WRITE IT DO IT

1. Science Olympiad Summer Institute Phoenix, AZ July 15 - 19, 2013 WRITE IT DO IT

2. The Competition One member will write a description of an object and their partner will construct the object from the description

3. Next Generation of Science Standards (NGSS) • Science Practices • Asking questions • Developing and using models • Planning and carrying out investigations • Analyzing and interpreting data • Using mathematics and computational thinking • Constructing explanations • Engaging in argument from evidence • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

4. COMMON CORE ENGLISH STANDARDS • WHST.6-8.2. Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/experiments, or technical processes. • a. Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension. • b. Develop the topic with relevant, well-chosen facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. • c. Use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts. • d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. • e. Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone. • f. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the information or explanation presented.

5. Materials Used for Construction Same object and materials for all teams • Commercial • K’nex • Lego • Tinker Toys • Raw Materials • Straws • Pins • Popsicle sticks • Anything goes

6. Time Allocations Writing • 25 min • Time not a factor Doing • 20 min • Time is used as a tie-breaker

7. Written Description Allowed • Numerals • Words • Single letters

8. Written Description (cont) Abbreviations • Must be defined • At beginning • 1st time used • No prepared abbreviations on labels

9. Written Description (cont) Not allowed • Symbols • Diagrams • Drawings

10. Written Description (cont) Allowable Symbols • printable punctuation marks/editing symbols on a PC standard 101 keyboard • Single key or single key w/ shift key

11. Scoring • Team that builds object nearest to the original • Points are given for each piece of material placed in proper connection and location • Pieces connected correctly beyond the incorrect connection will be given credit • No penalty for unused parts • Tie-breaker - shortest time of construction

12. Scoring (cont.) Scoring violations • Unlabeled abbreviations • Improper use of symbols or codes Penalty – 1 % for each minor infraction • Example • Total possible score = 50 • Initial team score = 45 • # of infractions = 4 • Final score = 43 • 45 – (50 * .01) * 4 = 45 – (0.5*4) = 45 – 2 = 43

13. Strategy Practice, practice, practice • Helps identify the best writer/doer • Helps define rule system for writing • Terminology • Potential definitions • Potential abbreviations

14. Orientation of Parts of the Object • Cardinal Points • North • East • South • West • Compass Rose • Clock Face

15. Estimating Distances Most tournaments do not provide one object/team so… • Students are not allowed to touch the object • Almost impossible to measure distances exactly so teams will need to estimate • Metric is better than English • Use fists or finger joints

16. Use Texting Skills Be clear and concise • Do not use unnecessary words • Cannot create “new” words • Proper grammar is not critical Partner must be able to make sense of what is written

17. Checking Work Writing • If time is left read newly created instructions and check for clarity Doing • If time is left check work • Remember time is used as a tie-breaker