Elementary Science Olympiad
Event Clarifications
Final Clarification Dated:
Arduino (This is a trial event)
Q: What computer system will the student be using on the day of the completion?
A:
Windows
Q: Will the students be using “Arduino Nano” because when ordering the kits, the “Nano” does
not come with the kit anymore?
A: I would like us to stick with nano. If someone wanted to use the classic arduino the skills
are almost identical. They could still use it for practice.
Q: What software is being used to support the “Nano”?
A: The nano can be run using the arduino ide like any of the arduino variants. If the computer
doesn't auto detect they can switch the board setting from arduino uno to arduino nano under the
tools menu.
Q:
1). The SJCOE 2017 Coaches Manual omits resistors (only) from the list of supplied (and
necessary) materials. Is this merely a "typo" / omission? in other words, will resistors be
supplied?
A: 1. Yes, it was a typo about resistors. They will be supplied at the event.
2). Assuming resistors are supplied (above), will they be only of a single suitable value for
all LEDs also supplied? (presumably 330Ω, potentially 220Ω or 470Ω, or similar nonstandard
value: 200,300,etc)
2a). Is it the intent of the event that students should be able to interpret resistor
color codes?
2b). Is it the intent of the event that students should be able to infer the differing
voltage drops across the various colored LEDs in order to be able to select the most
appropriate standard resistor value among several values supplied?
2. Resistors of a single type will be provided at the event. It is not my intent that
students be able to know the difference between resistors.
A:
3a). Will the supplied breadboard be of the same size (170 points, and lacking side busses)
as depicted in the online course materials, and as per the Phantom reference product linked
to at Amazon?
3b). Will the supplied wires include both male-male and male-female as depicted in the
online course materials, and as per the Kalavel reference product linked to at Amazon?
A: 3a. It is my plan for us to use the described 170 point mini breadboards. A more
complex board is not necessary. 3b. I assume we will have various types of wires, but I
think you and I need to go over what equipment is at the county. I also would like to
make sure that the arduino ide is installed on the machines so we don't have any
trouble on the day of the event (1.31.17)
Q:
1. What is the maximum number of LEDs that can be given for a pattern?
A:
No maximum has been decided, although the device has 12 digital pins, providing a physical
limit. All necessary LEDs will be provided.
Q:
2. How are they going to display the pattern? Are they going to show us the board with
connections or just the Color display or give a set of instructions to replicate a pattern?
A:
We will not give instructions to replicate the pattern, students need to determine it. Also, the
wiring will not be visible.
Q:
3. Is it going to be cyclic (repetitive) pattern? If yes, how will we determine the start of the
pattern?
A:
The pattern will be cyclical. There will be a longer delay before the start of the cycle.
Q:
4. Will the pattern be displayed until the end so that the kids can compare with the pattern that
they built?
A:
The pattern will display in a continuous loop during the competition. (2.10.17)
Egg Drop
Q: What is the diameter and circumference of the target?
A: The diameter of the target is approx. 30cm. The circumference of the target will be
approximately 126 cm (10.18.16)
Leaf and Tree Finder
Although rules say “common names will be used,” Event Manager would like students
to learn scientific names of the Pine Trees and Oak Trees only. (11.16.16)
Pasta Tower
The googles used for pasta tower should be impact goggles. (11.16.16)
Under Construction
#1. Super glue may also be used (11.16.16)
Rock Hound
Q: Can students type the chart instead of handwriting?
A: Yes, the event manager encourages students write in their own handwriting to help
memorize, but he will allow typed charts (10.18.16)
Q: Will event manager come out to do a rock presentation to our school?
A: Yes, if it works into Mr and Mrs. Calderon’s schedule, contact
[email protected] to schedule (10.18.16)
Starry, Starry Night
Please emphasize: There will be approx. 30-40 questions. Possible questions: bubble
in, short answer, fill in blank or identify pictures (11.16.16)
Water Rockets
Please emphasize: Students must keep rocket labeled with school name and team color
(11.16.16)
A picture of the launcher is emailed to coaches and will be posted soon on website
under handouts. ALSO a picture of the guidelines of nose of rocket was added to the
rules---see under handouts (1.31.17)
Weather or Not
Q: There are several sites online that focus on anywhere from 3-6 basic zones, such as “polar/tundra,
mountain, Mediterranean, desert, boreal forest, temperate forest”. Then there are other sites that are
more specific such as “tropical wet and dry, semiarid, arid, Mediterranean, humid subtropical, marine
west coast, tundra, ice cap, highlands, non-permanent ice, subarctic, humid continental”. Would it be
possible for us to know the specific zones the EM will be using for the test?
A:
3 basic climate zones, but these climate zones can be further subdivided. For example, Tropical zone
contains tropical rain forest, desert, and savannah but they differ in precipitation.
So each of the three basic zones contain between 2-4 subzones.
I believe we are covering a total of 10 subzones.
So Tropical "wet" climates are those that would comprise a tropical rainforest whereas tropical "dry"
climates comprise a tropical desert.
We are not getting as detailed as "marine west coast" climate.
So they should know basic climates and sub climates along with level of precipitation and temperatures
that depict the subzone climates and the particular biomes that are generated. (1.31.17)
Wind Power
An updated copy of rules can be found under handouts on website
http://sjcoe.org/scienceolympiad/DivisionA2Rules.aspx#.WCzgAU3ruAg
A video from previous year 2015-16 is available, but please read the 2017 rules to make
sure you are following current rules.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF-xLvAj_H0
(11.16.16)
Correction:
Although the rules say “string must be attached to the 2nd spool”—the event manager
will allow string to be attached to either spool. This is under: Construction e. (1.6.17)
Write It/ Do It
Q: Will the event manager tell us what objects will be used?
A: Yes, the event manager will choose a commercial set of something, see examples in
rules (11.15.16)