Write It, Do It

1. Write It, Do It NCSO Coaches Institute October 24, 2008 B & C Divisions

2. Event Description • The goal is to test a student’s ability to communicate with a colleague in writing by having their partner construct a device based on their written description. • Utilizes technical writing skills that are essential for the work of scientists and engineers. • One partner will have 25 minutes to write a description of an object and how to build it, using only words and numerals. • Their partner will then have 20 minutes to build the object based solely on their partner’s written instructions.

3. Scoring • One point is given to each piece of material placed in proper connection and location compared to the model. • The team that builds an object nearest to the original model and has properly written instructions is declared the winner. • Pieces that are connected correctly after an incorrect connection will be counted. No penalty will be assessed for parts that were not used. • Helpful Tip: If one step in the instructions is especially difficult, it may be beneficial for the builder to ‘skip’ it and continue with the rest of the assembly. • Any use of codes or symbols will result in the team being assessed a 5% penalty for each different type of infraction. • Time used for construction will be used as a tiebreaker.

4. Writing Concepts • Be as clear and descriptive as possible. • Note the exact orientation of asymmetrical objects such as spoons or pencils. • List all the materials needed to build the object. • Builders will often be given extra materials. • Note the colors if necessary. • Use a consistent orientation scheme to describe the positions of the objects’ parts in relation to each other. • Ex. compass directions or the face of a clock. • Make sure the reference points for the orientation scheme remain consistent. • Use distance conventions, like 1 inch = knuckle length • Organize your instructions into numbered steps. • Keep your writing neat and legible!

5. Building Concepts • Before building, divide the items into similar groups. • Separate the items that will not be needed to build the object according to partner’s list. • Keep the object in the same orientation during its construction. • Important since the orientation scheme described by the writer would be based on a certain position of the object. • Pay close attention to the color and orientation of objects, as necessary. • Double-check your work as time allows. • Avoid the desire to look for any sense or purpose in the design of the object, it is meant to be fairly random.

6. Practice, practice, practice! • Have your student teams practice together with a variety of objects. • Building sets such as Legos, K’nex, Tinker Toys, etc. • Cheap materials such as popsicle sticks, straws, string, etc. Styrofoam cups, plates or bowls are great building surfaces. • Determine which student is a better writer or builder, and have them practice those skills. • Effective writers tend to be attentive to details, and have a good sense of the visual space. • Effective builders are usually methodical in their work and good at following instructions. • Ensure that descriptive and directional conventions are understood between the partners, without establishing a code. • Have students practice with objects that are as unique and challenging as possible.

7. Useful Links • NCSO Event Resources: Write It, Do It • http://www.sciencenc.com/Tournament_information/Event_rules_nc/write_it_do_it.cfm • 2003 WIDI Judge Megan Bair • http://departments.weber.edu/sciencecenter/ScienceOlympiad/write_it_do_it%20tips.htm • Science Olympiad Student Center • http://www.scioly.org/obb/index.php • National Science Olympiad Website: WIDI • http://soinc.org/write_do_b

8. Questions, Comments, Concerns? Source: de Leun Graphics http://www.deleongraphics.com/guerrillaGrafx/miscFULL/assemblyFULL.htm

9. Hands-on Example • Divide into teams of 2; one partner will write while the other will build. • The writer will have 8 minutes; only words and numerals may be used. No symbols or codes are allowed, and abbreviations must be defined. • The builder will have 7 minutes to build the object, using only their partner’s written instructions.