Download - WRITE IT DO IT
Science Olympiad Summer InstitutePhoenix, AZ July 15 - 19, 2013
One member will write a description of an object and their partner will construct the object from the description
Science Practices1.Asking questions 2.Developing and using models 3.Planning and carrying out
investigations 4.Analyzing and interpreting data 5.Using mathematics and
computational thinking 6.Constructing explanations 7.Engaging in argument from evidence 8.Obtaining, evaluating, and
communicating information
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.
Same object and materials for all teams Commercial
K’nex Lego Tinker Toys
Raw Materials Straws Pins Popsicle sticks Anything goes
Writing25 minTime not a factor
Doing20 minTime is used as a tie-breaker
AllowedNumeralsWordsSingle letters
AbbreviationsMust be defined
At beginning 1st time used
No prepared abbreviations on labels
Not allowedSymbolsDiagramsDrawings
Allowable Symbols printable punctuation marks/editing
symbols on a PC standard 101 keyboard Single key or single key w/ shift key
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
Scoring violations Unlabeled abbreviations Improper use of symbols or codesPenalty – 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
Practice, practice, practice Helps identify the best writer/doer Helps define rule system for writing
Terminology▪ Potential definitions▪ Potential abbreviations
Cardinal Points North East South West
Compass RoseClock Face
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
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
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