Virginia Science Olympiad

1. Virginia Science Olympiad Sumo Bots Technical Problem Solving 2010 Coaches Clinic Division C Inquiry Events Experimental Design Write It/ Do It

2. The purpose of this event is to test the ability of two team members to communicate instructions for building a device or structure. • Model structures may use almost any regular everyday household/classroom items, from office supplies to legos or other blocks. Write It/ Do It

3. Partners are isolated from each other in different rooms • The role of partner 1 is to write clear and concise directions for building a structure or device that he/she is observing in 25 minutes • The role of the 2nd partner is to read the directions written by partner 1 and attempt to recreate the structure or device as described in 20 minutes or less Write It/ Do It- the competition

4. Bring a writing instrument (you’d be surprised!) • Write the description as a series of numbered steps that the builder should take to build the structure or device • Use descriptors like color, shape, and orientation of pieces to assist the builder in putting the pieces together correctly • Written description may only contain words,numerals, single letters, and common punctuation and editing symbols that can be obtained with 1 key or shift + 1 key on a common keyboard - symbols, drawings and diagrams are not allowed. Write It/ Do It- Writer Tips

5. Write fast! • Every few steps clearly note what the structure should look like at that point in building, to help the builder know he/she is on the right track • Keys/codes are not allowed and abbreviations must be defined at the beginning or when first used • Some teams prefer that the writer start with a list of pieces and colors and abbreviations they can use in the steps Write It/ Do It- Writer Tips

6. Bring a writing instrument • Briefly read through the entire description first • If a materials list was provided by the writer then compare each of the materials on the list with those that are present at the station • Begin building carefully, rechecking piece after piece • Pace yourself…..20 minutes goes quickly Write It/ Do It- Builder Tips

7. A point is earned for each piece(s) that have been properly connected and in the proper location as in the original model. • The team who builds the structure or device closest to the original wins. • A 1% penalty is assessed for each infraction of rules (using symbols, diagrams, drawings, unlabeled abbreviations). • Tiebreaker- time for the construction phase Write It/ Do It- Scoring

8. A group of up to 3 students per team are given a problem question around which they must design and carry out an experiment using only the materials that they have been provided. They then must analyze the data collected and draw up a summary of their findings. Experimental Design

9. Supervisor provides each team with identical sets of materials at a central distribution center or in a container. • Supervisor will provide all teams with a list of materials and problem question designed to narrow the scope of the experiments generated • The experiment conducted MUST explore the relationship between an independent and dependent variable. Experimental Design-the competition

10. Supervisor will provide students with an answer packet in which they will record their results and write up their experiment. • Students must bring goggles and a writing instrument • Students should also bring a timer, ruler, and a non-programmable calculator (should be scientific for easier standard deviation and slope calculations) Experimental Design-the competition

11. Keep the experiment simple, elaboration invites difficulties to come up • Split up the tasks, while some members of the group are running the experiment another member may begin writing up the beginning of the report – use the rubric to help divide up tasks • The group needs to pace themselves carefully otherwise time may run out Experimental Design-the DO’s

12. Do not leave out a section on the lab writeup unless you are completely unsure what belongs in that spot • Don’t write a half procedure or write only half the variable information etc. Be clear so that anyone could replicate this experiment • Procedure, graphs, and data table are worth the most points – don’t skimp on these areas! Experimental Design-the Don’ts

13. All experimental design writeups will be scored according to the distribution of points as written at the bottom of the rules page • The team with the highest total points wins • Tiebreakers-total points for • 1-variables • 2-procedure • 3-analysis of results • 4-graph • 5-data table Experimental Design-Scoring

14. Students design and construct a robot that will attempt to move an opponent’s robot from the compeition “ring” Sumo Bots

15. Students design and construct a robot that will attempt to move an opponent’s robot from the compeition “ring” Sumo Bots

16. Students design and construct a robot that will attempt to move an opponent’s robot from the compeition “ring” Sumo Bots

17. Maximum dimensions: 40cm x 40cm x 40cm at any time in the competition • Maximum weight: 2.0 kg, including batteries • Maximum voltage of all batteries located inside robot: 14.4 volts Sumo Bots - construction

18. Must be radio controlled (no wires or tethers) • Must operate on 3 frequencies • May have devices to remove other robot from ring, but may not intentionally damage opponent’s robot • No projectiles, no flames, no magnets, no sharp objects Sumo Bots - construction

19. To compete, robots go head-to-head in tournament fashion • Double elimination with random pairings first round • The “ring” will be 5ft x 5ft square with designated starting points in opposite corners Sumo Bots – the competition

20. Teams have 2 minutes to force the opponent’s robot out of the ring • If no one “wins” after 2 minutes, the lighter robot is declared the victor • Robots are ranked by number of wins • Robots that don’t meet specs will not compete against robots that meet specs Sumo Bots – scoring

21. Students will visit a series of up to 5 lab stations that will require them to use mathematics and science reasoning skills to solve a number of different problems that stem from all areas of science including biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. In this event probes will be used at a minimum of 1 station at the state level of competition. Technical Problem Solving

22. Students work as a pair • Series of up to 5 lab stations will be set up • Each station will require that students do the following: • Use mathematical expressions • Apply statistical analysis • Use correct metric units if making measurements • Use correct significant figures • At least one station at the state competition will use probeware. Possible probes include: • Temperature, voltage, light, gas pressure, pH, motion detector, photogate • Data will be collected and analyzed Technical Problem Solving- the competition

23. Bring a non-programmable, non-graphing calculator, chemical splash goggles, pencil • Students should show all equations that they used to solve any of the problems on their answer sheet – if answers are not supported, they may not be graded • Assign students to this event who are good problem-solvers and think quickly on their feet • Have students look at sample data from teacher’s editions of lab manuals and then analyze the data • Make sure students know how to use the probes and what kinds of data the probes can produce Technical Problem Solving- the Do’s

24. Don’t bring any additional resources, the supervisor will provide any lab equipment and in some cases a list of equations/formulas/constants • Don’t put students on this event who have not completed at least 3 years of HS science (through physics), unless absolutely necessary Technical Problem Solving- the Don’ts

25. Each problem question will carry an assigned point value based on the level of difficulty • Points are awarded based upon a correct response • Points deducted for: • Improper metric units if measuring • Improper sig figs • No points given for answers not supported by the data and calculations • Tiebreaker-will be selected problems determined by the supervisor in advance Technical Problem Solving- Scoring

26. Look online for old practical data gathering/practical problem solving event tests, these questions could be examples of things students could see • Basically, anything goes! Technical Problem Solving- Suggestions for Practice