2014-2015 Science Olympiad Competitive Events
Here is a list of this year's Science Olympiad Events with some commentary. It is still advised that you thoroughly read the rulebook before selecting your tryout events. The events that you tryout for will not necessarily be the events that you will be competing in (if you make it onto the team). But note that it is highly likely that you will be competing in these events.
The events are written in the following format: Event Name (Science Classes Suggested): Short Description. However, just because you did not take the course suggested, you will not necessarily do horribly in the event. These are just suggestions made by several people's opinions. The key components to doing well are PRACTICE and DILIGENCE.
The events are written in the following format: Event Name (Science Classes Suggested): Short Description. However, just because you did not take the course suggested, you will not necessarily do horribly in the event. These are just suggestions made by several people's opinions. The key components to doing well are PRACTICE and DILIGENCE.
Written Events
All written tryouts are 40 minutes each.
Anatomy and Physiology (AP Biology):
Each year, the tested body systems change. This year, the event consists of the Cardiovascular, Integumentary, and Immune Systems. You will need to know the different parts of the systems, each part's function, as well as the different diseases, disorders, and conditions that may affect the system/part.
Astronomy (None):
Each year, the focus of the test changes slightly. Refer to the rulebook for the exact topics that you need to study. You will need to understand the different astronomical concepts as well as be able to use equations (that you supply) and solve for certain answers mathematically.
Chem Lab (AP Chemistry):
Each year, there are two topics in Chemistry that are tested. This year, the event consists of Kinetics and Chemical Reactions/Stoichiometry. You will need to know the theoretical components of each topic as well as be able to solve for certain values. You should also know basic chemistry concepts such as balancing of equations, nomenclature, and stoichiometry. You will be given a periodic table and a list of equations during tryouts. It is the same exact one as the Chemistry AP equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard. You will be provided with a standard reduction table as well, if necessary.
Cell Biology (AP Biology):
This event focuses on all of the aspects of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This will cover topics such as cellular respiration, cell structure, DNA and RNA synthesis, molecular genetics, viral structure and function, and immunology.
Disease Detectives (AP Biology):
This year, the focus is on Population Growth. Understand risks, harms, etc. Know the different disease-causing agents and how to prevent and control diseases. Complete tables with blanks in the information.
Dynamic Planet (AP Environmental Science):
Every year, there is a main topic. This year, the topic is Oceanography. Understand both the physical and geologic aspects of the ocean. You should also be able to infer the history of a segment of the ocean floor by looking at a rock or piece of segment from the corresponding area.
Entomology (None):
Bugs, bugs, and more bugs. Be sure you really know your bugs. You will need to be able to identify and categorize bugs as well as explain their behavior, habitat, etc. based on what bug it is. So, really know your bugs.
Experimental Design (Science):
You need to know the scientific method. You will be given a set of materials and will need to create and test an experiment using those materials.
This event will not be a part of tryouts.
Forensics (AP Chemistry):
This test is something like what you would do in the lab of CSI. You will be given some data and samples. From such samples and data, you need to come to a certain conclusion. Understand the different chemistry concepts a detective would need to know to accurately determine what has happened at a crime scene.
Fossils (None):
Be able to identify species of fossils on the Official Fossil list provided on the national website. You will also need to know the processes of fossilization and preservation, understand relative and absolute dating, identify types of life and environments preserved within fossils, know features of major fossil groups, and more. You will also need to remember the geological time scale as well as important paleontological events and discoveries.
GeoLogic Mapping (None):
You will need to be able to analyze topography and geologic maps to come to conclusions about geologic structures. Know the different types of landforms (synclines, monoclines, etc.) and how they were created.
Green Generation (AP Environmental Science)
If you like ecology, go Green...Generation! Green Generation revolves around basic principles of ecology and environmental science, covering air quality, aquatic environmental issues, climate change, strategies for reducing human impact, basic ecology, and more.
Technical Problem Solving (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
Technical Problem Solving is an event in which students focus on analyzing a problem and, using given information and potential lab materials, solve the problem through a series of questions. TPS may may range from Chemsitry to Physics topics, which is extremely broad. Be able to use equations to solve for certain values. Calculus may be needed.
Write It Do It (None):
You will be be either writing instructions on how to construct a given model, or building the same model based on your partner's written instructions--write it, do it. This will test how well you are able to explain your procedures to another person, how well you are able to follow instructions, and/or how well your know your partner. Penmanship, accuracy, and comprehension all matter.
This event will not be part of tryouts.
Anatomy and Physiology (AP Biology):
Each year, the tested body systems change. This year, the event consists of the Cardiovascular, Integumentary, and Immune Systems. You will need to know the different parts of the systems, each part's function, as well as the different diseases, disorders, and conditions that may affect the system/part.
Astronomy (None):
Each year, the focus of the test changes slightly. Refer to the rulebook for the exact topics that you need to study. You will need to understand the different astronomical concepts as well as be able to use equations (that you supply) and solve for certain answers mathematically.
Chem Lab (AP Chemistry):
Each year, there are two topics in Chemistry that are tested. This year, the event consists of Kinetics and Chemical Reactions/Stoichiometry. You will need to know the theoretical components of each topic as well as be able to solve for certain values. You should also know basic chemistry concepts such as balancing of equations, nomenclature, and stoichiometry. You will be given a periodic table and a list of equations during tryouts. It is the same exact one as the Chemistry AP equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard. You will be provided with a standard reduction table as well, if necessary.
Cell Biology (AP Biology):
This event focuses on all of the aspects of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. This will cover topics such as cellular respiration, cell structure, DNA and RNA synthesis, molecular genetics, viral structure and function, and immunology.
Disease Detectives (AP Biology):
This year, the focus is on Population Growth. Understand risks, harms, etc. Know the different disease-causing agents and how to prevent and control diseases. Complete tables with blanks in the information.
Dynamic Planet (AP Environmental Science):
Every year, there is a main topic. This year, the topic is Oceanography. Understand both the physical and geologic aspects of the ocean. You should also be able to infer the history of a segment of the ocean floor by looking at a rock or piece of segment from the corresponding area.
Entomology (None):
Bugs, bugs, and more bugs. Be sure you really know your bugs. You will need to be able to identify and categorize bugs as well as explain their behavior, habitat, etc. based on what bug it is. So, really know your bugs.
Experimental Design (Science):
You need to know the scientific method. You will be given a set of materials and will need to create and test an experiment using those materials.
This event will not be a part of tryouts.
Forensics (AP Chemistry):
This test is something like what you would do in the lab of CSI. You will be given some data and samples. From such samples and data, you need to come to a certain conclusion. Understand the different chemistry concepts a detective would need to know to accurately determine what has happened at a crime scene.
Fossils (None):
Be able to identify species of fossils on the Official Fossil list provided on the national website. You will also need to know the processes of fossilization and preservation, understand relative and absolute dating, identify types of life and environments preserved within fossils, know features of major fossil groups, and more. You will also need to remember the geological time scale as well as important paleontological events and discoveries.
GeoLogic Mapping (None):
You will need to be able to analyze topography and geologic maps to come to conclusions about geologic structures. Know the different types of landforms (synclines, monoclines, etc.) and how they were created.
Green Generation (AP Environmental Science)
If you like ecology, go Green...Generation! Green Generation revolves around basic principles of ecology and environmental science, covering air quality, aquatic environmental issues, climate change, strategies for reducing human impact, basic ecology, and more.
Technical Problem Solving (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
Technical Problem Solving is an event in which students focus on analyzing a problem and, using given information and potential lab materials, solve the problem through a series of questions. TPS may may range from Chemsitry to Physics topics, which is extremely broad. Be able to use equations to solve for certain values. Calculus may be needed.
Write It Do It (None):
You will be be either writing instructions on how to construct a given model, or building the same model based on your partner's written instructions--write it, do it. This will test how well you are able to explain your procedures to another person, how well you are able to follow instructions, and/or how well your know your partner. Penmanship, accuracy, and comprehension all matter.
This event will not be part of tryouts.
Written and Building Events
For the following events, competition will require you to complete both written and building portions.
For tryouts, you may or may not be required to complete the building portion, depending on the event.
All written tryouts are 40 minutes each. All building tryouts will take as long as necessary.
Compound Machines (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will need to have an understanding of different machines and their concepts and calculations. This includes topics ranging from efficiency, energy, friction, planes, pulleys, and wheels/axles. You should also be familiar with the history of machines.
The building portion of the test will NOT be a part of tryouts.
It's About Time (Physics)
This event includes both a building and written portion. The written portion will cover topics regarding the physics and history of time. Anything from old proverbs to atomic clocks can be on the test.
The building portion of the test will NOT be a part of tryouts.
Protein Modeling (None):
This event involves a pre-build model, on-site model, and on-site written exam. In the pre-build model, you will need to use a computer program (Jmol/JSmol) to visualize and help contruct a model of the catalytic domain of FokI endonuclease. The on-site written exam will address principles of chemistry involved in protein folding and test your knowledge on the structure and function of certain proteins.
The on-site building portion will NOT be a part of tryouts.
For tryouts, you may or may not be required to complete the building portion, depending on the event.
All written tryouts are 40 minutes each. All building tryouts will take as long as necessary.
Compound Machines (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will need to have an understanding of different machines and their concepts and calculations. This includes topics ranging from efficiency, energy, friction, planes, pulleys, and wheels/axles. You should also be familiar with the history of machines.
The building portion of the test will NOT be a part of tryouts.
It's About Time (Physics)
This event includes both a building and written portion. The written portion will cover topics regarding the physics and history of time. Anything from old proverbs to atomic clocks can be on the test.
The building portion of the test will NOT be a part of tryouts.
Protein Modeling (None):
This event involves a pre-build model, on-site model, and on-site written exam. In the pre-build model, you will need to use a computer program (Jmol/JSmol) to visualize and help contruct a model of the catalytic domain of FokI endonuclease. The on-site written exam will address principles of chemistry involved in protein folding and test your knowledge on the structure and function of certain proteins.
The on-site building portion will NOT be a part of tryouts.
Building Events
All building tryouts will take as long as necessary.
Air Trajectory (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics)
You will build a device capable of launching projectiles into target areas. You will need to collect data and develop graphs based on the capabilities of the launcher. The launcher will need to be powered by a falling weight.
You will need all documentation from the rulebook.
Bridge Building (None):
You will construct a lightweight bridge and test it with a designated weight. A portion of the bridge must be elevated or raised so that there is a "standard minimum clearance" underneath the bridge, beneath the bridge and the testing base. You must consider design, compression and tension, and construction materials. All appropriate descriptions of the aforementioned terms and size specifications can be found in the rulebook.
Bungee Drop (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics):
You will build a device that will protect an egg when dropped from a height of 3 to 7 meters. The goal is to get the device as close to the floor as possible without actually touching the floor.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Mission Possible (None):
Students build a structure that carries out a series of operations to accomplish one final task. Incorporating more operations generally result in more points awarded. Reaching the optimum time limit further rewards points.
This event will not be a part of tryouts.
Scrambler (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics):
You will build a Scrambler. The Scrambler will have to fit into a 0.75 meter cube. The Scrambler will have to carry a Large Grade A uncooked chicken egg a distance of 8-12 meters as fast as possible. The score is based on the travel time and the stopping distance from the terminal barrier.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Wright Stuff (None):
You will make, test, and fly an airplane powered by a twisted rubber band. The airplane can be designed in any way, but it must conform to rules regarding maximum wing and stabilizer dimensions, as well as a minimum mass limit and a maximum rubber mass limit. All appropriate descriptions of the aforementioned terms and size specifications can be found in the rulebook.
Air Trajectory (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics)
You will build a device capable of launching projectiles into target areas. You will need to collect data and develop graphs based on the capabilities of the launcher. The launcher will need to be powered by a falling weight.
You will need all documentation from the rulebook.
Bridge Building (None):
You will construct a lightweight bridge and test it with a designated weight. A portion of the bridge must be elevated or raised so that there is a "standard minimum clearance" underneath the bridge, beneath the bridge and the testing base. You must consider design, compression and tension, and construction materials. All appropriate descriptions of the aforementioned terms and size specifications can be found in the rulebook.
Bungee Drop (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics):
You will build a device that will protect an egg when dropped from a height of 3 to 7 meters. The goal is to get the device as close to the floor as possible without actually touching the floor.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Mission Possible (None):
Students build a structure that carries out a series of operations to accomplish one final task. Incorporating more operations generally result in more points awarded. Reaching the optimum time limit further rewards points.
This event will not be a part of tryouts.
Scrambler (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C: Mechanics):
You will build a Scrambler. The Scrambler will have to fit into a 0.75 meter cube. The Scrambler will have to carry a Large Grade A uncooked chicken egg a distance of 8-12 meters as fast as possible. The score is based on the travel time and the stopping distance from the terminal barrier.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Wright Stuff (None):
You will make, test, and fly an airplane powered by a twisted rubber band. The airplane can be designed in any way, but it must conform to rules regarding maximum wing and stabilizer dimensions, as well as a minimum mass limit and a maximum rubber mass limit. All appropriate descriptions of the aforementioned terms and size specifications can be found in the rulebook.
Past Events (2012-2014)
Written Events
Circuit Lab (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
You should have a strong understanding of circuitry and the different parts of a circuit. You should be able to calculate different values as well as answer free response questions on circuits.
Designer Genes (AP Biology):
You will need to have a strong understanding of genetics at the molecular level. Basic knowledge involving DNA's structure and function covers transcription and translation, gene expression, mutations, and more. You should also be familiar with technology and practices involving DNA, such as but not limited to DNA fingerprinting and gene therapy.
Fermi Questions (Physics):
This test is 100% estimation. If you are able to guess absurd things accurately such as how many soccer balls can fit inside the Empire State Building, then you'll do great. Know various values and be able to guess them to a power of 10. Thanks to Enrico Fermi for being such a great theoretician.
Forestry (None):
On the National Website, there is a list of the trees that will be tested. Get to know those trees like they are family. Also, get to know your identification books like they are family.
MagLev (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
You should know different properties of magnetism such as magnetic field, induced currents, magnetic flux, etc. You will be tested on both short answer theory problems and free response mathematical calculation questions.
Materials Science (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
This is one of the meeting points of Chemistry and Physics. You will need to know a material's properties, both chemically and physically. You will be given a periodic table and a list of equations. It is the same exact one as the Chemistry AP equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard. You will be given another list of equations. It is the same exact one as the Physics B equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard.
Remote Sensing (None):
You will need to be able to interpret images accurately. Look at various satellite pictures and identify what each part of the picture is showing.
Rocks and Minerals (None):
On the National Website, there is a list of rocks and minerals that will be tested. Get to know those rocks and minerals like they are family. Also, get to know your identification books like they are family.
Written and Building Events
Thermodynamics (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1):
You need to construct a calorimeter. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook. You may substitute beakers with cups.
We have the beakers, the water, and the goggles for the tryout date. We will heat the water and place the beaker in your device for 30 minutes. You will not be allowed to add water from an ice bath for bonus points. Your final score will be calculated according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.
As you are waiting, you will be taking a 40 minute long written tryout test on both concepts and calculations.
Water Quality (AP Environmental Science):
Each year, there are two topics that the event focuses on, all relating to the quality of water (includes any organisms that may contaminate/purify the water, etc.). This year, the topics are Marine and Estuaries.
For the actual competition (NOT THE TRYOUTS), you will need to construct a salinometer/hydrometer as well as some necessary documentation.
Building Events
Boomilever (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will build a boomilever. You will hook a bucket onto your boomilever and then you'll pour sand into it until your boomilever breaks. We will then weigh how much your boomilever was able to carry and that, in part, will determine your score. You will be judged based on your efficiency score, as seen in the rulebook. There will be tiebreakers according to the rules, if needed. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Elastic Launched Glider (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will build an elastic launched glider. You need to make only one glider, though you may make two. You will test your glider for six minutes. Your score is the sum of your two longest flight times. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Gravity Vehicle (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will make a gravity vehicle and a ramp for your vehicle. You are not allowed to use someone else's ramp. The track will be the hallway outside of Mrs. Hebert's room. We will set a target point that you have to aim for. You run your vehicle and we record the distance from the target point. You need to attach a paper clip somewhere on your vehicle. We will measure from the end point of that paper clip to the target point (if your vehicle goes diagonally, that will affect the distance). You will be scored based on your run score, as outlined in the rulebook. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Robot Arm (None):
You will build a robot arm, whether from a kit or from scratch. You need to construct your robot arm according to the rulebook. You must bring a robot arm. You will be tested according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Circuit Lab (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
You should have a strong understanding of circuitry and the different parts of a circuit. You should be able to calculate different values as well as answer free response questions on circuits.
Designer Genes (AP Biology):
You will need to have a strong understanding of genetics at the molecular level. Basic knowledge involving DNA's structure and function covers transcription and translation, gene expression, mutations, and more. You should also be familiar with technology and practices involving DNA, such as but not limited to DNA fingerprinting and gene therapy.
Fermi Questions (Physics):
This test is 100% estimation. If you are able to guess absurd things accurately such as how many soccer balls can fit inside the Empire State Building, then you'll do great. Know various values and be able to guess them to a power of 10. Thanks to Enrico Fermi for being such a great theoretician.
Forestry (None):
On the National Website, there is a list of the trees that will be tested. Get to know those trees like they are family. Also, get to know your identification books like they are family.
MagLev (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism):
You should know different properties of magnetism such as magnetic field, induced currents, magnetic flux, etc. You will be tested on both short answer theory problems and free response mathematical calculation questions.
Materials Science (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
This is one of the meeting points of Chemistry and Physics. You will need to know a material's properties, both chemically and physically. You will be given a periodic table and a list of equations. It is the same exact one as the Chemistry AP equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard. You will be given another list of equations. It is the same exact one as the Physics B equation sheet that is found on Collegeboard.
Remote Sensing (None):
You will need to be able to interpret images accurately. Look at various satellite pictures and identify what each part of the picture is showing.
Rocks and Minerals (None):
On the National Website, there is a list of rocks and minerals that will be tested. Get to know those rocks and minerals like they are family. Also, get to know your identification books like they are family.
Written and Building Events
Thermodynamics (AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1):
You need to construct a calorimeter. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook. You may substitute beakers with cups.
We have the beakers, the water, and the goggles for the tryout date. We will heat the water and place the beaker in your device for 30 minutes. You will not be allowed to add water from an ice bath for bonus points. Your final score will be calculated according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.
As you are waiting, you will be taking a 40 minute long written tryout test on both concepts and calculations.
Water Quality (AP Environmental Science):
Each year, there are two topics that the event focuses on, all relating to the quality of water (includes any organisms that may contaminate/purify the water, etc.). This year, the topics are Marine and Estuaries.
For the actual competition (NOT THE TRYOUTS), you will need to construct a salinometer/hydrometer as well as some necessary documentation.
Building Events
Boomilever (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will build a boomilever. You will hook a bucket onto your boomilever and then you'll pour sand into it until your boomilever breaks. We will then weigh how much your boomilever was able to carry and that, in part, will determine your score. You will be judged based on your efficiency score, as seen in the rulebook. There will be tiebreakers according to the rules, if needed. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Elastic Launched Glider (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will build an elastic launched glider. You need to make only one glider, though you may make two. You will test your glider for six minutes. Your score is the sum of your two longest flight times. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Gravity Vehicle (AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics):
You will make a gravity vehicle and a ramp for your vehicle. You are not allowed to use someone else's ramp. The track will be the hallway outside of Mrs. Hebert's room. We will set a target point that you have to aim for. You run your vehicle and we record the distance from the target point. You need to attach a paper clip somewhere on your vehicle. We will measure from the end point of that paper clip to the target point (if your vehicle goes diagonally, that will affect the distance). You will be scored based on your run score, as outlined in the rulebook. You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.
Robot Arm (None):
You will build a robot arm, whether from a kit or from scratch. You need to construct your robot arm according to the rulebook. You must bring a robot arm. You will be tested according to the rules outlined in the rulebook.
You will need any documentation outlined in the rulebook.