Links to other sites on the Web
Here are the events, as of 9/10/2003 for the 2003-2004 division C high school Science Olympiad Tournament. MEETINGS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE ON MONDAYS.
Note: Many test events allow the use of around 2 resource materials (i.e. BOOKS.)
1)
Bottle Rockets: You construct and launch up to 2 plastic rockets using water pressure & softdrink bottles. Josh has dibs on this--back away if you know what's good for you. 2) Cell Biology: A test event on cellular biology, involving organic chemistry, etc.
3) Chemistry Lab: A test event--features
chemistry. AP CHEM or similar recommended--unless you plan to be a super-kid. 4) Designer Genes: Haha another generic pun title. This tests you on genetics--you must use genetics knowledge (dominant, recessive, punette (SP?) squares, etc.)
5) Disease Detectives: Based on your knowledge of diseases, you must be able to diagnose and describe diseases based on symptoms. Excellent for those of you who have always wished to be a medieval doctor without any other forms of diagnoses.
6) Dynamic Planet: An event focusing on ecology, the biosphere, etc.--just read about the earth and you should be fine.
7) Experimental Design: You are given unknown and unspecified materials, of which you must both design and conduct a controlled scientific experiment. Note: You must be able to formulate an actual hypothesis, create/fudge/make up data (haha) and write a feasible conclusion. Not for the barely competent.
8) Forestry: Another test event. (Do they ever get tired of test events?) Here you must focus on not only the ecology of the forest, but how it is utilized as a resource and a habitat. Categories often vary.
9) Fossils: Once again, with resources in hand, you identify fossils, the rock they came in, and what body part of the animal it was, and whether or not it was good to eat. Most of the time, it isn't good to eat--animals which are dead over 10,000 years do not taste well.
10) Mission Possible: Ah, the GRANDADDY of science olympiad. This thing could OWN: you, your neighbors, and any unfortunate pedestrians who stray from the crosswalks. Actually, Mission Possible is a 'RUBE GOLDBERG' type event--you know how in Tom & Jerry, they always have elaborate chains of events (frying pan turns on, oil jumps up, candle lights, string burns away, etc.)? Well this event is one where you build one of those--with some of the strictest rules around. You must have specific simple machines, ranging from the archimedes screw to inclined planes.
If you think you're a frosh and you think you can do this event, you are horribly horribly mistaken. This event literally eats freshmen for breakfast and spits them out as cold, deformed, mindless drones. Oh wait that happens to everyone during the school day. But anyways be prepared to have sleepovers devoted SINGLY to this event (no time for lap dances, Lu). It is not for the faint of heart. But if you're interested, feel free to ask me about it!11) Physics Lab: Here you will have 'PHUN WITH PHYSICS!!!' Be prepared to annihilate vectors, crush rotational inertia, and own that joule. Oh yea, and make sure you've at least taken Enr. Phys II/similar.
12) Polymer Detectives: First phun with physics, then it's on to PLEASING PLASTICS!!! Basically you have to know your polymers--and be prepared to be tested.
13) Practical Data Gathering: This reminds me of an event, "using the web," which I did in 7th grade--they made you use the internet to find information. They might as well have Lu go find Richard in a 10' enclosed space. Anyways, Practical Data Gathering deals with being able to not only collect data, but to be capable of sorting out needless information, organization, etc.
14) Qualitative Analysis: This is actually a decently creative event, unlike many other test events (OH BOY, LET'S BE ORIGINAL AND MAKE A TEST ON CHEMISTRY!!!). You are given 8 unknown chemicals/solutes/liquids, and you must determine what they are from a battery of tests you will perform.
15) Reach for the Stars: At least they tried to find a good name. What's next, "Cloud nine: at weather test event?"). You deal with some astronomy knowledge and concepts. Most people never have taken astronomy, so we're all on fair ground here.
16) Remote Sensing: I believe this is either a new event or an extremely old one--you must know how topography affects human culture development, historical development, etc. A truly unique event. Yea, I really don't get how to do this event well.
17) Robot Ramble: You construct a RC robot, capable of performing some simple tasks. Rules will specify the type & range of tasks needed to be accomplished.
18) Science of Fitness: Learn about the human body. Test about the human body. Any questions?
19) Sound Of Music: A rather interesting event--here, you must construct your own instrument, and then be able to play a specific melody/notes for the judges. That just sounds hideously difficult.
20) Storm the Castle: Now here's a FUN event. Ever seen a catapult? How about a Trebuchet? Well, basically you have to build a trebuchet--a structure capable of projecting an object a respectable distance via counterweight. My friend Jeremy L. built a trebuchet in 6th grade--he launched a golf ball into his basement door. It was such a funny dent...
21) Tower Building: Here come the actual bread & meat of science olympiad. You have to build a tower with strict regulations (usually out of balsa, and pieces no greater than 1/4 by 1/4), and it has to support a certain load. Simple, yes? I'd like to see you try it.
22) Wright Stuff: My signature event. Take this, and prepare to feel the wrath of one angry gopher. But for those of you willing to become my 'subordinate' (HAHA) and learn a bit, I can teach you a lot about this event. The basics: build a balsa & tissue airplane, powered by 1 2.0 gram rubber band, and fly it for as long as possible. My best time is 3 minutes 35 seconds--what's yours?
23) Write it/Do it: You have ONE SICK MIND if you take that wrongly.... Anyways a partner sees a construction (ranging from legos, lincoln logs, gummy bears, toothpicks, etc.) and has to describe it using only words. The partner, the "DOER," has to construct the object from raw materials and the text. First one to finish, with 100% accuracy wins.
If you have questions or concerns, you should know how to reach me. Preliminary rules are often posted on the official science olympiad website.
Links to other sites on the Web
Official Science Olympiad Site
Official Illinois Site
My HOME PAGE