Loading Block
opening on a test base (see 4.b.).
Above here
c. The tower must not be braced against any edge
of the test base for lateral support at any time. No
device must
portion of the tower is allowed to extend below pass through
the top surface of the test base prior to testing.
8 em hole
----'------r .
d. The portion of the tower more than 30.0 em
above the test base for Division B, or more >= 50 ern
than 15.0 em above the test base for Division
C, must pass through an 8.0 em diameter
circular opening or hole (see 4.e.).
e. The loading point on the tower must permit
placement of a loading block supporting a chain
(see 4.d.).
f. The chain must pass through the tower and be
within 2.5 em of the center of the test base
opening when the bucket is attached.
g. The tower must be a single structure with no
separate or detachable pieces.
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 commercially laminated wood). .
1. There are no limits on the cross section sizes of individual pieces of wood. Wood may be laminated
without restriction by the team.
J. Any type of commercially available bonding material (glue) may be used.
4. TESTING APPARATUS:
a. The loading block must be a square block measuring 5.0 ern x 5.0 em x:::: 2.0 em high with a hole in the
center of the square faces for a W' threaded rod or eyebolt.
b. The test base shall be a solid, level surface as follows:
i. The test base must be at least 32.0 em long x 32.0 em wide.
ii. The test base must have a 20.0 em x 20.0 em square opening at its center.
iii. The test base must have a smooth, hard, low-friction surface. The test base must be stiff enough that it
does not bend noticeably when loaded.
14---->=32 cm-----.J
2011-C27
TOWERS (CONT.)
c. A W' threaded eyebolt must be suspended from the loading block. The head of the eyebolt must be at
least 5.0 em from the loading block.
d. The head of the eyebolt and the chain must fit through a 3.0 em diameter hole. A five-gallon plastic
bucket must be suspended from the chain by means of one. or more hooks with enough clearance above
the floor to allow for tower deflection.
e. Team members must add sand to the bucket during testing. The Event Supervisor must verify that the
combined mass of the loading block, chain, bucket, sand, and attaching hardware is between 15.000 kg
and 15.200 kg prior to testing.
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, or communication until they are finished competing.
b. All towers must be assessed prior to testing for compliance with Construction Parameters.
c. Team members must place their tower on the scale for the Event Supervisor to determine the mass, in
grams to the nearest 0.01 g.
d. Team members must place the tower on the test base, assemble the loading block, eyebolt and chain, and
hang the bucket from the chain as required to test the tower. Team members may adjust the tower until
they start loading sand. Once loading of sand has begun, the tower must not be adjusted.
e. Team members have a maximum of ten minutes to set up and test their towers either to the maximum
load or failure.
f. Failure is defined as the inability of the tower to support an additional load.
g. Loading must stop immediately when failure occurs. The Event Supervisor may remove any sand which,
in his or her judgment, was added after failure.
h. The load held must be measured in kilograms to the nearest gram.
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 = (Load Supportedi/(Mass of Tower).
ii. Load supported is in kilograms to the nearest 0.001 kg; mass of
the tower is in grams to the nearest 0.01 g.
b. Load scored shall not exceed 15.000 kg, and includes the mass of all
testing apparatus supported by the tower. The least amount of load to
be scored shall be the mass of the loading block.
c. Tiers:
i. Tier 1: Towers meeting all the Construction Parameters are to be
ranked by highest score.
ii. Tier 2: Towers not meeting Construction Parameters are to be
ranked by highest Score.
iii. Tier 3: Towers unable to be loaded for any reason (e.g., cannot
accommodate loading block, chain, failure to wear eye protection,
etc.) are ranked by lowest mass.
d. Ties are broken by the lightest tower mass.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Towers DVD are available
2011-C28
WIND POWER
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will build a blade assembly that consists of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor
attached to a compact disc (CD), which will be used to capture wind power. Students will also be tested on
their knowledge regarding alternative energy.
A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 EYE PROTECTION: #2 IMPOUND: Yes APPROX. TIME: 50 minutes
a. All reference materials to be used during Part II of the 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
tools may also be used during the set up and activity.
b. Blade assemblies must be placed in a box (assemblies and box must be labeled with the team #) and must
be impounded.
c. Team members must bring and wear Safety Spectacles with Side Shields during Part I of the event, but
they need not be impounded.
d. The supervisor will provide a 20" multispeed box fan to be used as the wind source for testing the blade
assemblies and all testing materials, which will be the same for all teams, including:
i. the fanes)
ii. support stand(s) (which allows for vertical and horizontal adjustments of the blade assembly)
iii. clamp(s) (to allow teams to orient the mount to any angle with reference to the fan)
iv. motor/generator(s) (a portable CD player motor will be used at Nationals)
v. load resistor(s) (in parallel with the motor/generators, the value of the load resistance must be
between 5 and 7.5 ohms. The load resistance value must be the same for all contestants.)
vi. computer probe(s) (to record voltage measurements across the load resistor.)
e. Teams may not know any details of the materials listed above until after impound is complete.
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 player and mounted on a support rod. 6ClTI
g. Consult www.soinc.org for a sample setup. Edge ~ K' +j
2cmMax
3. CONSTRUCTION:
a. Each team may bring one pre-constructed
blade assembly attached to a CD.
b. The CD must fit on the mount found in a
standard CD player. Modification of the CD
(except for the center hole) is allowed. When
mounted, no part of the blade 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
(modified or unmodified) are not permitted.
c. When mounted no part of the blade
assembly may extend behind the mounting
plane of the CD for a radial distance of 3
em, Beyond a radial distance of 3 em the
blade assembly must not extend more than
2 em behind the mounting plane of the CD. This is to ensure clearance with the motor/generator,
clamp and support stand. There is no limit on how far forward the blade assembly may extend.
-.
-t .
Front
View
View ~ rvun
2011-C29
WIND POWER (CONT.)

4. THE COMPETITION:
Part I:
a. There may be one or two test stations. If there are two, one will be used to test at higher wind speed
and one will be used to test at lower wind speed.
b. The fanes) must be mounted in a fixed position with the bottom of the grill at least 15 em above the table.
c. The blade assembly may be oriented and placed in any position or angle in front of the fan. Teams must
mount their blade assemblies to the motor/generator andposition/orient them.
d. At the request of the students, the event supervisors may turn on or off the fan during the set-up to
assist the students in positioning and/or orientating their blade assembly.
e. The teams may modify the blade assembly during the set-up, but not during the testing.
f. When the students are ready, they must tell the event supervisor who will then start the fan and/or begin
the data collection and storage of the voltage across the load resistance during a one-minute time
period. A computer should be used to record and store voltage data. If a computer recording is not
available, then the maximum voltage occurring during the one minute period is recorded.
g. Teams must complete set-up and testing in no more than 4 minutes at each testing station. If only one
"station is used, set-up and testing for both runs must be completed in no more than 8 minutes.
h. When both a high speed and a low speed test station are used, the load resistances may not be
exactly the same value, however, all contestants must use both stations.
1. The team may give their blade assembly a single tap to start it spinning once the testing phase has
begun.
Part II:
j. Teams will be given a set amount of time (20-30 minutes is suggested) to complete a written test.
k. The following topics may be included:
i. Basic information and definitions about energy, work, power, heat and heat transfer including: the
concepts of heat, temperature, temperature scales, thermal energy, conduction, convection, radiation
and insulation.
11. General information about renewable energy including: solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, ocean
thermal energy conversion, and geothermal.
iii. General information about energy conservation practices including: recycling, reusing, and using
materials with greater efficiency.
IV. Mathematical relationships and equations used in determining heat loss and heat gain, specific heat,
power, efficiency, intensity (power per area), and heat transfer calculations.
5. SCORING:
a. The power output of the blade assembly is calculated using the equation below (If the Mean Voltage
is not available, then use the Maximum Voltage): Power = (Mean Voltage)2 / load resistance
b. The raw score for Part I is the sum of the low speed Power +high speed Power.
c. If the device fails during a run or stops turning for a period of 15 seconds, the score at that speed will
be zero.
d. The Part II written test will be worth a total of 50 points.
e. A team's final score will be determined as follows (with highest score winning):
Final score = 50 x (Part I raw score / Highest Part I raw score of all teams) + Part II score
f. Teams will be ranked in tiers based upon:
i. Teams whose devices meet all specifications will be ranked, by score, in Tier 1.
ii. Teams whose devices do not meet specifications listed in section 3 will be ranked in Tier 2.
iii. Teams who missed impound will be ranked in Tier 3
g. Ties will be broken I" by the highest high speed mean voltage and 2
nd
by the highest low speed mean
voltage.
Recommended Resources: All reference and training resources including the Wind Power DVD are available
2011-C30
WRITE IT DO IT
1. DESCRIPTION: One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other
student will attempt to construct the object from this description.
A TEAM OF: 2 APPROXIMATE TIME: 55 Minutes
2. THE COMPETITION:
a. A student is shown an object (which may be abstract and is the same for all teams) built from, but not
limited to, such items as science materials, inexpensive materials (e.g., straws, push pins, Styrofoam
balls, paper cups, Popsicle sticks, etc.) or commercial sets (e.g., Googoplex, K'nex, Tinker Toys, Lego,
Lincoln Logs, etc.).
b. The student has twenty-five (25) minutes to write a description of the
object and how to build it. There will be no advantage to finishing
early. Only numerals, words and single letters may be used. Symbols,
drawings and diagrams are not allowed, with the exception of
common punctuation and editing symbols. Printable punctuation
marks/editing symbols that can be produced on a PC standard 101 key
keyboard by pressing a single key or a single key in combination with
the shift key may be used. These must be used in their normal context
and not as symbols to form a key/code. All abbreviations (not
symbols) must be defined either at the beginning or when the
abbreviation is first used. No prepared abbreviations on labels will be
permitted.
c. The supervisor of the event will pass the description to the remaining team member who will take the
description and attempt to recreate (build) the original object in twenty (20) minutes.
d. Supervisors will attempt to use different materials than the materials that were used last year.
3. SCORING:
a. The team that builds the object nearest to the original and has properly written instructions is declared
the winner.
b. Points will be given for each piece of material placed in the proper connection and location compared to
the model.
c. Pieces that are connected correctly beyond the incorrect connection will be counted in the score. No
penalty will be assessed for parts that were not used.
d. Scoring Violations: Use of diagrams or drawings will result in disqualification. A one percent
(1%) penalty will be assessed for each minor infraction (e.g., unlabeled abbreviations or improper
use of editing symbols or codes). Scoring Example: If a team has seven infractions and the total
possible score is 50, then the team score would be 46.5 = 50-[7(50x.Ol)].
e. Time for the construction phase will be used as a tiebreaker.
Resources: All reference and training resources are available on the Official Science Olympiad Store and
Website at http://www.soinc.org.
National Science Education Standard: Content Standard G: Science as a human endeavor "Some scientists
work in teams and some work alone, but all communicate extensively with others." Please see the Website at
http://www.soinc.org for references to all other event content standards from the National Science Education
Standards.
2011-C31
GENERAL RULES

r Read the General Rules in the manuals and on www.soinc.org as they apply to every event.
GENERAL RULES, CODE OF ETHICS AND SPIRIT OF THE PROBLEM
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, and not violate the spirit of the problem. All are expected to display courtesy and respect toward
one another. Failure to show honesty or courtesy by a participant, coach, or guest of the team may result in
penalty points being assessed or disqualification of the team from the event, the entire tournament or future
tournaments. Our collective example will promote the spirit of cooperation among all participants. Therefore:
1. Teams may not interpret the rules so that they have an unfair advantage over the rules or another team.
2. Unless otherwise stated, it is generally understood that if notes, resources, calculators, actions, etc., are not
excluded, then they are permitted unless they violate the spirit of the problem.
3. All non-permitted electronic devices must be turned off and if so directed, left in a designated spot.
4. Once teams have entered the event area to compete, they must not: leave until they are finished, return
once they have left, communicate. with outside resources, including people, places, etc. by any means (this
effectively excludes the use of any computer, PDA, calculators, wireless devices, phones, etc. that have
access to external communication or data retrieval during an event unless specifically permitted).
5. Safety is of the utmost importance. Event supervisors are obligated to prevent unsafe acts and devices.
Safety decisions are not subject to appeal. Students should not risk being penalized for safety violations
"such as activating devices or removing goggles without supervisor permission. Contestants must not bring
harmful items to a tournament. Teams may only bring items that are specified in the rules.
6. Coaches, teachers, parents, students, and other adults are responsible for ensuring that any applicable laws,
regulations, and school policies are not broken.
7. One or more of the 15 current team members must have constructed all pre-built devices presented for
judging. Any of the current team members may demonstrate or operate the device at the competition
unless stated otherwise in the rules.
8. Any person designated by the coach can impound devices unless stated otherwise in the rules.
9. Depending upon the level of an infraction, at the supervisor's or tournament official's discretion, a student
or team may be penalized, removed from the event at that point, or disqualified.
Tentative 2011 Division C National Schedule
2011-C32

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