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- 2010 Division B Events
- Anatomy
- Battery Buggy
- Bio-Process Lab
- Can't Judge a Powder
- Compute This
- Disease Detectives
- Dynamic Planet
- Ecology
- Elevated Bridge
- Experimental Design
- Fossils
- Junkyard Challenge
- Meteorology
- Ornithology
- Pentathlon
- Physical Science Lab
- Road Scholar
- Science Crime Busters
- Shock Value
- Solar System
- Trajectory
- Wright Stuff
- Write It Do It
- 2010 Division C Events
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Astronomy
- Cell Biology
- Chemistry Lab
- Dynamic Planet
- Disease Detectives
- Ecology
- Egg-O-Naut
- Elevated Bridge
- Environmental Chemistry
- Experimental Design
- Forensics
- Fossils
- It's About Time
- Mission Possible
- Mousetrap Vehicle
- Ornithology
- Physics Lab
- Picture This
- Remote Sensing
- Technical Problem Solving
- Trajectory
- Write It Do It
- 2010 Event Table
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- Short Event Descriptions
- Event Rotation
- Rules Clarifications
- Code of Ethics & General Rules
- FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
We will not begin responding to any FAQ's for 2010 Rules until OCTOBER 1, 2009.
BE CERTAIN TO READ Official Rules Clarifications IN ADDITION TO THE EVENT FAQS.
To see posted FAQs or to Submit a Question for a Rules Clarification, please select one of the events below or to search for a key word use the "search box".
The Submit a Question form is to be used to ask questions about a specific section and paragraph number in the event rule that might be unclear, not to be a help or answer desk. Only specific clarifying questions will receive replies. They will be posted if they are not a repetition of what is already stated in the rules. Concerning specificity about what is allowed please read the Code of Ethics and General Rules. For general info about team size and an overview of Science Olympiad, see Background under About SO.
Questions that will not receive a reply: those that are already answered and posted, what materials to use, how to build a device, if a device complies to the rules, what will be covered on a test, how to coach the event. These questions should go to your Coach or see the links under EVENT INFO.
General tournament, facilities or site-specific questions should go to your State Director.
These Official Rules Clarifications apply to all states and all tournaments and originate at the national level. Check your regional or state website for additional information. If you need copies of the rules, see your coach or go to the Science Olympiad Store.
- Division B Events
- Earth/Space Science
- Meteorology
- Dynamic Planet
- Road Scholar
- Fossils
- 02/18/2010 - 12:51 On the 2010 Fossil List, under Sponges* (Phylum Porifera), is Astraespongia supposed to be Astraeospongia, or is it correct as is?
Both Astraespongia and Astraeospongia are found in literature. The most current Fossil list on the National SO website has Astraeospongia listed. That is the most accepted name. I would remind your students that a letter or two sometimes can change in Latin names over time. Also, sometimes books printed in England will vary in spelling from books printed in the USA.
- 02/08/2010 - 14:51 I would like to insert a "cover" paper into the plastic slot in the front of my binder. Is this allowed, even though it is not in the rings of the binder?
Yes, this is allowed as long as it does not fall out.
- Solar System
- Inquiry/Nature
- Compute This
- Experimental Design
- Pentathlon
- Write It Do It
- 02/16/2010 - 22:26 The degree symbol is not on the standard keyboard. Can a small "o" be used as an abbreviation for degree, or is that a symbol?
No. 2.b. sentence 6: These [keyboard symbols] must be used in their normal context and not as symbols to form a key/code. Subsequently, using "o" for degree would not be allowed.
- 02/16/2010 - 17:30 May students underline words for emphasis?
No, students may not underline words for emphasis. Underlining is not possible to produce on a PC standard 101 key keyboard by pressing a single key or a single key in combination with the shift key.
- Life/Personal/Social Science
- Anatomy
- Bio-Process Lab
- Disease Detectives
- Ecology
- Ornithology - Div B
- 01/07/2010 - 21:26 May you write or draw on the back (or for that matter the front) of the national birds list that you bring with you to competition?
You may write on the back of the list if you intend to count that as one of the pages of notes. You may still write on the front of the list as per rule 2.
- 01/07/2010 - 22:48 What is the definition of a field guide? May any published book be used?
A field guide is a book used to take in the 'field' used to identify various life forms. Portability is a consideration; a book that can not be conveniently carried/used in the field is not a field guide.
- 01/16/2010 - 23:52 Are we allowed to write in the field guide or only on the tabs?
Rule #2 states that you may write on any of the allowed resources.
- 01/07/2010 - 22:43 Is their a limit to the size of the tabs for the field guide?
Yes, the definition of a tab from the dictionary: tab 1. |tab| noun 1. a small flap or strip of material attached to something, for identification and information.
- 11/12/2009 - 19:13 The Event Parameters for Ornithology lists the "three page Official National Bird List" as an allowable resource for competition. The bird list is only two pages. Is this a mis-print, or are we missing something?
The list on the website has been reduced to 2 pages. The list was posted on the website after the rule book went to print.
- Physical Science/Chemistry
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physical Science Lab
- 01/04/2010 - 21:18 Can students use reference materials in part I of the event? Students would like to bring in their charts and data from testing their devices in order to set up the blade assemblies correctly.
Yes, there is no prohibition in the rules regarding reference materials for part I.
- 01/03/2010 - 22:27 Are we permitted to use a mini CD (80 mm) instead of the standard CD (120 mm) to build our blade assembly? The mini CD fits on the mount found in a standard CD player.
Yes, mini CD's are allowed as long as the center fits onto the mount found on a standard CD player.
- 01/04/2010 - 21:28 Does OTEC really refer to Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, rather than Oceanic Tidal Energy Currents as the rules currently state?
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is the correct term.
- Trajectory
- 02/17/2010 - 15:00 "Prior to launching" is rather vague. Does it mean right before launch or when it hasn't been set up for launch?
Prior to launch means immediately before the trigger releases the projectile.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:13 Could we use a mini tennis ball or would that be considered modified?
No, a mini tennis ball is not allowed.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:16 Are we allowed to align our catapult with string, lasers, or other devices by entering the launch area BEFORE and/or AFTER a launch?
Yes, but you must ask permission from the event supervisor before entering target area, you must not touch or move targets in anyway. All lasers are subject to a safety inspection, you must inform the event supervisor that you are turning on a laser. Lasers must be off when launch occurs. All time used by students in launch area is part of thier launch time. Keep in mind the general rules regarding the use of lasers though as listed on the soinc.org website.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:22 Will the bucket be on the ground or elevated off the ground?
The rule states that the bucket will be placed on the course at a certain distance range which does not include a height range, therefore, the bucket will be placed on the floor when requested.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:24 Will the B division bucket be moved to the right or left of the center line?
Yes, the bucket may be off the center line for both divisions.
- 02/18/2010 - 20:35 Would your second bucket shot be placed in a different position than the first bucket shot?
No - all bucket shots for that day of competition will have the same distance from the launch area and the same direction and distance of offset from the centerline.
- 02/18/2010 - 20:42 If the students hit the first selected target on their first shot and request a bucket shot, do they have to take that bucket shot immediately, or can they take the bucket shot after attempting to hit the other target, earning a second bucket shot?
Students decide what order they will shoot at targets, informing the Event Supervisor which target they are shooting at for each shot. They may request to shoot at one target, then the other, and take any bucket shots earned at the end.
- 02/19/2010 - 10:26 Could you please clarify the scoring for a bucket shot?
If the projectile at first impact lands in the bucket and stays in, that is -100 points. If at first impact the projectile hits any portion (inside, rim, or outside) of the bucket and does not stay in the bucket, it is -50 points. If the projectile rolls or bounces then touches or goes into the bucket it is 0 points.
- 01/07/2010 - 21:49 For bucket shots, are there intervals for the distance from the center line?
There are no interval restrictions on the placement of the bucket other than between 2-8 meters from the Launch Area for B Division and 2-10 meters for C Division.
- 02/18/2010 - 13:02 What is the ruling if the ball hits the ceiling?
The shot will still be scored the same way as if the ball had not hit the ceiling. The contact with the ceiling should essentially be 'ignored'. The initial projectile impact on the ground or target will be used for measurement.
- Shock Value
- Technology
- Elevated Bridge
- Wright Stuff
- Battery Buggy
- 02/01/2010 - 19:21 Must the gears and motor inside the motor box be viewable?
Yes, the internal components should be available for the event supervisor to view. It is, in essence, a closed black box with no indication of what could be inside it. A similar one on hand does not tell what is in the one on the vehicle.
- 02/08/2010 - 13:15 Regarding the fixed point, it is not clear if it should be above the track surface but no more than 1cm above the track surface or at least 1cm above the track surface but no closer.
The tip of the fixed point MUST be within 1 cm of the track surface. Measuring from the floor up, if the tip is 0.75 cm, it's good, if the tip is 1.15 cm, it's no good.
- Junkyard Challenge
- 01/17/2010 - 19:27 Would the mousetraps be considered unmodified if they are glued down to a base to weight them down?
Yes, that would still be considered unmodified.
- 01/27/2010 - 10:03 Does the eye protection that is brought for this competition have to be included in the "junk box" when it is impounded?
No, the students may bring their eye protection with them. Eye protection does not have to be impounded.
- 11/29/2009 - 14:37 Are microprocessors allowed?
Yes, as long as you do not violate another rule, such as voltage maximum. Also, students will be expected to fully explain how it is used, or the team may be disqualified if the event leader has reason to believe the students did not actually build the device. (See Code of Ethics and general rules, #7)
- 02/01/2010 - 11:43 Can modified mousetraps be used in the device if they are not the ones being tripped in 1,2,3,4 order?
Yes, as long as you do not violate another rule such as creating unshielded projectiles.
- 02/01/2010 - 11:52 Are the four distances from the center point to the mousetraps supposed to be measured twice? Before and after the Run?
No, the mousetraps are to be measured once, before the run. After the measurements are taken, the teams may set their traps but may not move them before operating the device.
- 02/01/2010 - 19:07 If the mouse trap is not on the floor is the distance measured to the mouse trap or to where the mouse trap would be on the floor?
Mousetraps may be at different elevations, but they will be measured from the center of the device, in a direct line at floor/competition surface level, NOT as the crow flies but parallel to the floor/competition surface, to the vertical plane defined by the closest point of the mousetrap. This measurement will be taken before the device is activated.
- 02/01/2010 - 11:54 Can the mousetraps be at different elevations?
Yes, the mousetraps may be at different elevations.
- 02/27/2010 - 00:52 The rules say that an unmodified trap has all original parts fully functioning. May my team screw down the trap through the base of the trap?
Yes, the mousetraps may be screwed down as long all original parts are functioning as originally intended and the attachment does not interfere with the functioning of the trap.
- 01/16/2010 - 21:04 Can the mousetrap be taped to a block of wood and the block of wood taped to the floor or is all taping to the floor prohibited?
All attachments to the floor are prohibited.
- 02/01/2010 - 19:01 "Timing will stop when the intended fourth mousetrap is tripped or when 60 seconds is reached. Actions occurring after 60 seconds will not be scored." Does this mean that 59.999s is the max time for score-able actions and 60s is out of range.
Since timing is scored in whole seconds, 60.99 seconds is consider 60 seconds. Measurement in whole seconds would take the time down to 60 seconds. Therefore a device that has the 4th trap trigger at 60.99 seconds would still count the 4th trap for scoring purposes and receive 120 timing points for 60 seconds per rule 4.g.
- 02/01/2010 - 19:14 “ties broken by longest time up to 60 sec”. Is the actual time (to the hundredth of the second) used for this tiebreaker or should the time be the “whole second” time that was scored? If whole seconds are used, what is the 3rd tiebreaker?
The second tie breaker should be what was recorded in either tenths or hundredths up to 60.99 seconds since 60.99 seconds is technically 60 whole seconds, no rounding involved. The third tie breaker should be greatest variety in device design.
- Division C Events
- Earth/Space Science
- Astronomy
- Dynamic Planet
- Fossils
- 02/18/2010 - 12:52 On the 2010 Fossil List, under Sponges* (Phylum Porifera), is Astraespongia supposed to be Astraeospongia, or is it correct as is?
Both Astraespongia and Astraeospongia are found in literature. The most current Fossil list on the National SO website has Astraeospongia listed. That is the most accepted name. I would remind your students that a letter or two sometimes can change in Latin names over time. Also, sometimes books printed in England will vary in spelling from books printed in the USA.
- Remote Sensing
- Inquiry/Nature
- Experimental Design
- Picture This
- 01/07/2010 - 21:56 May a sketcher draw a picture followed by the minus or plus sign, anticipating that the word will need to be shortened or only use the minus or plus sign after a response from a team member, as suggested in parentheses in line 3.c.3?
The sketcher must wait until their team says a word, then depending upon that word, the sketcher will either draw a "-" or "+" sign to elicit the proper response. Until a team member says a word based on the drawing, the "+" or "-" signs are symbols which are not allowed until the situation is created (by saying a word) which allows these symbols to be used.
- Technical Problem Solving
- Write It Do It
- 02/16/2010 - 22:26 The degree symbol is not on the standard keyboard. Can a small "o" be used as an abbreviation for degree, or is that a symbol?
No. 2.b. sentence 6: These [keyboard symbols] must be used in their normal context and not as symbols to form a key/code. Subsequently, using "o" for degree would not be allowed.
- 02/16/2010 - 17:30 May students underline words for emphasis?
No, students may not underline words for emphasis. Underlining is not possible to produce on a PC standard 101 key keyboard by pressing a single key or a single key in combination with the shift key.
- Life/Personal/Social Science
- Cell Biology
- Disease Detectives
- Ecology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Ornithology - Div C
- 01/07/2010 - 21:25 May you write or draw on the back (or for that matter the front) of the national birds list that you bring with you to competition?
You may write on the back of the list if you intend to count that as one of the pages of notes. You may still write on the front of the list as per rule 2.
- 01/07/2010 - 22:48 What is the definition of a field guide? May any published book be used?
A field guide is a book used to take in the 'field' used to identify various life forms. Portability is a consideration; a book that can not be conveniently carried/used in the field is not a field guide.
- 01/16/2010 - 23:52 Are we allowed to write in the field guide or only on the tabs?
Rule #2 states that you may write on any of the allowed resources.
- 01/07/2010 - 22:43 Is their a limit to the size of the tabs for the field guide?
Yes, the definition of a tab from the dictionary: tab 1. |tab| noun 1. a small flap or strip of material attached to something, for identification and information.
- 11/12/2009 - 19:13 The Event Parameters for Ornithology lists the "three page Official National Bird List" as an allowable resource for competition. The bird list is only two pages. Is this a mis-print, or are we missing something?
The list on the website has been reduced to 2 pages. The list was posted on the website after the rule book went to print.
- Physical Science/Chemistry
- Chemistry
- Physics
- It's About Time
- 11/29/2009 - 14:32 Are we allowed to buy gears and escapements to build our time piece?
Yes, as long as the parts bought are not explicitly made / sold for use in time keeping devices. For example, an escapement that is sold as a replacement part for the grandfather clock would not be allowable, whereas a generic gear sold for use in a toy car would be allowable.
- Physics Lab
- 01/04/2010 - 21:20 Can students use reference materials in part I of the event? Students would like to bring in their charts and data from testing their devices in order to set up the blade assemblies correctly.
Yes, there is no prohibition in the rules regarding reference materials for part I.
- 01/03/2010 - 22:27 Are we permitted to use a mini CD (80 mm) instead of the standard CD (120 mm) to build our blade assembly? The mini CD fits on the mount found in a standard CD player.
Yes, mini CD's are allowed as long as the center fits onto the mount found on a standard CD player.
- 01/04/2010 - 21:31 Does OTEC really refer to Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, rather than Oceanic Tidal Energy Currents as the rules currently state?
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is the correct term.
- Trajectory
- 02/17/2010 - 15:00 "Prior to launching" is rather vague. Does it mean right before launch or when it hasn't been set up for launch?
Prior to launch means immediately before the trigger releases the projectile.
- 02/18/2010 - 13:05 Could we use a mini tennis ball or would that be considered modified?
No, a mini tennis ball is not allowed.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:19 Are we allowed to align our catapult with string, lasers, or other devices by entering the launch area BEFORE and/or AFTER a launch?
Yes, but you must ask permission from the event supervisor before entering target area, you must not touch or move targets in anyway. All lasers are subject to a safety inspection, you must inform the event supervisor that you are turning on a laser. Lasers must be off when launch occurs. All time used by students in launch area is part of thier launch time. Keep in mind the general rules regarding the use of lasers though as listed on the soinc.org website.
- 01/17/2010 - 19:22 Will the bucket be on the ground or elevated off the ground?
The rule states that the bucket will be placed on the course at a certain distance range which does not include a height range, therefore, the bucket will be placed on the floor when requested.
- 02/18/2010 - 20:35 Would your second bucket shot be placed in a different position than the first bucket shot?
No - all bucket shots for that day of competition will have the same distance from the launch area and the same direction and distance of offset from the centerline.
- 02/18/2010 - 20:42 If the students hit the first selected target on their first shot and request a bucket shot, do they have to take that bucket shot immediately, or can they take the bucket shot after attempting to hit the other target, earning a second bucket shot?
Students decide what order they will shoot at targets, informing the Event Supervisor which target they are shooting at for each shot. They may request to shoot at one target, then the other, and take any bucket shots earned at the end.
- 02/19/2010 - 10:26 Could you please clarify the scoring for a bucket shot?
If the projectile at first impact lands in the bucket and stays in, that is -100 points. If at first impact the projectile hits any portion (inside, rim, or outside) of the bucket and does not stay in the bucket, it is -50 points. If the projectile rolls or bounces then touches or goes into the bucket it is 0 points.
- 02/18/2010 - 20:31 For bucket shots are there intervals for the distance from the center line?
There are no interval restrictions on the placement of the bucket other than between 2-8 meters from the Launch Area for B Division and 2-10 meters for C Division.
- 02/18/2010 - 13:02 What is the ruling if the ball hits the ceiling?
The shot will still be scored the same way as if the ball had not hit the ceiling. The contact with the ceiling should essentially be 'ignored'. The initial projectile impact on the ground or target will be used for measurement.
- Technology
- Egg-O-Naut
- 11/29/2009 - 13:50 When it says the pressure vessel must be made out of a single 2 liter bottle. Can the bottle be smaller than 2 liters?
No, the rules state that the pressure vessel must be made out of a single 2 liter bottle, a smaller bottle may not be used for the pressure vessel.
- 12/08/2009 - 21:13 Are pointed nose cones allowed?
No. See rule 3.c. The nosecone is considered a leading edge, and thus may not be pointed.
- 02/02/2010 - 22:17 Are students allowed to use the same cone for both rocket launches, but with two different bottles? Also, are students allowed to use the same parachute for both launches?
No. Rule 2a states that teams will build and bring up to two rockets to the tournament. Further, Rule 4a. specifies that each rocket may only have 1 launch. Once a rocket (and its associated parts) have been launched then they cannot be launched again.
- Elevated Bridge
- 01/09/2010 - 21:05 Can you clarify what exactly is considered a wood product?
Wood is a tough, fibrous material from the branches and trunks of trees and shrubs, usually cut to some useful size and dried, but still recognizably the material cut from a tree. "Wood products" are materials made from wood, with the wood fundamentally altered from its natural state, typically commercially available and made in a manner not readily produced by the students. Paper and particleboard, masonite, and similar materials have no distinguishable remaining grain structure and exist solely as a man-made material. Commercially made plywood is still recognizably made of wood fibers, but the process of producing this material is not performed by the student. Wood which has simply been cut into smaller pieces, and dried (like toothpicks), do not fit this definition of "wood products". Students may produce their own plywood by laminating pieces of wood. On the other hand, student-made particle board, putty, or paper, in which the underlying structure of wood fiber is destroyed, can no longer be considered to be "wood"; it is a wood product regardless of who made it.
- Mission Possible
- 02/09/2010 - 20:28 Are finished tasks that continue to run (for example the task b. light for photo cell) after the task is complete considered a parallel task.
No, they are not parallel tasks. As long as the finished task does not then contribute to any other tasks, it is acceptable for them to 'continue to run'. Some tasks that were initiated during the running of the device may be allowed to continue to run if the judges determine that they can continue safely, that they have already led to the next action (as required in the rules), and that they do not constitute parallel tasks.
- 03/06/2010 - 09:10 What is the exact definition of a parallel task sequence?
Each task must be triggered from only 1 task and must trigger only 1 task.
- 01/16/2010 - 22:25 The revision to Section 3.d. "commercial photocells (i.e.cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell, photoresistors or light dependent resistors" seems to only include photoconductive type photocells. Does this mean that photovoltaic type photocells (i.e. solar c...
Correct, photovoltaic cells are not allowed.
- 12/30/2009 - 16:44 May teams add things to the water if water is used?
Yes, teams may have the device add things to the water after the start as long as it is deemed safe by the Event Supervisor. Teams will be penalized for any spills that leave the device.
- 12/30/2009 - 16:46 In the rules water is allowed, is carbonated water allowed?
No, if teams use water, they must start with plain water.
- 01/16/2010 - 22:28 What exactly is meant by a photocell? Is it the variable resistor (dependent on how much light hits it) or more like a photovoltaic?
A photocell is a variable resistor, dependent on how much light hits it. It is not a photovoltaic cell.
- 01/16/2010 - 22:34 Will corrected 4.b. allow a photocell to engage a relay that allows current to flow to a motor?
Yes, the photocell may engage a relay that allows current to flow to a motor.
- 01/16/2010 - 22:56 Can more than 1 photocell be combined to allow current to flow to a motor?
Yes, this would be like putting multiple batteries or light bulbs together.
- 01/16/2010 - 22:47 Are photoresistors and/or light-dependent resistors (as allowed under 3.d.) considered a variety of "photocell"? Would a circuit where light shining on a photoresistor allowed/triggered current flow to a motor meet the task requirement?
Yes.
- 02/16/2010 - 17:36 How is the term "a mass" defined?
Any object that has a mass is acceptable to use in the task. Mass is not specifically defined as a "calibrated" metal cylinder.
- 01/07/2010 - 22:37 What is the official definition of Hydraulics? Do the fluids need to be under pressure or just be involved?
Hydraulics is defined as "moved or operated or effected by liquid". There is no 'pressure' requirement, however the system must be entirely enclosed. Remember, the rules state that water is the only liquid allowed.
- 12/30/2009 - 17:14 Can the golf ball which is being raised have a hole drilled into it?
No, then it would not be a golf ball anymore, but you may tape or glue things to the golf ball.
- 02/16/2010 - 21:52 When you say that flag and flagpole can leave box, does that mean whatever is raising the flag has to stay in the box?
Only the flag and flagpole, along with any standard flagpole components (e.g. string, pulley at the top, etc.) may leave the box. Other devices should not leave the dimensions. If the judges rule that something other than the flag and flagpole leaves the device, then a penalty will be assessed.
- 02/09/2010 - 22:21 Must the flagpole begin within the bounds of the 50 x 50 x 80 box before the run is started?
Yes, everything, including the flag and flagpole, must be within the 50cm x 50cm x 80cm before the operation of the device.
- 02/09/2010 - 21:06 Does the time stop when the flag is raised or does it stop when the flag stops moving? Our flag never stops completely due to the wind from the propeller, but the flag completes the final task.
The final task is defined as raising the flagpole with the flag to at least a certain height. Thus when the movement of the flagpole stops and the flag is at the required height, the action is complete, regardless of whether or not the flag itself is still 'waving'.
- 12/22/2009 - 09:01 Points and penalties seem to be awarded based on “full” seconds of operation. Is that also true for the second tie breaker?
No. Timing points and penalties are awarded based upon full seconds (not rounded seconds). The second tie breaker uses partial seconds.
- Mouse Trap Vehicle
- 01/09/2010 - 20:41 The rule states that all original parts of the mousetrap remain in place. Provided it remains on the mousetrap, can the restraining bar be moved or bent?
An unmodified mousetrap is one that still retains its original structural integrity to function as intended. Altering the structural integrity of the mousetrap includes, but is not limited to, welding, bending, and cutting of the restraining bar.
- 02/16/2010 - 21:47 Is soldering to the mousetrap arm considered "welding" for a construction violation?
No, soldering is not considered welding and will not count toward a construction violation.
- 02/16/2010 - 21:43 Are mousetraps with material under the spring tail (thereby increasing spring force) deemed modified?
Yes, mousetraps with anything added under the spring tail would be considered modified and are not legal. This would give additional energy which would be against rule 3.a.
- 01/17/2010 - 18:49 In 3b, the term “run violation” is used. Do you mean a construction violation?
Yes, it should be "constuction violation".
- General Questions
- 08/21/2008 - 13:11 General Rule 3.c. on the last page of each manual states that participants may not communicate with the outside. How will the laptops be checked to insure that their internet capability is disabled?
Event Supervisors are not willing to share their methods of insuring that students do not communicate with the outside during an event.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:12 In past years, there have been live links for the various events to access online resources. Did I miss them, or is there a change in policy?
Material on the website has been contributed by coaches, event supervisors and workshop presenters from all levels of competition. Any additional material will be posted as it becomes available. If you would like to contribute material (non-copyright) please contact the Science Olympiad National Office.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:13 When will the Rules Manual be sent?
Depends on where the order was sent, when it was sent, and if the order was received.
First check with your main/business office to determine if and when the order was sent and to whom it was sent. Do not assume that if you gave your office an order that it was sent. It often takes as much as 6 weeks before orders are approved by the school board. If it has been more than 7 working days since your order was actually sent, you may want to call the office that it was sent to, to determine if your order was indeed received. - 08/21/2008 - 13:13 Where can I find answers to questions about the rules?
Answers to all questions about rules can generally be found in the Rules Manual by reading the rules carefully. The Clarifications and individual Event FAQ pages have only selected answers to corrections or common misunderstandings.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:14 Where is the best website to obtain info and materials on how to make devices for competion?
Researching information is part of the competition and is the responsibility of the contestants. Some information available from Science Olympiad on the internet can be located on the page for that event. To access event pages, go to Event Info, Division, event name.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:17 Why aren't the rules on the web?
The rules are copyrighted and may not be placed on the web without the permission of the Science Olympiad National Executive Board of Directors. They have voted unanimously NOT to post the rules on the website for numerous reasons. Some issues and concerns that had an impact on the decision were; membership timing and delays, graphics and charts, bogus electronic copies, school's inability to download or open documents, downloading platforms and other problems. Other Science Olympiad manuals (but not the Rules Manual) contribute to the revenue which keeps the organization financially sound and able to provide the high-quality educational experience that it does.
Additional copies of the Rules Manual may be purchased from the Science Olympiad store on this website.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:17 How far in advance of the regional and state tournaments are the schedules sent out so coaches can figure out student placement in events?
This depends on each tournament Director's timeline. You may need to inquire about the schedule directly with each of your directors. The very tentative national schedule is generally posted in the Coaches Manuals.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:19 If our school has two teams, are students allowed to participate with both teams?
No, students may not compete on 2 teams in the same tournament.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:20 May a 9th grader compete in both the B division and C division, since B is 6-9 and C is 9-12?
No, you must choose one or the other at a tournament. You may not be on two rosters at the same tournament.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:21 What is the policy of using resources during competition this year?
Allowed resources are different for each event. Please read each Event Rule and the General Rules in the Rules Manual for information on using resources.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:23 May a team member participate in the state competition if they cannot participate in the regional competition?
Each tournament is independently organized. Your team may be composed of any students who meet the requirements. They do not have to be the same as those who competed in previous tournaments.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:24 I was looking for FAQs for an event, but there aren't any questions or answers for that event.
You are correct. There are very few questions and answers posted this year because the rules have been generally well written and we have received few questions that are worthy of posting. We are responding to all questions that come in but be aware that responses may take up to a week. Please be sure to read the parameters that we use to decide what questions we will or will not answer. These parameters may be found at Event Info/FAQs...
- 08/21/2008 - 13:26 On what dates are the regional, state, and national tournaments, or where might I find them?
Contact your Regional and State Director for information about those tournaments. All known future National Tournament dates can be found on the "Tournaments" page on this website and in the current Rules Manual.
- 08/21/2008 - 13:49 Where are the event rules on this website? I would like to be able to print the rules instead of copying from someone else's manual.
The rules are copyrighted and may not be placed on any website. Copies of the Rules Manual containing the rules for all events are generally sent to the coach when a team is registered. Additional copies may be purchased from the Science Olympiad Store on this website.
- 11/26/2008 - 14:15 Why aren't the schedules for nationals, state and regionals all the same? It is very difficult to reorganize the teams at every level of competition because of time conflicts with the studied events. Why aren't all competitions required to be con...
There are 500 different tournaments with 500 different sets of unique limitations. The national schedule is posted in September. You might ask your local tournament director but keep in mind that they must build their schedules around limitations such as availability of space, event supervisors, equipment, etc.
- Coaching/Team Requirements
- 08/11/2008 - 16:25 If a student no longer attends the school but is at another school that does not have a team, may she compete on our team?
No, but they are welcome to form a new team even if it is with only a few students at first. Remember that a parent, a community member or any educator, etc. may be a coach, but be sure to notify the principal and follow all of the school rules.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:27 If we qualifiy for nationals, but are short team members, may we use alternate team members to fill in?
Each tournament is independently organized. Your team may be composed of any students who meet the requirements on page 2 of the Coaches Manual and Rules. They do not have to be the same as those who competed in previous tournaments.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:46 What is the official rule on alternate team members?
There is no "official" rule on "alternate" members. Alternates may participate only if one of the 15 regular team members can't make it the day of the competition or if a team member becomes ill or injured. Alternates may not fill in if there is a schedule conflict or if the schedule changes on the day of the competition.
Some tournaments restrict the number (if any) per team and sometimes allow them to participate in trials events and drop off impound items. Many tournaments issue and require "regular" team members to wear "hospital style" wrist bands so alternates do not "accidentally" cover for a late member.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:47 Where can I find information/help on coaching a team?
The informal Science Olympiad Coaches Discussion Group has many experienced coaches that can can offer assistance. To join go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/science-olympiad-coaches/
- 08/11/2008 - 16:49 Do you have to be certified to coach a team?
Science Olympiad does not certify coaches. We accept any adult that the school accepts as a coach. It does not have to be a teacher or an administrator of the school. It could be a parent or a community member. Each school may have different requirements for coaches.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:49 Are there any other places where we can get practice tests for the events?
Yes, dozens of them, many listed under event info on the National Science Olympiad website.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:51 If a school has grade levels below those designated for their division (A3-6/B6-9/C9-12), may students from the lower grades participate on a team in a higher division?
With the concurrence of your tournaments organizers, to encourage and support the inclusion of all children who wish to participate in Science Olympiad, schools with grade levels lower than those designated in a division (e.g., K-8, 3-7, 7-12) are permitted to invite members below the Division grade level designations if no other outlet (such as a division-specific team) is available. We prefer and encourage students to participate in the division that matches current Science Olympiad grade level designations. Participation is limited to age-appropriate events (as determined by a coach, principal or tournament director) and prohibited where safety is a concern (such as the use of chemicals).
- 08/11/2008 - 16:53 Where can I find answers to questions about the rules?
Answers to all questions can be found in this knowledge base. The Clarifications and individual Event FAQ pages have been merged into this Knowledge base.
- 08/11/2008 - 16:54 May we put a team together & register outside the school, having the team made up of students from the school? May the coach be a parent or does it have to be a teacher from that school?
Any adult can be a coach (teacher, parent, administrator, previous competitor, counselor, engineer, local businessman, dentist, shop owner, rock hound, etc,). The only requirement is students must be from the same school and the principal must verify that the competitors are members of that school.
- 11/10/2008 - 16:11 Please tell me how to find and print the event rules. We are having trouble navigating the website.
The rules are copyrighted and are not placed on any website. Copies of the Rules Manual containing the rules for all events may be purchased from the Science Olympiad Store.
- 11/10/2008 - 16:26 In the 2009 Manual, it mentions that students may bring in 1 published filed guide. Does this mean that they are no longer able to bring in student prepared binders? On the website, it is still listed that you can under the training handout. Th...
A student prepared binder is NOT allowed this year. The printed Rule takes precedence over any other study material.
- Trial/Pilot Events
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