Coachesmanual A 2018

2018 Coaches Manual
Division A
North Carolina Science Olympiad 2018

2018 NCSO Its Elementary Manual
2018 NCSO
Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Starting A Team ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Elementary Tournament Big Picture ............................................................................................................. 4
Scoring............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Team Composition ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) Teams ......................................................................................................... 6
Coach ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Training............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Goggles and Safety Glasses ............................................................................................................................. 8
Cost .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Coaching Timeline........9
Forms....10
Terminology.10
2018 NCSO Elementary Event Descriptions ............................................................................................... 14
3, 2, 1, Blast Off! ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Backyard Biologist .19
Bridge-a-Roni ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Chew the Fat ............................................................................................................................................... 24
Data Crunchers .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Describe It, Build It .................................................................................................................................... 26
Duct Tape Challenge .................................................................................................................................. 27
Ecology Experts... ...28
Fossil Frenzy ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Movers & Shakers ...................................................................................................................................... 31
Science Password........................................................................................................................................ 32
Sky Quest .................................................................................................................................................... 34
STEM Design Challenge ............................................................................................................................ 35
Super Sleuths .............................................................................................................................................. 38
The Heat is On ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Trajeggtory ................................................................................................................................................. 41
Weather Permitting ................................................................................................................................... 44
What's the Matter? .................................................................................................................................... 45
Work it Out................................................................................................................................................. 46
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2018 NCSO
Introduction
Elementary students are natural scientists. They question

everything; they experiment just to see what will happen. They
are not afraid to explore and try new things. This is what
Science Olympiad is all about.
The goal of the North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO)

program is not to take away any teaching time from the basics or
any other subject, but instead enrich and enhance the
opportunities in STEM education for elementary school students. The elementary years are important for
influencing young students perceptions about science and math. It is during these years that students, if
taught science in a hands-on, problem-based manner, begin to develop important lifelong scientific literacy
skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, self-regulated learning and team work. With the added
pressure of testing and future occupations moving rapidly in the direction of STEM, it is important that
students and educators benefit from every opportunity they are given to further their science education.
NCSO improves STEM learning for all students and celebrates their efforts.
The purpose of this manual is to support counties, schools, non-profits, home schools, and other interested
groups in competing in the North Carolina Science Olympiad program for students in the elementary grades.
Starting A Team
Many areas of the state already have established elementary tournaments that local teams can participate in.
North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO) posts the elementary tournaments that currently exist on its
website. Schools or groups interested in participating in a tournament can click on Division A Info at
http://www.sciencenc.com to register and learn more about elementary tournaments across NC. Schools and
groups may have as many teams (of up to eighteen students) as they like competing at a tournament. For
example, Waters Edge Elementary School may bring one, two, three, or even more teams to an
elementary tournament (so long as this is approved with the tournament director), Waters Edge has
registered the total number of teams, and paid the registration fee for each.
If your area of the state does not yet have an elementary tournament or your local tournament is full, NCSO
would like to encourage counties, schools, non-profits, home schools, and other interested groups to consider
starting their own Elementary Science Olympiad tournament. To start your own elementary tournament,
please contact the State Office, as every Science Olympiad tournament must be registered with our National
Science Olympiad office.
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Elementary Tournament Big Picture
It can be difficult to describe what an NCSO tournament to someone who has not seen one before. One hint:
It looks a lot more like a track meet than a science fair.
During an elementary Science Olympiad tournament in North Carolina, nineteen events are run in three
different time periods. A sample tournament schedule is given below. Your tournament may look slightly
different. Be sure to check your tournament webpage for your exact schedule.
Proposed 2018 Elementary Tournament Schedule

Times Events
7:45 8:25 am Registration
8:30 8:55 am Opening Ceremony
Period 1 (9:00 - 10:10 am) 3,2,1 Blast Off! (walk-in, choose 1 period)
Backyard Biologist
Chew the Fat
Describe It, Build It
Weather Permitting
Whats the Matter?
Work it Out
Period 2 (10:20 am - 11:30 am) 3,2,1 Blast Off! (walk-in, choose 1 period)
Bridge-a-roni (walk-in, choose 1 period)
Data Crunchers
Duct Tape Challenge
Fossil Frenzy
*Impound* STEM Design Challenge
Super Sleuths
The Heat is On
Period 3 (11:40 am - 12:50 pm) Bridge-a-roni (walk-in, choose 1 period)
Ecology Experts
Movers & Shakers
Science Password
Sky Quest
*Impound* Trajeggtory
trial event in some regions ProGamers
1:00 - 1:45 pm Lunch
1:45 2:15 pm Closing/Awards Ceremony
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Teams of up to 18 students prepare throughout the year to compete in an elementary tournament. Any given
team may have only one entry per event. An entry is a team of up to 2 (sometimes 3 or 4) out of 18 students
competing in any one event as the representatives of their team. Teams may compete in as many or as few
events as they wish at the tournament.
Each team member could compete in up to 3 events, but not more than 3. As stated above, the events take
place during 3 separate time periods. During each time period, many different events are taking place at the
same time. For example, in the proposed tournament schedule, there are 7 events in the first time period (in
blue). Any given team member can compete in ONLY one event per time period since a person cannot be in
two places at once. So, a team member competing in Describe It, Build It could not also compete in
Backyard Biologist because they both take place during the same time period (Period 1). The same is true for
event periods 2 and 3.
One may wish to visualize an elementary tournament like a track meet. Team members specialize and
become experts in two or three events (out of the 19 events) and compete in these
events at the tournament individually and as the representatives for their team.
During a track meet, a team member may compete in the Javelin Throw and the
High Jump and has worked in practice to improve at both of these events. The
team member may win a medal individually for each event and his/her
performance will also contribute to overall team standings. Similarly, in Science
Olympiad, team members compete in events such as Describe It, Build It and
Bride-a-roni and work throughout the year to improve and get better at these
events. On the day of the tournament, team members compete in these events to
win individual medals and to help bring home a TEAM win. Put simply, each
team member chooses 2 or 3 events to become experts in during the year,
works with a partner, and then competes in chosen events at the tournament with
his/her partner to medal individually and to post a high rank for the team.
Scoring
Each team of students will be ranked. If there are 20 teams competing at a tournament, the rank will be from
1st place to 20th place. Teams finishing 1st place
receive 1 point for their team; teams finishing in 20th
place receive 20 points for their team. If a team
decides NOT to compete in an event, that team gets
an NS (No Show). In this case, the team would get N
+ 1, where N = 20 and thus the team would get a 21
for not competing in the event. The ranks for all
nineteen events are added together to get a team
score which determines how teams place for each
tournament. Low score wins! In addition, medals are
given out for each event. The number of medals is
proportionate to the number of teams competing in
each division. As a result, each team member is
competing for an individual medal as well as a team
trophy.
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Team Composition
Each team is comprised of up to eighteen students in grades K-5. Teams should strive to have a balanced
representation of grades, gender, and ethnic backgrounds reflected by the school or group. In all cases, a
coach must supervise each team. A maximum of five 6th graders are allowed on any one team. Teams
wanting to use students younger than 3rd grade may do so as there is no minimum age or grade, only a
maximum grade. Many events involve reading that will be difficult for students younger than 3rd grade.
Coaches are advised to take care in putting students in events where they can succeed (e.g. pairing a younger
student with an older one who can read the questions to them will help them be more successful).
Elementary teams are not restricted by school affiliation or enrollment. This means that a coach can recruit
and organize any eligible students regardless of their association with an education institution (public,
private, charter, home school). Students may only compete on one team within the elementary division, so if
a students elementary school and girl scout troop both have teams, the student must decide which team they
are going to compete on. As a means for ensuring that a team is representative of the local area, North
Carolina Science Olympiad will require that a team's head coach declare an official central team address at
the beginning of each year. Student participation on that team will require that the student have a permanent
address which is within a 60 minute driving time (radius) of the team's central address OR be within the
same geographic county. Coaches will be responsible for ensuring that this requirement is observed by using
GPS database information as the standard measure of driving time.
Schools, organizations, and groups may have as many teams as they like competing in an NCSO tournament.
To help accommodate as many teams as possible at a tournament, teams may only compete in one
tournament during the tournament season. For example, a team that competes in one of the Wake County
tournaments may not also register for and compete in a Cumberland County tournament. Tournament
organizers may restrict team participation in any way they see fit (i.e. only elementary schools from X
county, only 2 teams per school maximum, etc.) to better serve their tournament.
Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) Teams
The first team from any school or organization is considered the Varsity team, and any additional teams after
that are Junior Varsity (JV) teams, simply numbered JV1, JV2, and so on for however many teams the school
has. All students compete in the same room at the same time, however the designation difference comes
with distribution of medals and trophies. Varsity teams compete against the other varsity teams for one set
of medals and trophies, and JV teams compete against all other JV teams for a second set of medals and
trophies. Therefore, it is not possible for a school or organization to earn more than 1 varsity medal. This is
to help ensure that one school or organization with a large number of teams cannot sweep the competition
and earn all the medals. There must be at least 3 JV teams at a competition for a set of JV medals to be
issued; otherwise the JV results will be combined with varsity results for purposes of awarding medals and
trophies. Varsity and JV teams cannot mix and match their students. The varsity team member must
compete with the other varsity team member in an event, JV1 with JV1, JV2 with JV2, etc. Likewise,
Varsity and JV cannot share devices or resources in events; for example, the Varsity and JV team from the
same school cannot share a guidebook or use the same bottle rocket.
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Coach
An elementary team must have a head coach. A head coach registers and
manages the school or organizations teams via the NCSO website
(www.sciencenc.com) and serves as the point of contact for tournament
organizers. The head coach may be a parent, teacher, principal, business
person, community organizer, or any other caring adult. Successful
teams are organized and supported by a head coach that is willing to
make decisions and provide leadership. The head coach must be aware
of all the rules, manage the coaching resources, recruit students and
assistant coaches, involve the parents, and provide a clear reason for the
team to prepare and compete. Coaches should have the following qualities:
-Anyone who has a genuine interest in young people

-Anyone who is willing to stick with the team and see the job done
-Anyone who is willing to take the responsibility for the team at events
-Anyone who loves science, math, engineering and competition
-Anyone who has zeal and passion for authentic learning
-Anyone who wants to make a real difference in the lives of students
NCSO follows a "Never Alone" policy (www.sciencenc.com/policy-information/neveralone.php) to help

ensure the safety of our students and volunteers. This means that volunteers should never be alone with a
student who is not related to them. NCSO also requires that coaches have all people helping with their team
register with their school as a volunteer and complete the school districts background check procedure.
Training
NCSO staff and representatives present sessions and workshops around the state each year at various
conferences. Training is also available on October 6 & 7, 2017 at the NCSO Coaches Institute. Visit the
NCSO website to find out more information about this years Coaches Institute. Additional resources are
also available on the NCSO website in the Event Resources section. These webpages have lessons, links,
tips & videos to help students prepare throughout the year.
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Goggles and Safety Glasses
Safety glasses look similar to regular glasses. For events that require safety glasses, teams must use safety
glasses that are impacted rated ANSI Z87+ or higher. This is printed somewhere on the glasses, usually on
the arm. They must also wrap around the sides of the face or have side shields. Side shields are pieces on
the sides of the glasses that protect the eyes from the side as well as the front. Safety glasses may never be
used for events that require goggles.
Safety goggles are the type of eyewear that holds suction to the face. Events that require safety goggles must
be splash goggles with indirect vents. Not all safety goggles have an impact rating, nor is it required.
Goggles that do have an impact rating of ANSI Z87+ or higher may also be used in in place of safety glasses
in events that require them. To see a full explanation about the kinds of goggles and glasses, see our
webpage (www.sciencenc.com/event-help/Eye-Protection/eyeprotection.php).
These are an example of goggles from Carolina Biological. They have indirect vents and suction to your
face to prevent chemicals from getting to your eyes:
This is an example of safety glasses from Carolina Biological. These are impacted rated to at least Z87+ to
prevent anything from flying in to your eye during testing in engineering events.
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Cost
The registration fee for each elementary team is $300. This fee helps cover the cost of running the local
tournament and pays for facility fees, equipment,
materials, trophies, and medals. Teams may also
incur the cost of transportation to and from the
tournament site, lunch and snacks on the day of the
tournament, and purchasing materials used for
practicing for events (although most materials needed
for events are commonly found at home and in
educational settings). You DO NOT need to pay for
your team when you register online. You can click
pay by check and submit a check anytime up until
the time of the competition. If you register a team and later find that you will not be able to compete, or will
be bringing less teams than you originally planned, please contact the state office immediately. We must
know at least 6 weeks in advance about your change in registration or your team will still be charged the
registration fee.
How do coaches schedule activities during the year?

The following is an example schedule to help you think about how you might design your own. The timeline
may shift depending on what time of year your regional tournament is and your school calendar. If you
start later in the year than this, dont worry! The first year is a learning year, do the best you can and
bring the team to a tournament to celebrate all that they learned!
August/September *Register team(s) online and pay fees
*Download Coaches Manual
*Recruit students, parents, coaches
*Get support of Administration
*Study Coaches Manual
*Continue to recruit event coaches
October *Coaches attend NCSO Coaches Institute Oct 6 & 7
October December *Hold several interest meetings that showcase some of the events that students
are able to compete in
*Students fill out interest form for what events they want to compete in
*Head Coach decides who will participate in each event and notifies students
before winter break
January Competition day *Prepare for Regional Competition. This looks very different for various
teams. Some have 1 set meeting day each week, some meet with their
individual event coaches outside of school, some practice on Saturdays. Do
whatever works for you and your team.
*Order or make team t-shirts (not required, but kids love this)
*Organize, study, and build unity with partner and team members
*Fill out paperwork and check regional webpage often
After the competition *Evaluate Results from Regional Competition, have a team celebration, make
plans for what you will change for next year
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Forms
There is 1 form that every coach must bring to the tournament with them and turn in at registration:
- A Vandalism and Behavior form signed by the entire team and an administrator
The vandalism form is here in the manual. It is also available on your tournament page.
- A photo consent and release of liability is required for each student before they can compete. This can be
done online (preferred) or there is a paper copy available ( in English & Spanish) for any parents without
internet access. You do NOT have to have an email address in order to fill out the form, it can be posted as a
link in a text message or posted to your team webpage if you have one.
- A paper roster is included in this manual. It is a good way to collect this information, but the head coach
will need to enter this information online in our scoring program, Avogadro, before the tournament. More
information on this, along with the directions, will be sent out to each head coach about 1 month before the
tournament.
Terminology
Every group has their own lingo, and NCSO is no exception. Here are a few words that you will hear used
often:
Coach this is used to describe 2 kinds of people in the organization. The Head Coach, who is in charge of
the logistics and direction for the whole team, and the Event Coach, who has worked with a smaller group
of kids to prepare for a specific event. When we ask to speak to a coach, we always mean the Head Coach.
Team - another term with 2 meanings. The Team as a whole is the 18 members representing their school or
group. There are then the individual teams of 2 or 3 going in to represent the Team in individual events.
Impound some of your devices or boxes must be put in a holding area before the event begins. These must
be turned in to specific places at specific times. Anyone on the team can impound the device; parents and
coaches are welcome to help the kids with this piece. The team will be penalized if this is not done on time.
Walk-in while most of our events are tests happening behind closed doors, walk-in events mean that
students can show up any time during the time block and compete. These are typically construction events
that have a line of kids waiting to compete. You do not have to be in line at the start of the period in order to
compete in these events, but you must be in line before the end of the period in order to be counted.
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North Carolina Science Olympiad Policy Letter

VANDALISM and BEHAVIOR
Schools participating in Regional and State Science Olympiads must submit a copy of the Vandalism and
Behavior Policy signed by both the coach and principal of the school. The signed statement is to be submitted at
the time of the on-site registration. Teams not submitting the Vandalism and Behavior Policy will NOT be
allowed to compete.
If a team member or members or persons associated with a team commit(s) an act of vandalism, the team will be
disqualified from the competition and will receive no points. No member of that team will be awarded a medal in
any event. An individual who commits an act of vandalism will be barred from future competitions.
Each sponsoring school must agree to pay the cost of repairing damage from any act of vandalism or theft. A
school must pay this restitution before it can register a team for the North Carolina Science Olympiad in a
subsequent year.
Vandalism means a deliberate action that results in damage to property. This includes, but is not limited to,
graffiti, damage to facility property and damage to the personal property of competitors, judges and spectators.
All trash left by the school should be deposited into large black trash bags and facilities used by teams should be
left exactly how they were found.
If the behavior of a school member or members or persons associated with a team is disrespectful to an event
leader, a volunteer, a regional director, or state office staff, the team may be disqualified from the competition
and receive no points. No member of that team may be awarded a medal in any event. An individual who is
disrespectful may be banned from future competitions.
I have read and understand the North Carolina Science Olympiad policy on acceptable behavior including the
prohibition of vandalism and discourtesy, and I have discussed this with the team members and persons attending
that are associated with the team, and will accept the consequences of violation of the policy as assessed by the
North Carolina Science Olympiad officials.
________________________________________
School Name
_________________________________________ _______________
Principal Date
_________________________________________ _______________
Coach Date
Participating students sign on next page.
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North Carolina Science Olympiad Policy Letter

_________________________________________
Student Signature 1
_________________________________________
Student Signature 2
_________________________________________
Student Signature 3
_______________________________________
Student Signature 4
_________________________________________
Student Signature 5
_________________________________________
Student Signature 6
_________________________________________
Student Signature 7
_______________________________________
Student Signature 8
_________________________________________
Student Signature 9
_________________________________________
Student Signature 10
_________________________________________
_______________________________________
_________________________________________
_______________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_______________________________________
Student Signature 18 12
2018 NCSO
North Carolina Science Olympiad Elementary Team Roster
Team (circle one): Varsity JV1 JV2 JV3 JV4 ** Division A is limited to five (5) sixth grade students
Name Gender Ethnicity (circle one) Grade Level

African-American, Asian/Pacific Island,
1 M/F Caucasian, Hispanic, Indian-Pakistani,
Native American, Other
Name and Grade Level are required. Gender and Ethnicity columns are not required but help NCSO collect and report data
about populations reached by the organization. It is expressed in percentages and may be used on grant applications or in the
annual report. This data is not used to identify individual students.
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2018 NCSO Elementary Event Descriptions
3, 2, 1, Blast Off! (Science as Inquiry)

Prior to the tournament, teams construct two rockets designed to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time.
Rockets are made from 1-liter soda bottles and pressurized with air and water. In 2018, parachutes are allowed
and rockets will be launched at 60 psi.
Backyard Biologist (1.E.2, 1.L.1, 2.L.1, 3.L.2, 6.L.1)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of living organisms that they may encounter in their own backyard. In
2018, the focus will be on plants, trees and birds. Teams will be required to identify organisms from a provided
list and know about the habitat and conditions required for growth of the organisms and which ones are North
Carolina state symbols.
Bridge-a-Roni (Science as Inquiry, 4.P.2)

Teams will design and build ahead of time the lightest bridge from only pasta and glue, with the highest
structural efficiency possible (lightest bridge that holds the most weight, up to 10 kg). Each team may bring
and enter only one bridge.
Chew the Fat Digestive System (3.L.1, 4.L.2, 5.L.1)

Teams will demonstrate knowledge of the human digestive system and nutrition using diagrams and models.
Team members may be required to identify body parts and their basic functions in this system.
Data Crunchers (Measurement & Data, Science as Inquiry)

Teams will demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts. Teams will need to be able to make
and interpret graphs and make observations about trends in the data represented. Teams will also need to be
able to estimate and measure basic units of length, weight, volume, and temperature and perform calculations
of area, perimeter, volume, time, money, fractions, & percentages.
Describe It, Build It (Science as Inquiry)

Technical writing skills are an important part of an engineer or scientists abilities to communicate precisely
and clearly. This event will test a teams ability to effectively communicate by having one team member
write a description of how to build a device and having his or her partner re-construct the device from raw
materials using their partners description.
Duct Tape Challenge (Science as Inquiry)

Teams will arrive at the competition and be given a set of materials, including Duck Tape, and a task. They
will then have a given amount of time to complete whatever task they are assigned, such as building the
tallest tower, widest bridge, most bouyant boat, etc. The task parameters will be clearly outlined for the
teams. At the end of the build time, teams will test their structures to determine the winner.
Ecology Experts Forests, Deserts & Grasslands (3.E.2, 4.P.1, 5.L.2, 6.L.2)
Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of the following biomes: Forests, Deserts & Grasslands. Topics
include but are not limited to the ecology of the biomes and the roles and interactions of living and nonliving
things within them.
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Fossil Frenzy (4.E.2)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of geologic time, dinosaurs, fossils, and the fossilization process.
Movers & Shakers (3.E.2)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes and related land formations.
Science Password (Science as Inquiry)

Team members will take turns giving clues for a set of scientific terms or concepts from across all K-5
science and math objectives for their teammates to guess. Teams of up to 3.
Sky Quest (1.E.1, 3.E.1, 4.E.1)

Teams will be tested on their knowledge of the solar system. Topics include the sun, moon, planets, rotation
and revolution, moon phases, seasons, and identification of constellations/stars based on a provided list.
STEM Design Challenge by ThermoFisher (Science as Inquiry)

Teams of 3 will be given a challenge to complete in advance using only Knex pieces. They must practice
designs in advance but build on site.
Super Sleuths (3.P.2, 4.P.2, 5.P.2, Science as Inquiry)

Given a mystery scenario, evidence, and a list of possible suspects, teams will be expected to perform a
series of tests to draw specific conclusions about the scenario and suspects. The test results along with other
evidence will be used to solve the mystery of the scenario. 2018 topics include identifying unknown
powders, distinguishing between different types of hairs, fibers and shoeprints.
The Heat is On (2.P.2, 3.P.2, 3.P.3, 4.P.2, 4.P.3, 5.P.2, 5.P.3)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of energy forms, transfer of energy, physical changes, and
changes in states of matter due to heating and cooling.
Trajeggtory (Science as Inquiry)

Teams will build on site a device to protect a raw egg from breaking when tossed over a bar or barrier and allowed to
fall to the floor or pavement. The goal is to build the lightest device that keeps the egg from cracking or breaking
during its impact with the floor or pavement.
Weather Permitting (K.E.1, 2.E.1, 5.E.1)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of conducting investigations and using appropriate technology to
build an understanding of weather and climate with a special focus in 2018 on severe storms.
Whats the Matter? (2.P.2, 3.P.2, 4.P.2, 5.P.2, 6.P.2)

Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of the physical properties of matter and the behavior of solids, liquids,
and gases before and after they undergo changes or interactions.
Work It Out (Science as Inquiry)

Teams of 4 will compete in a relay race to show their overall understanding of the topics covered in NCSO
events this year. Pairs of students will complete an activity or task and answer quiz questions before their
teammates can begin their portion of the relay.
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3, 2, 1, Blast Off!

1. DESCRIPTION: Prior to the tournament, teams will construct two rockets designed to stay aloft for the greatest
amount of time. In 2018, the pressure vessel must be a 1-liter bottle.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 3.P.1, 5.P.1, Science as Inquiry
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
4. MAXIMUM TIME: 10 min.
5. TEAMS: Must bring rockets, carbonated beverage bottle labels (if removed), and safety glasses. Teams may also
bring funnels, measuring cups, and/or other tools to help prepare their rockets.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide water rocket launcher, water, score sheets, and timers.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Teams must wear safety glasses during the loading, launching, and retrieving of
their rockets.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. CONSTRUCTION PARAMETERS:
a. PRESSURE VESSEL: The rocket pressure vessel is the part of the rocket that attaches to the launcher and is
filled with water and air. The pressure vessel must be made out of a single 1-liter plastic carbonated beverage
bottle.
i. LABELS may be removed from the bottle but labels must be presented at the safety inspection to prove
the bottle is carbonated. Rockets without labels must not be launched, as this is a safety issue.
ii. BOTTLE OPENING: Not all bottles are made the same, and there is no one specific brand that is
guaranteed to work. Some bottles will not fit on the launcher. The easiest way to test this is by sliding a
piece of 1/2 inch PVC into the bottle. If it fits loosely, the bottle will go on the launcher. If the PVC
sticks and you have to apply any force to slide the PVC in, the bottle will not go on the launcher. See
the event help webpage for assistance in checking if yours will fit.
iii. STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY: The structural integrity of the pressure vessel must not be altered. This
includes, but is not limited to: physical, thermal, or chemical damage (e.g., cutting, sanding, using any
glues). Event supervisors must assess the structural integrity by looking through the nozzle and sides of
the bottle for discoloration, bubbles, thinning or cuts in the walls. Rockets violating this rule must not be
launched, as this is a safety issue.
b. MATERIALS:
i. Metal of any type (including tape with metal fibers) is prohibited everywhere on
the rocket. Rockets violating this rule must not be launched; this is a safety issue.
ii. Toy or professional rockets or parts of rockets are not allowed.
c. NOSE CONE: Rockets must use a blunt or round nose. The nose must be designed such
that when a standard bottle cap is placed on top of the nose, no portion of the nose
touches the inside top of the bottle cap (see Figure 1). Teams must not use a nose that is
Figure 2
sharp, pointed, or consisting of a rigid spike regardless of the material used. Rockets
violating this rule must not be launched; this is a safety issue.
d. FINS and OTHER PARTS: Fins and other parts added to the pressure vessel must be 5
cm or higher above the level of the bottles opening to ensure rockets fit on the launcher
(see Figure 2).
e. ENERGY SOURCE: Explosives, gases other than air, chemical reactions,
pyrotechnics, electric or electronic devices, elastic powered flight assists, throwing devices, remote controls and
tethers are prohibited at any time. All energy imparted to the rocket at launch must originate from the water/air
pressure combination. Rockets violating this rule must not be launched, as this is a safety issue.
16
2018 NCSO
f. RECOVERY SYSTEM: Any free-fall recovery system is allowed provided it does not violate any other rule;
however, the recovery system must be judged as safe. Example: a parachute is allowed, but must be attached
by tying or taping it to the rocket.
10. THE COMPETITION:

a. All rockets must be launched using the launcher and water provided by the supervisor.
b. Only one launch is allowed per rocket. If a team wishes to use both launches, they must have 2 rockets.
c. Teams must arrive at the competition site ready to launch. Teams must bring and wear safety glasses for
loading, launching, and retrieving their rockets. Teams must also present labels from the pressure vessel if
labels were removed. Following the safety inspection of each rocket, teams will add water to each rocket.
When called to launch, the teams will have a total of 10 minutes to launch 1 or 2 rockets brought to the
competition (only 1 launch per rocket). Only rocket(s) launched before the time expires will be scored. Teams
may not share rockets with other teams (i.e. a varsity team may not loan a rocket to a JV team from the same
or different schools). Pieces from 1 rocket cannot be recycled for use on the second rocket.
d. All rockets will be launched at 60 psi. Once the rocket is pressurized, no contestant may touch or approach the
rocket.
e. Time aloft is recorded in tenths of a second. Timing begins when the rocket separates from the launcher and
stops when any part of the rocket touches the ground, goes out of sight, or comes to rest on a tree, building, or
other obstruction.
f. Event leaders are strongly encouraged to use three independent timers on all launches. The middle value of the
three timers should be the officially recorded time.
11. SCORING:
a. Rockets that violate a safety related rule under Construction Parameters will not be launched and will receive
participation points only.
b. Ranking within each tier is determined by the greatest combined time aloft for both rocket flights.
i. Tier 1: Rockets launched without any violations
ii. Tier 2: Any launch with competition violations, or a non-safety construction violation.
c. Ties in tiers 1 and 2 are broken by the better score of each tied teams longest single rocket flight.
12. EVENT RESOURCES:

See the Event Resources tab on our website at www.sciencenc.com for instructions, videos and more.
17
2018 NCSO
3,2,1 Blast Off! 2018 Score Sheet (revised 7/11/17)

School Name: ______________________________ Team (Circle One): Varsity JV1 JV2 JV3 JV4
Student Names: _________________________________________________________________________
ROCKET 1 ROCKET 2
Safety Criteria Safety Criteria

________9.a. Used 1-liter plastic carbonated ________9.a. Used 1-liter plastic carbonated
beverage bottle. beverage bottle.
________9.a.i. Teams presented labels if removed ________9.a.i. Teams presented labels if removed
from pressure vessel or label was still on from pressure vessel or label was still on
bottle. bottle.
________9.a.iii. Structural integrity of pressure ________9.a.iii. Structural integrity of pressure
vessel unaltered. vessel unaltered.
________9.b. No metal parts anywhere on rocket. ________9.b. No metal parts anywhere on rocket.
________ 9.b. No commercial rockets or parts. ________ 9.b. No commercial rockets or parts.
________9.c. Rocket has a blunt or rounded nose. ________9.c. Rocket has a blunt or rounded nose.
________9.e. Only water/air used at launch. ________9.e. Only water/air used at launch.
________9.f. Recovery system is safe. ________9.f. Recovery system is safe.

________7. Wearing impact rated safety glasses or
________7. Wearing impact rated safety glasses or
impact rated goggles at all times (one
impact rated goggles at all times (one
warning ok).
warning ok).
If any safety criteria above are not met, do not If any safety criteria above are not met, do not
launch. launch.
Construction Criteria Construction Criteria
________9.d. All parts of rocket are 5 cm or further ________9.d. All parts of rocket are 5 cm or further
from opening of bottle. from opening of bottle.
If any construction criteria above not met, then score If any construction criteria above not met, then score
in Tier 2. in Tier 2.
Rocket 1 Time Aloft (sec) Record all times. Rocket 2 Time Aloft (sec) Record all times.
(Use time from middle of 3 timers): _____________ (Use time from middle of 3 timers): _____________
Tier (Circle one): 1 2 Combined Time Aloft: ____________ Final Rank: __________
Tiebreaker: Greatest time aloft by a single rocket.
18
2018 NCSO
Backyard Biologist
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of living organisms that they may encounter in
their own backyard. In 2018, the focus will be on trees, plants, and birds. Teams will be required to
identify organisms from a provided list and know about the habitat and conditions required for growth of the
organisms and which ones are North Carolina state symbols.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 2.L.1, 3.L.2, 6.L.1
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Must bring writing instruments. Teams may also bring up to 2 commercially produced field guides
and/or 2 1-inch, 3-ring binders with pages in any form, from any source, contained in page protectors. (This
means 2 guides, or 2 binders, or a guide and a binder). Actual plant & leaf samples are allowed in the binders as
long as they are in plastic sheet protectors. No actual bird parts or feathers are allowed in the binders. Teams may
also bring up to two hand lenses.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide a hands-on event with all necessary items, objects, materials, questions, and
response sheets for participants to complete stations. Examples include but are not limited to: drawings, scenarios,
questions, leaves, photographs, specimens, and songs.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations that assess
any or all of the following topics:
a. Identification of specimens, by common name, from the Official Specimen List, including which are NC
official state symbols. No more than 50% of the test will be identification of specimens.
b. Plants and trees
i. The structure and function of roots, stems, leaves, seeds, and flower parts.
ii. The distinct stages of the life cycle of seed plants.
iii. The concepts of gravitropism, phototropism, thigmotropism, & hydrotropism.
c. Horticulture
i. Basic properties (texture and capacity to hold water) and components (sand, clay, and humus) of soil
and how these determine the ability of soil to support the growth and survival of many plants.
ii. What is needed to grow a successful garden and harvest food to eat
d. Birds
i. Basic characteristics and description of habitat
ii. Eating habits, and life cycles.
iii. Importance to the ecosystem and impact on humans or human activities
10. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or quality
of responses to pre-selected questions chosen by the event leader.

19
2018 NCSO
Backyard Biologist 2018 Official Specimen List

For identification students only need to know the common name and if it is an official NC State Symbol.
Scientific names are given for reference purposes only.
Trees (Identify by leaves, bark, and seeds.): Birds (Identify by songs, calls, and coloring)
American elm (Ulmus Americana) American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) Barred Owl (Strix varia)
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
Black walnut (Juglans nigra) Brown-headed Nuthatch (Sitta pusilla)
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) *NC State Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
Flower Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus)
Loblolly pine** (Pinus taeda) House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
Red maple (Acer rubrum) Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) *NC State
Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) Bird
Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Southern red oak (Quercus falcate) Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
Sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
Tulip poplar (or yellow poplar) (Liriodendron White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)
tulipifera)
**Pine tree generic (no specific type) is the state tree

of NC.
Bushes, Vines, and Flowers

Azalea (Rhododendron obtusum)
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Carolina Lily (Lilium michauxii)
*NC State Wildflower
Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)
Eastern Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)
Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina)
Kudzu (Pueraria lobata)
Pink Ladys Slipper (Cypripedium acaule)
Scuppernong Grape (Vitis rotundifolia) *NC State
Fruit
Strawberry (genus fragaria) *NC State Red Berry
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)
Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula) *NC State
Carniverous Plant
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans)
20
Bridge-a-Roni
1. DESCRIPTION: The objective of this event is to design and build the lightest bridge, constructed only of pasta
and glue, with the greatest structural efficiency, capable of supporting a load of up to 10 kg. Each team may bring
and enter only one pasta bridge.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: Science as Inquiry
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2 4. MAXIMUM TIME: 10 min.
5. TEAMS: Teams must bring bridge and safety glasses.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide all equipment, except for eye protection, needed for testing and scoring.
The equipment needed is as follows:
a. A testing platform with two flat support surfaces 45.0 cm apart from each other, at least 15 cm wide.
b. A square loading block, 5.0 cm long x 5.0 cm wide x 2.0 cm tall (+/- 1 mm) with a hole drilled in the center of
the square face. Connected through this hole will be a eyebolt (with
wing nut and washer) connected to a chain. The loading block and chain
assembly is placed on the bridge by the team during testing and used to
suspend the bucket and sand beneath the bridge.
c. An electronic balance or scale that can mass up to 12 kg (the sand scale)
and one that can mass a bridge up to 400 g to the nearest .1 g (the bridge
scale). Bridges exceeding the capacity of the bridge scale will be massed
on the sand scale instead.
d. A plastic tarp to protect floor from sand, if needed.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Teams must wear safety glasses throughout event.
8. IMPOUND: None.
9. CONSTRUCTION:
a. The bridge is to be a single structure constructed of ONLY pasta, multi-purpose glue, and/or hot glue. Multi-
purpose glue must be labeled safe and non-toxic (i.e. Elmers). Other materials are not allowed, including
paint, rubber bands, twist ties, other types of glue, etc.
b. The bridge must be free standing and span a 45.0 cm distance while resting on top of the testing platform.
c. The bridge shall not exceed 55.0 cm in length, 15.0 cm in width, and not extend below the top of the testing
platform when unloaded.
d. The minimum height of the bridge is 10.0 cm; there is no maximum height on the bridge.
e. The bridge must support, at the center of its span, the loading block and chain assembly described in 6.b. The
bridge must have an adequately sized opening at its center that allows the bolt and chain to pass through the
bridge and hang below the bridge. The loading block assembly must rest freely on the bridge and cannot be
rigidly attached to the bridge.
f. If the bridge has multiple levels, the team may decide which level to place the loading block on, as long as it
remains at the center of the span.
2018 NCSO
10. THE COMPETITION:

a. Once teams enter the event area to compete, they may not leave the area or receive outside assistance,
materials, or communication until they are finished competing. Only contestants and judges will be
allowed in the event area while teams are competing. Teams violating this rule will be disqualified.
b. All bridges must be measured and weighed prior to testing.
c. Teams must strive to handle the bridge themselves throughout the process of measuring and loading.
Event leaders should only handle bridges as a last resort.
d. Teams must place the bridge on the testing platform themselves so that the ends of the bridge rest on the
top surfaces of the testing platform.
e. Teams will place the loading block on the bridge at the center of its span so the chain hangs freely without
touching the testing platform, and connect a 5 gallon bucket to the chain below the testing platform.
f. The team will be given 3 minutes to load sand into the bucket once the loading block and bridge are
positioned.
g. Loading must stop when failure of the bridge occurs, when the maximum load of 10 kg is supported, or
when the time expires. Failure is defined as the inability of the bridge to support additional load, or
something other than the bridge is supporting the load (i.e., the bridge leans and chain touches edge of
platform, or sags enough that the bucket touches ground, or part of the bridge sags below the top of the
testing platform).
h. Event leaders will remove sand added after failure occurs. Event leaders will also remove any pasta bits
that fall into the sand. The Load Supported at that time will be used to calculate the Structural Efficiency.
i. The mass of the loading block assembly, bucket, and sand are included in the Load Supported.
11. SCORING:
a. The best structural efficiency (highest number) wins, determined by the following equation:
Structural Efficiency = Load Supported (grams) Mass of Bridge (grams)
b. Bridges that hold more than 10 kg will be scored using 10 kg (10,000 g) as the maximum Load Supported.
c. Bridges will be scored in 2 tiers:
Tier 1: Bridges with no violations
Tier 2: Bridges with construction violations
Bridges that cannot be tested for any reason (e.g. cannot accommodate the loading block or team does not
have proper eye protection) will be given participation points only.
d. Ties will be broken in favor of the team with the lighter bridge.
12. RESOURCES:
22
2018 NCSO
Bridge-a-Roni Score Sheet 2018 (revised 7/11/17)
School Name: _______________________________Team (Circle One): Varsity JV1 JV2 JV3 JV4
Student Names:__________________________________________________________________________
Safety Criteria: Teams must wear proper eye protection at all times during launches. No dangerous
objects or substances are used. If this criteria is violated, then the device can not be tested.
Are all safety criteria met by the team and device? __________ If yes, continue.
Mass of bridge: ______________________ g

YES NO
1. The bridge is to be a single structure constructed of
ONLY pasta, multi-purpose glue, and/or hot glue. _____ _____
2. The bridge is free standing and spans a 45.0 cm opening

while resting on top of the testing platform. _____ _____
3. The bridge is < 55.0 cm in length, < 15.0 cm in width, > 10.0 cm in height
and does not extend below the top of the testing platform when unloaded. _____ _____
(circle violation if there is one)
4. The bridge supports the loading block and chain assembly

at the center of its span and allows chain to hang freely. _____ _____
Teams with a no checked above will be placed in Tier #2. Tier = _________
Teams with no eye protection or who continue to remove eye

protection after warnings or devices that can not be tested will
be given participation points only Participation only? _________
If the team left the area or received outside help during loading, then
check here for disqualification. DQ? _________
Check the reason testing stopped. _____Time expired _____Bridge failed ______ All load held
Maximum mass to be supported = 10,000 g.
_______________ g / ______________ g = __________________

(mass supported) (mass of bridge) (Structural Efficiency)
Tier (Circle one): 1 2 P DQ Final Rank: __________

(Ties broken by the lowest bridge mass)
23
2018 NCSO
Chew the Fat
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will demonstrate knowledge of the human digestive system and proper nutrition.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 4.L.2, 5.L.1
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Must bring a writing instrument.
response sheets for participants to complete stations. Examples include but are not limited to: models, slides, and
pictures.
8. IMPOUND: No
a. Identify the major organs and body parts involved in the digestive process and understand the important job
each body part has:
i. salivary glands
ii. taste buds
iii. teeth: incisors, premolars, molars, and canines
iv. esophagus, stomach, liver, small intestine, large intestine
v. kidney, urine, bladder
b. Compare and contrast chemical and physical digestion.
c. Understand food and the benefits of vitamins & minerals.
i. Vitamin List: A, B, C, D, E, K
ii. Minerals List: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Sodium
d. Be able to test for the presence of fats and oils using the paper bag test and know which foods tend to contain
high amounts of fats and oils.
e. Know what foods are considered starches and the result of an iodine test on starch and non starch foods.
Students will not be required to perform this test but may be shown pictures of the results of this test and asked
to draw conclusions about the results.
f. Know how to use food labels to make better food choices, specifically identifying serving size, vitamin and
mineral content, overall caloric content plus identifying where the calories are coming from (fat, protein,
carbohydrate).
g. Know common foods in the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, dairy and where they fit in
the food pyramid and in the USDA My Food Plate.
h. Understand the relationship among the amount of food energy (calories) consumed, weight, and metabolism.

24
2018 NCSO
Data Crunchers
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will demonstrate their understanding of metric measurement by estimating and
measuring length (meter), mass (gram), fluid volume (liter), angles, and temperature (Celsius). Teams should also
be able to create and interpret data tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and pictographs and make basic
calculations that include time, money, fractions and percentage.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: Measurement & Data is a unifying concept for all grade levels
across the Common Core Standards. It also aligns with Science as Inquiry in the Essential Standards for all
grades.
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Must bring NOTHING to the competition, writing instruments will be provided.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Must provide writing instruments and student response sheets for each team. Event leaders
may also provide items such as: rulers, calculators, protractors, meter tapes, meter sticks, balances of any kind,
beakers, graduated cylinders, thermometers, objects to measure and various types of graphs to be analyzed.
8. IMPOUND: No
a. Estimate or measure the angle degree, mass, volume, length, area, or temperature of various objects in metric
units to the precision requested.
b. Understand relative scale of metric units and which is appropriate for measurement (mg, g, kg, mm, cm, m,
km, mL, L, kL, oC, oK, cm2, cm3) in different scenarios.
c. Collect data (e.g. number of water drops various coins can hold) and represent that data in a correctly labeled
graph or data table.
d. Plot data points, make and interpret data tables, draw and interpret graphs, including what trends can be
predicted from the data shown.
e. Make estimates of data between or beyond the data points given.
f. Draw and identify lines and angles, and classify shapes by properties of their lines and angles.
g. Calculate the amount of time between two events (No time zone calculations).
h. Calculate fractions or percentages based on charts, tables or data.
i. Solve word problems that involve the use of money.
of answers to selected questions chosen by the event leader prior to competition.

25
2018 NCSO
Describe It, Build It
1. DESCRIPTION: Technical writing skills are an important part of an engineer or scientists abilities to
communicate precisely and clearly. This event will test a teams ability to effectively communicate by having one
team member write a description of how to build a device and having his or her partner construct the device from
raw materials using their partners description.
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Teams must bring a writing instrument. No other resources are allowed.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide paper and all necessary materials.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event should occur in two rooms so that the builders are not in the same room as the
describers while they are writing.
a. One team member (the describer) is shown an object (which may be abstract) built from, but not limited to,
office & craft materials (e.g., straws, push pins, Styrofoam balls, paper cups, Popsicle sticks, paper, stickers,
etc.) or commercial sets (e.g., Knex, Tinker Toys, Lego, Lincoln Logs, etc.). The describer has 25 minutes to
write a description of the object and how to build it. There will be no advantage to finishing early. The event
leader will notify teams if the color of the pieces does not matter.
b. Only words and numbers may be used. Symbols, drawings and diagrams are not allowed, with the exception of
common punctuation and editing symbols. Printable punctuation marks and/or editing symbols that can be
produced on a PC standard QWERTY keyboard by pressing a single key or a single key in combination with
the shift key may be used. These must be used in their normal context and not as symbols to form a key or
code.
c. All abbreviations (not symbols) must be defined either at the beginning or when the abbreviation is first used.
(e.g. rt = right)
d. The event leader will pass the description to the other team member (the builder) who will use the description
to create the original object in twenty (20) minutes. Time will be recorded if teams finish early and used as a
tiebreaker.
10. SCORING:
a. The team that builds the object most like the original object wins.
b. Any improper use of symbols, codes or pictures of any kind (including use of words or letters as pictures or
codes) will result in the team being placed in a second tier below devices without any writing violations.
c. Points will be given for each piece of material placed in the proper connection and location compared to the
model according to a scoring rubric.
d. Pieces that are connected correctly beyond an incorrect connection will be counted in the score. No penalty
will be assessed for parts that were not used.
e. Shortest time for the construction phase will be used as a tiebreaker, there is no benefit to finishing the writing
portion early.

26
2018 NCSO
Duct Tape Challenge

1. DESCRIPTION: This event will test a teams ability to design and build a
structure primarily from Duck Tape that completes a task, which wont be
revealed until the competition begins.
2. TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: No MAXIMUM TIME: 50 min
3. TEAMS: Teams may bring something to write with, a ruler, scissors, and a stopwatch.
4. EVENT LEADERS: Must provide challenge instructions and all materials needed for the event.
6. THE COMPETITION:
a. LOCATION: This event should occur in a large room or in multiple rooms at the same time. As much as
possible, teams should be given the same type of area to build (e.g. space on the floor, flat desktop).
b. MATERIALS: Each team will be given the exact same type and quantity of materials, including a Shurtape-
brand duct tape. Examples of supplemental materials may be: styrofoam bowls, drinking straws, paper clips,
cups, string, paper, and popsicle sticks. Materials are not limited to this list. The actual materials provided may
be entirely different. Only those materials given to the competitors may be used to build the structure.
c. TASK: The event leader will provide task instructions that identify the task to complete. The instructions will
not be released until the beginning of the competition. Example tasks may be: parachute that descends the
slowest, longest bridge span to support a tennis ball without sagging, lightest boat that holds the most, tallest
sail that stands up to a fan, longest/highest/slowest ramp to deliver a ball to a destination, plane that flies the
furthest/longest, etc. Tasks are not limited to this list.
d. TIME: The team of students will have a maximum of 35 minutes to complete the specified task. The
remainder of the time will be used for judging.
e. ATTACHMENT: Unless specifically stated in the task instructions, devices must be freestanding and may
not be attached to a tabletop, floor, ceiling or other support.
7. SCORING:
a. Devices will be judged according to the guidelines set forth by the event leader. The dimensions specified in
the task instructions will be measured and recorded as accurately as possible by the event leader.
b. At the event leaders discretion, devices that are required to accomplish a task (e.g. support a load for so many
seconds) may either be given an assigned number of points for completing the task, or be tiered so that all
devices completing the task rank above those that do not. This must be specified in the task instruction sheet.

This event is sponsored by Shurtape Technologies, LLC
27
2018 NCSO
Ecology Expert
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of Desert, Forest, & Grassland ecosystems and
biomes.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 1.L.1, 1.L.2, 1.E.2, 3.E.2, 4.L.1, 5.L.2, 6.L.2
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Must bring writing instruments. No other resources are allowed.
response sheets for participants to complete stations.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations with
questions, models, pictures, diagrams, and maps that assess any or all of the following topics:
a. The following ecosystems and biomes:
ii. Desert: Coastal, Hot and dry, Semiarid (NOTE: cold deserts will not be covered, as they are grouped
with arctic)
iii. Grassland: Savanna, Temperate
iv. Forest: Temperate, Taiga, Tropical
b. Components of desert, grassland, and forest ecosystems and biomes.
i. Location on earth
ii. Biotic and abiotic components
iii. Adaptations of organisms that live in the biome
c. The functions of organisms within each ecosystem and biome.
i. Producers
ii. Consumers
iii. Decomposers
d. The physical characteristics of each biome.
i. Precipitation
ii. Temperature
iii. Soil Nutrients
iv. Amount of sunlight
e. The interaction of organisms within an ecosystem
i. Food chains & webs
ii. Trophic levels
iii. Predator/prey interaction
iv. Symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism
of answers to pre-selected questions chosen by the event leader.

28
2018 NCSO
Fossil Frenzy

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of geologic time, fossils and the fossilization
process.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARD ALIGNMENT: 4.E.2
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Must bring writing instruments. Teams may bring one 8.5 x 11 two-sided page of notes
containing information in any form from any source.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide a hands-on event with all necessary items, objects, materials, questions,
and response sheets for participants to complete stations.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations that
assess any or all of the following topics:
a. Be able to identify conditions required for a plant or an animal to become fossilized.

b. Be able to distinguish between modes of preservation: petrification, mineral replacement, cast/mold,
imprint, encasement in amber/copal, mummification, freezing, entrapment in tar/asphalt.
c. Be able to make inferences about dinosaurs from footprints, teeth, body structures and coprolites.
d. Understand the Geologic Time Scale and be able to distinguish between era, period, and epoch and know
where the dinosaurs and humans fit in on that time scale.
e. Identification of the dinosaurs & fossils on the Official Fossil List from pictures, replicas, actual
specimens, descriptions, etc.
f. Dinosaurs: Distinguish between carnivore, herbivore, and omnivore. Identify the geologic time period
(Triassic, Jurassic, or Cretaceous) the dinosaur is from.
g. Identify the environments: marine, terrestrial, fresh water, etc. for all species listed on the Official Fossil
List.
10. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or
quality of answers to pre-selected questions chosen by the event leader.

29
2018 NCSO
2018 Official Fossil List

Students will have to know common names only!
INVERTEBRATES
Corals
Trilobites
Crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crabs, barnacles)
Brachiopods
Bivalves (Clams, mussels, oysters)
Cephalopods (nautiloids, ammonoids, belemnoids)
Echinoids (sea urchins, sand dollars)
Asteroids (sea stars, brittle stars)
VERTEBRATES
Fish
Sharks (*Shark Teeth) and rays
Bony Fish *Osteichthyans
Ichthyosaurs
Plesiosaurs
Pterosaurs
Dinosaurs
Acrocanthosaurus
Allosaurus
Ankylosaurus
Apatosaurus
Archaeopteryx
Coelophysis
Deinonychus
Diplodocus
Parasaurolophus
Plateosaurus
Velociraptor
Tyrannosaurus rex
Iguanodon
Stegosaurus
Triceratops
TRACE FOSSILS
Trails, Borings
Tracks, Trackways
Burrows, Tubes
Coprolites
OTHER
Amber
*Petrified wood
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2018 NCSO
Movers and Shakers

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes and related
land formations.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 3.E.2
5. TEAMS: Each team must bring writing instruments. No other resources are allowed.
response sheets for participants to complete stations.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None. 8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format using pictures, models, and diagrams and maps.
Teams will rotate through stations that assess any or all of the following:
a. Features of earthquakes including what they are, where they can occur, why they occur (the underlying
mechanism), and how they are measured.
i. Know how the following terms apply to earthquakes: tectonic plates, epicenter, fault, foreshock, aftershock,
seismograph and seismogram, P waves, S waves.
b. Features of volcanoes including what they are, the parts of the world that have volcanoes, why they erupt (the
underlying mechanism), and the impact of eruptions on both humans and the environment.
i. Know how the following terms apply to volcanoes: geysers, hot spots, hot springs, magma, lava, ash,
mudslides, upper mantle, pyroclastic flow, pumice.
ii. Know the different stages and types of volcanoes
c. How volcanoes and earthquakes related
d. The types of landmasses and rocks that are formed from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
e. The theory of plate tectonics, how it works, how it affects earthquakes and volcanoes and what features
are formed from the movement of tectonic plates
of answers to pre-selected questions chosen by the event leader.

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2018 NCSO
Science Password
1. DESCRIPTION: Team members will take turns guessing verbal clues for scientific terms or concepts from across all
Essential Standards for Elementary Math & Science.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: Vocabulary found throughout K-6 Science & Math Essential Standards
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 3 (2 is also allowed)
4. MAXIMUM TIME: 4 minutes per team.
5. TEAMS: Teams must be in groups of 2 or 3 in order to compete in this event. Teams must not bring anything with them to
the competition.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide stopwatches, 40 words printed on index cards, score sheets, paper and pencils.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None. 8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION:
a. Teams will have 4 minutes to complete up to 40 terms.
b. All teams will receive the same terms in the same order. The terms will consist of one or two words coming ONLY from
the list provided in these rules.
c. Team members will alternate giving out and receiving clues. All team members must rotate turns on being the clue giver
and guesser. Teams may pick the initial order of rotation. This event requires a minimum of 2 team members to
participate.
d. Timing begins when the judge shows the first team member the first term and ends when the team has correctly identified
or passed the last term or when the 4-minute time period has expired. No other team member may see the term.
e. Clues may consist of one or two words only and may not contain any part or form of the term. Proper nouns and proper
names may be used as clues however; letters, acronyms, etc. (e.g. DNA) may not be used. A hyphenated word is
considered one word. Participants may not give visual clues with their hands or bodies.
f. Another clue may not be given until one of the responders has given a response. The responders may give multiple
responses to a clue.
g. Both guessers can guess at the same time.
h. The event leader will indicate when the correct term is given. Different forms of the term will not be accepted with the
exception of plurals and singulars, which will be accepted interchangeably (e.g. calories or calorie would be accepted).
i. If a team violates any of the rules regarding the use of verbal or visual communication, the term in play at the time of the
violation will be counted as a pass.
j. Any team member (person giving or receiving clues) may choose to pass on a term. Once the team passes on a term they
may not return to it.
k. When the team has correctly identified or passed on the term, or if a violation occurs, the next team member will be given
a new term until the team has gone through their set of terms or the time expires.
10. SCORING:
a. One point will be awarded for each term correctly identified within the allotted time. The team correctly identifying the
most terms will be declared the winner.
b. In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker is the team with the longest string of consecutively correct words. Second
tiebreaker will be teams who identify the first word in the list passed by the other team. Third tiebreaker would be the
team with the fewest words passed. The final tiebreaker is the shortest period of time to complete the list. If teams are
unable to guess any of the words in 4 minutes, participation points only will be given.

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2018 NCSO
Science Password Word List 2018

Abdomen Current Grains Moon Season
Absorb Decay Graph Motion Sedimentary rock
Acid rain Deciduous Grassland Muscle Seed
Adapt Decomposer Gravity Ocean Series circuit
Air pressure Degree Greenhouse effect Omnivore Shadow
Amphibian Density Habitat Orbit Skin
Angle Desert Hail Organ Soil
Astronomer Digestion Heat Organism Solid
Atmosphere Dissolve Herbivore Ornithologist Solution
Atom Eardrum Humidity Oxygen Space
Balance Earthquake Humus Parasite Star
Barometer Eclipse Hurricane Percentage Stem
Biologist Egg Ice pH Stomach
Bird Electricity Incisor Photosynthesis Sugar
Boiling point Elevation Insect Physicist Sun
Botanist Energy Insulate Planet Sunrise
Calorie Engineer Joint Plateau Sunspot
Carnivore Environment Kidney Pole Taste buds
Cell Equator Lava Pollution Tectonic Plate
Charge Erode Leaf Population Teeth
Chemist Estimate Lever Porous Telescope
Chew Evaporate Lift Prairie Temperature
Circuit Evergreen Light Precipitation Thermometer
Clay Expand Lightening Predator Thunder
Climate Extinct Liquid Prey Tongue
Clockwise Fiber Liver Producer Tornado
Cloud Flight Magma Protein Trace Fossil
Cold front Flower Magnet Pull Tremor
Comet Food web Mammal Quantity Velocity
Compass Force Map Radiation Vibrate
Compound Forest Mass Recycle Viscosity
Compression Fossil Matter Reptile Vitamin
Condensation Freeze Measure Resistance Volume
Conductor Friction Melt Revolution Waning
Constellation Fungus Meteor River Waning
Consumer Galaxy Meter Rocket Warm front
Corona Gas Migrate Root Water cycle
Crater Geologist Mineral Rotation Water table
Cumulonimbus Germinate Mixture Saliva Waxing
Global
Cumulus Molecule Scale Weather
warming
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2018 NCSO
Sky Quest
1. DESCRIPTION: This event will test a teams knowledge of the solar system, focusing on the interaction between the sun,
moon, and earth.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 3.E.1, 4.E.1, 6.E.1
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide a hands-on event with all necessary items, objects, materials, questions, and response
sheets for participants to complete stations. Examples include but are not limited to: reference charts, posters, and models for
event.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations that assess any or all of
the following topics:
a. The Earth/Sun relationship
i. Rotation and revolution
ii. Day/night, shadows
iii. Seasons
b. The Earth/Sun/Moon relationship
i. Phases and relative positions of all three bodies
ii. Tides
iii. Lunar and solar eclipses
c. Identification and understanding of the planets in our solar system, how they relate to each other in size, order from the
sun, physical properties, and what is unique about each one.
d. Understanding other planetary objects in our Solar System, including planetoids, moons, asteroids, comets, and
meteoroids; including where they are generally located and their individual characteristics.
e. Identification of Major Constellations and their Alpha stars from the list below:
Major Constellations and their Alpha star in parentheses, if noted:
Aquila Cassiopeia Hercules Perseus

Andromeda Capricornus Leo (Regulus) Scorpius (Antares)
Aquarius Cepheus Libra Taurus (Aldebaran)
Bootes (Arcturus) Cygnus (Deneb) Lyra (Vega) Ursa Major
Cancer Draco Orion (Betelgeuse) Ursa Minor (Polaris)
Canis Major (Sirius) Gemini (Castor and Pollux) Pegasus Virgo (Spica)
10. SCORING:
Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or quality of responses to pre-
selected questions chosen by the event leader.

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2018 NCSO
STEM Design Challenge

1. DESCRIPTION: Teams must build a structure on site to solve a creative engineering task using only the materials
and tools that they have brought in their challenge box. Teams must prepare their challenge box before the
competition and practice solving engineering tasks using the allowed materials.
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 3
4. MAXIMUM TIME: up to 30 minutes to build, and an additional 3 minutes to test before official timing.
This may be scheduled as a walk-in event at various tournaments.
5. TEAMS: Teams MUST bring their box full of Knex materials. Teams may bring only 1 picture no larger than
8.5 x 11 of their device. This must be 1 picture, not a collage. No other resources are allowed.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Event leaders will provide the fan, premeasured string, score sheets and any measuring
devices needed.
8. IMPOUND: Yes. Teams must drop the challenge box off at the time and place specified by the tournament director.
The box must be clearly labeled with the school/team name and team designation (Varsity, JV, etc.).
9. THE CHALLENGE BOX:

a. All materials and tools must be brought in a box with a lid; the volume of the box with lid in place can be no
greater than 525 cm3 (example: a common 10 ream copy paper box with the lid on meets this requirement). With
all materials and tools in the box, the lid must fit all the way on the box and close completely.
b. Teams may construct their own box or repurpose a box that is within the specified dimensions, made from any
material. The box must not be used as a part of the device.
c. Varsity and JV teams from the same or different schools must not share the same challenge box nor materials or
tools in the challenge box.
d. BUILDING MATERIALS: Teams may only bring the following building materials:
i. Knex pieces. No Knex motors or other electronic components may be used. No other brands or kinds of
building materials may be used. Pieces cant be preassembled in box. Event leaders will disassemble or
remove any pieces not allowed by these rules.
ii. String any size, brand, or quantity.
iii. Copy paper, any size.
iv. Tape, any size or kind.
e. Teams must impound their box before the competition. Event leaders will measure and inspect the boxes and their
contents while in impound, and remove any disallowed items. Teams do not need to be present for this.
f. Teams should make a reasonable effort to organize the supplies within the box neatly for efficient check-in and
ease of inspection by the event leader. Teams may organize box supplies in clear plastic bags or other clear
containers. The bags and containers must not be used as building materials.
g. TOOLS: Tools must not be used as part of the device. All tools must also fit within the closed box. Teams may
include scissors (any quantity), a ruler, a tape measure, and a stopwatch in the box.
h. Any items that are not allowed will be removed by the event leader at impound and can be picked up after the
competition.
i. Team members must build the device on site using only the materials brought in their box.
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2018 NCSO
10. THE CHALLENGE:

a. Once teams enter the event area to compete, they may not leave the area or receive outside assistance, materials
or communication until they are finished competing. Only participants and event leaders will be allowed in the
event area while teams are competing. Teams violating this rule will be disqualified.
b. Teams are to design and build a windmill that will wind up 1 m of string the fastest. The maximum height of
the device is 1.0 m, there is no minimum height.
c. Structures must be free standing and cannot be attached to a table, floor or any other support.
d. Team members will not be allowed to stand on chairs, tables, ladders or anything else to construct or operate
the device.
e. A team member will attach a premeasured string (provided by the event leader to each team) to an axle on the
windmill. This can be secured with tape. The string will be slightly longer than the 1 m to allow for taping.
f. Teams will have a maximum of 30 minutes to construct the specified device. Teams must not modify their
device after the construction period has ended. Teams that complete construction early may be judged early.
g. When the team is ready to test, they will carry their windmill to the area designated by the event leaders. The
students will set up their windmill in front of a standard box fan. The team may position the windmill in any
way and at any distance from the fan that they choose as long as no pieces of the windmill will touch the fan.
h. The event leader will start a timer to allow 3 min for the students to test and adjust their device. At the end of 3
min or when the team is ready, whichever comes first, the event leader will turn off the fan and do the official
timing run. The event leader will give a countdown and then start the timer as they turn on the fan to the high
setting.
i. Timing will stop when the 1 m mark on string touches the axle or after 2 min of the fan being on, whichever
comes first.
j. If the string becomes stuck or the device falls over, the students may touch the device in order to get it running
again. A penalty of +2 sec will be applied for every time the device is touched.
11. SCORING:
a. Teams will be ranked into tiers based on adherence to the challenge instructions. Within each tier, teams will be
ranked based on the scoring criteria for the challenge.
Tier 1: Teams with no violations
Tier 2: Teams whose device violates any part of sections 9 or 10. Examples would be:
i. If the device is higher than 1.0 meters
ii. If the device is not impounded on time
iii. If the box of materials is too big
b. Ties will be broken by the shortest windmill, measured to the axle where the string is attached.
c. Any team that impounds a box but fails to attempt the build will be considered a No Show.
12. RESOURCES:
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2018 NCSO
STEM Design Score Sheet 2018 (revised 7/21/17)
School Name: _______________________________Team (Circle One): Varsity JV1 JV2 JV3 JV4
Student Names: _________________________________________________________________________
YES NO
1. The box was impounded on time and the box is clearly labeled
with the school/team name and designation. _____ _____
2. All materials and tools fit in a box that is no greater than 525 cm3
including the lid, which fits all the way on the box and closes completely. ______ _____
NOTE: Any materials or tools that are not on the approved list will be removed before the competition and
given back to the team at a later time. Any pre-assembled materials will be taken apart by the event leaders
before the event. No penalty will be assessed for this.
3. The structure is free standing and not attached to a table, floor
or any other support. _____ _____
4. The device consists only of approved materials and no tools. _____ _____
5. The entire device is a maximum of 1.0 m in height _____ _____
Teams with a no checked above will be placed in Tier #2. Tier 2? _________
If the team left the area or received outside help during loading, then
check here for disqualification. DQ? _________
Height to the axle used for winding the string (record for all to the nearest tenth
of a cm, used in ties only) ______________cm
Time to wind string (to the nearest tenth of a second): ________________ sec
Number of touches? _____________ For each touch, add 2 sec to the time.
Final Time: __________________
Tier (Circle one): 1 2 DQ Final Rank: __________

(Ties broken by the shortest height to the axle.)
37
2018 NCSO
Super Sleuths
1. DESCRIPTION: Given a scenario and possible suspects, teams will perform a series of physical and chemical
tests. These test results, along with other descriptive evidence, will be used to solve a crime and name the
perpetrator.
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Teams may bring only specified items and goggles. No other items are allowed. The event supervisors
will check the kits, and confiscate non-allowed items. Students not bringing these items will be at a
disadvantage.
a. Spot plates, cups, or any containers in which teams can perform the tests
b. Droppers, popsicle sticks, spatulas, plastic spoons, tongs, and/or forceps for handling materials
c. pH test strips or paper
d. A ruler
e. A wash bottle or dropper bottle of distilled water (dont use tap water for this)
f. Hand lenses
g. Paper towels
h. A disposable cup for solid waste
i. Writing instruments
j. Safety gear see rule #7.
k. Teams may bring one 8.5 x 11 two-sided page of notes containing information in any form from any
source.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Event leaders will provide evidence at a central location or pre-organized bags or packets of
evidence for each team along with the following:
a. Iodine reagent (KI solution) Note: Be sure to check with parents about Iodine allergies before assigning
students to this event.
b. Vinegar
c. Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
d. A waste container
The event leader may provide additional equipment such as microscopes or special demos as the test calls for;
instructions on additional equipment will be given if deemed necessary. Flame tests are not permitted.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
Students must wear the following or they cannot participate:
a. Closed-toed shoes
b. Safety goggles (indirect vent goggles)
c. Long hair must be tied back
d. Optional: aprons, gloves, and lab coats
Students who unsafely remove their safety goggles or are observed handling any of the material or equipment in a
hazardous/unsafe manner (e.g., tasting or touching chemicals or flushing solids down a drain) will be disqualified
from the event.
8. IMPOUND: No
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2018 NCSO
9. THE COMPETITION: Teams will be given a scenario that introduces a crime, suspects, and sources of
evidence. Teams will perform tests on the evidence to identify the perpetrator of the crime, and write up their
analysis of the crime.
a. Crime Scene Chemical Evidence:
i. Powders: Teams will be asked to identify no more than 4 of the following: *table salt (sodium
chloride without iodine), *baking soda, *baking powder, *citric acid, *borax (sodium borate),
*cornstarch, *sugar (crystal and powdered), *powdered milk, *flour, and/or *Vitamin C (ascorbic
acid). There will be no mixtures of powders.
ii. General Knowledge: Teams will be expected to answer questions about the tests they perform and
proper lab procedure. Example questions:
1. If the pH of a substance is 3.5, is it acidic or basic?
2. What does it mean if a powder turns black in the presence of iodine?
3. What is the proper method to smell a chemical?
b. Crime Scene Physical Evidence:

i. Hair and fibers: Teams will be asked to compare known fiber/hair samples to samples found
on the suspects and at the crime scene. Hair fibers will only include human, dog, and cat.
Fibers will be limited to: cotton, nylon, polyester, & wool.
ii. Shoe prints: Teams will be asked to compare shoeprint evidence. Teams should be able to
compare a print found at the scene (photograph, casting, or lifting) to samples from the
suspects.
c. Analysis of the Crime:

Students will answer questions about which pieces of evidence implicate which suspect and why the
suspect was chosen as the culprit, and also why the other suspects were not chosen. They will also
answer any other crime scene analysis questions posed by the event supervisor.
10. SCORING: The team with the highest score wins. Time will not be used for scoring. The score will be composed
of the following elements (percentages given are approximate):
a. Analysis of chemical evidence 50%, analysis of physical evidence 30%, and analysis of the crime 20%.
b. Tiebreaker: The highest score on the chemical evidence analysis will break ties.
c. A 10% penalty may be given if the area is not cleaned up as designated.

39
2018 NCSO
The Heat Is On
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of energy forms, transfer of energy, physical changes,
and changes in states of matter due to heating and cooling.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 2.P.2, 3.P.2, 3.P.3, 4.P.2, 4.P.3, 5.P.2, 5.P.3
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Teams must bring writing instruments. Teams may not bring resources to this event.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Event leaders will provide a hands on event with all necessary items, objects, materials, questions,
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations that assess any or
all of the following topics:
a. ENERGY:
i. Energy forms - Understand and be able to identify/give examples of thermal, chemical, mechanical,
electric, and nuclear energy.
ii. Understand the 2 classes of energy: kinetic and potential.
b. ENERGY TRANSFER:
i. Understand how energy is transferred, either directly or from a distance.
ii. Be able to define, use, and recognize examples of the following mechanisms of energy transfer: friction,
convection, conduction, and radiation.
iii. Identify common conductors and insulators (see list) and understand the difference between these
materials.
Conductors: metal, water, plants
Insulators: glass, porcelain, plastic, rubber
Given a testing device (multi meter or simple bulb indicator) and unknown objects, identify if each
conducts or insulates. If a testing device is used at a tournament, instructions on how to operate the
testing device will be provided to teams.
iv. Observe or induce electrical charges in matter or how a charged object behaves, such as static electricity.
c. HEATING AND COOLING:
i. Understand phase changes (solid, liquid, and gas) in matter due to heating and cooling.
ii. Must be able to relate phase changes to adding or losing energy.
iii. Understand phase change processes (condensation/evaporation, freezing/melting, and
sublimation/deposition) and real world examples of where these occur in the water cycle.
iv. Thermal expansion and contraction of solids, liquids, and gases (expansion and contraction due to heating
and cooling of solids, liquids, and gases).
10. SCORING: Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or quality of
answers to preselected questions chosen by the event leader.

40
2018 NCSO
Trajeggtory
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will build on site a device constructed out of specified materials to protect a raw egg
from breaking when tossed over a bar or barrier and allowed to fall to the floor or pavement. The goal is to keep
the egg from cracking or breaking during its impact with the floor or pavement.
5. TEAMS: Teams must bring supply boxes and safety glasses.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Must provide score sheets, scales or a balance, paper towels, tarps, raw Grade A Large
chicken eggs that have been massed ahead of time, plastic bags for the eggs, and all materials needed for event.
Event leaders will write the mass of the eggs ahead of time on each egg with a permanent marker.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Teams must wear safety glasses throughout event.
8. IMPOUND: Yes. Teams must drop the trajeggtory box off at the time and place specified by the tournament
director. The box must be clearly labeled with the school/team name and team designation (Varsity, JV, etc.).
9. THE COMPETITION: This event should occur in a large room or outdoors.

a. Teams may bring a box with the following supplies:
1. Cups, plates, or bowls made from paper or Styrofoam
2. Rubber bands, any kind or size. No bungie cords allowed.
3. Copy paper (recycling used homework sheets is encouraged!)
4. Paper or plastic straws with or without wrappers
5. Cotton balls
6. Packing peanuts
7. Plastic bags (baggies or plastic grocery bags)
8. Paper bags
9. Standard cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels
10. Tape (any kind)
b. TOOLS: Teams may include scissors (any quantity), a ruler, and a stopwatch in the box.
c. All materials and tools must be brought in a box with a lid; the volume of the box with lid in place can be no
greater than 525 cm3 (example: a common 10 ream copy paper box with the lid on meets this requirement).
With all materials and tools in the box, the lid must fit all the way on the box and close completely.
d. Teams must impound their box before the competition. Event leaders will inspect the boxes and their contents
while in impound, and remove any disallowed items. Teams do not need to be present for this.
e. Teams should make a reasonable effort to organize the supplies within the box neatly for efficient check-in
and ease of inspection by the event leader. Teams may organize box supplies in clear plastic bags or other
clear containers. The containers must not be used as building materials.
f. Once teams enter the event area to compete, they may not leave the area or receive outside assistance,
materials, or communication until they are finished competing. Only team members, event leaders and event
assistants will be allowed in the event area while teams are competing. Teams violating this rule will be
disqualified.
g. Teams will have 30 minutes to build their devices, load the egg, contained within a plastic bag, into the
device and seal the device. Teams should bring their own tape or other material needed to seal the device
after loading the egg.
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2018 NCSO
h. Teams must use eggs and plastic bags provided by the event leader and will be allowed to inspect and select
their own egg from a carton of available eggs. Once the team chooses an egg, it is their responsibility to
handle it carefully and keep it from breaking. If the egg is broken while loading the device or before tossing
the device, event leaders may or may not be able to provide a second egg.
i. The event leader will inspect and record the mass of the device to the nearest 0.1 g after it has the egg in the
sealed bag loaded. No additional materials may be added unless they were included in the mass recorded.
j. Teams must stand behind a starting line, and one member will toss the egg-containing device over an elevated
bar or barrier that is at between 2 & 4 meters high. The device must go over the bar/barrier without touching
it and land on the hard surface below (floor or ground). The event leader will indicate when it is OK for teams
to toss the device. No part of the team member tossing the egg-containing device may touch the floor beyond
the starting line. Teams that touch the floor beyond the starting line during the toss or do not have their
device clear the bar/barrier, must attempt to toss their device again without repairing it. Judges may allow the
team to continue trying until the height is cleared.
k. The team member must remove the egg from the device immediately upon a signal from the judges to show if
it survived. Breakage is defined as being cracked or broken enough to leave a wet mark on a paper towel. If
the egg is cracked or broken, then the team is placed in Tier 2. The device with the least mass in each Tier
wins that Tier. Eggs that break upon removal before being verified as unbroken by an event leader will be
scored as broken.
l. If an egg survives the toss, then the team is placed in Tier 1. The device with the least mass in Tier 1 wins
that Tier.
m. No devices may leave the testing area until all tosses have been completed and event leaders determine that
there are no ties.
10. SCORING:
a. Devices will first be ranked in tiers according to whether the egg breaks or not.
Tier 1= Devices with eggs that survive the toss
Tier 2= Devices with eggs that are broken
Tier 3 = Devices, regardless of egg breakage, that violate competition rules in #9
b. Within each tier, devices will be ranked with the least mass winning
c. In the event of a tie, teams will be asked to get a new egg and test their device again, possibly at a higher
height (at the discretion of the event leader).

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2018 NCSO
Trajeggtory Score Sheet 2018 (revised 7/14/17)
School Name: ______________________________ Team (Circle One): Varsity JV1 JV2 JV3 JV4
Student Names: _________________________________________________________________________
Safety Criteria: Teams must wear proper eye protection at all times during launches. No dangerous
or sharp objects are used. If this criteria is violated, then the device will not be launched and a No
Show score will be given.
Are all safety criteria met by the team and device? __________ If yes, continue.
Mass of the device = _________________ g - ____________ g = ___________________g

Mass of fully loaded device mass of egg Mass of device
YES NO
1. The box was impounded on time and the box is clearly labeled
with the school/team name and designation. _____ _____
2. All materials and tools fit in a box that is no greater than 525 cm3
including the lid which fits all the way on the box and closes completely. _____ _____
NOTE: Any materials or tools that are not on the approved list will be removed before the competition and given back to the team
at a later time. Any pre-assembled materials will be removed by the event leaders before the event. No penalty will be assessed
for this.
3. Team used only the materials listed in part 9a of the rules. _____ _____
4. The team did everything themselves (no outside help). _____ _____
5. Team built their device and loaded their egg before time was
called (30 min build time). _____ _____
6. The team used only the materials on the device when it was massed. _____ _____
NOTE: If the student tossing the egg steps over the line or the egg device does not clear the barrier, students may try again as
many times as it takes to be successful, but they
Teams with a no checked above will be placed in Tier #3. Tier 3? _________
Check only one:
The egg broke during the toss. _______ , then Tier #2
The egg survived the toss. _______ , then Tier #1
Tier (Circle one): 1 2 3 Final Rank: __________
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2017 NCSO
Weather Permitting
1. DESCRIPTION: This event will test the teams knowledge of conducting investigations and using appropriate
technology to build an understanding of Severe Storms.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 2.E.1, 5.E.1
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide a hands-on event with all necessary items, maps,
charts, data sets, materials, questions, and response sheets for participants to complete stations.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event can be run as sit-down test or a station format. Teams will rotate through
stations that assess any or all of the following topics:
a. Water cycle (processes of evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and run-off)

b. Weather instruments (thermometer, barometer, rain gauge, hygrometer, sling psychrometer, wind
vane, anemometer, weather balloon, radar, satellite)
c. Types of clouds and their relationships to weather conditions
d. Using weather maps to identify weather conditions
e. The following types of severe storms: blizzard, derecho, dust devil, flood, haboob, hail, hurricane,
severe winter weather, thunderstorm, tornado, and water spout.
f. Severe weather safety

2016 NCSO
Whats the Matter?
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will be assessed on their knowledge of the physical properties of matter and the
behavior of solids, liquids, and gases before and after they undergo changes or interactions.
2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 2.P.2, 3.P.2, 4.P.2, 5.P.2, 6.P.2
3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2
5. TEAMS: Teams must bring writing instruments and goggles. Teams may not bring resources to this event.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Will provide a hands-on event with all necessary items, objects, materials, questions,
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: This event will be run in a station format. Teams will rotate through stations that
assess any or all of the following topics:
a. Understand the size and parts of an atom.
b. Understand that the behavior of atoms in different states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) regarding shape and
volume.
c. Know how to measure and/or calculate volume of a rectangular prism and a liquid in a container.
d. Be able to measure mass and calculate density.
e. Understand the concept of relative density and how it can be changed in solids, liquids, and gases.
f. Differentiate between a solution and a mixture and how they can be separated.
g. Know examples of physical changes and signs that a physical change has taken place (e.g. tearing a piece
of paper)
h. Understand dissolving and concentration of substances such as food dye, salt, and sugar in water, and the
factors that affect solubility such as stirring and heat.
i. Observe or test for other properties of matter to include: magnetism, flexibility, hardness, opacity,
strength, viscosity (runniness), and buoyancy.
10. SCORING:
Points will be awarded for the accuracy of responses. Ties will be broken by the accuracy or quality of
responses to pre-selected questions chosen by the event leader.

45
2016 NCSO
Work it Out
1. DESCRIPTION: Teams will compete in an academic relay race that will demonstrate the teams general
understanding of the major science content areas.
3. TEAM: MUST have 4 people.
4. APPROXIMATE TIME: 10 min.
5. TEAMS: Must bring nothing.
6. EVENT LEADERS: Must provide writing instruments, all necessary supplies to complete the challenges and
questions, and score sheets.
7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Appropriate footwear required, no flip flops.
8. IMPOUND: No
9. THE COMPETITION: Teams will work to complete the 3 sets of physical and academic challenges as quickly
as possible. The shortest time to complete the entire relay will determine the winners.
a. Team members will participate in pairs to complete two sets of physical and academic challenges as a relay
ending in one group physical and one group academic challenge. Team members must high five their
teammates in order for them to start the next task.
b. If held outdoors, the competition will occur in all but hazardous weather conditions.
c. The contestants must stay on the course specified by the judges. Physically handicapped contestants must
complete the academic challenges but may use a substitute for the physical challenges.
d. Timing begins when the first team pair starts and ends when the entire team completes the group challenges.
Timing will be measured to the nearest tenth of a second.
e. Each physical challenge must be successfully completed before moving on to the academic challenge.
Example: a beanbag must go through a ring. Ploys to circumvent the challenge, such as tossing the beanbag
short distances to move closer to the target before attempting the target, will result in a repeat of the task.
f. Academic challenges will be activities representing the processes of STEM in the five Science Olympiad
content areas. Each academic challenge must be successfully completed/answered correctly or an established
maximum time expires (e.g., two minutes) to move on.
g. The last challenges (physical and academic) will involve all four team members.
10. SCORING:
a. The shortest team time in tenths of a second to complete the race wins.
b. If a team has less than 4 members, there will be a 2-minute penalty added to the time for each missing team
member. Participating team members will be responsible for completing all challenges.
c. Ties will be broken by the shortest time needed to complete the group academic challenge.

46

Coachesmanual A 2018

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Coachesmanual A 2018

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2018 Coaches Manual

North Carolina Science Olympiad 2018

Elementary students are natural scientists. They question

The goal of the North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO)

Elementary Tournament Big Picture

Proposed 2018 Elementary Tournament Schedule

Varsity and Junior Varsity (JV) Teams

-Anyone who has a genuine interest in young people

NCSO follows a "Never Alone" policy (www.sciencenc.com/policy-information/neveralone.php) to help

Goggles and Safety Glasses

How do coaches schedule activities during the year?

October *Coaches attend NCSO Coaches Institute Oct 6 & 7

North Carolina Science Olympiad Policy Letter

North Carolina Science Olympiad Policy Letter

North Carolina Science Olympiad Elementary Team Roster

Name Gender Ethnicity (circle one) Grade Level

2018 NCSO Elementary Event Descriptions

3, 2, 1, Blast Off! (Science as Inquiry)

Backyard Biologist (1.E.2, 1.L.1, 2.L.1, 3.L.2, 6.L.1)

Bridge-a-Roni (Science as Inquiry, 4.P.2)

Chew the Fat Digestive System (3.L.1, 4.L.2, 5.L.1)

Data Crunchers (Measurement & Data, Science as Inquiry)

Describe It, Build It (Science as Inquiry)

Duct Tape Challenge (Science as Inquiry)

Fossil Frenzy (4.E.2)

Movers & Shakers (3.E.2)

Science Password (Science as Inquiry)

Sky Quest (1.E.1, 3.E.1, 4.E.1)

STEM Design Challenge by ThermoFisher (Science as Inquiry)

Super Sleuths (3.P.2, 4.P.2, 5.P.2, Science as Inquiry)

The Heat is On (2.P.2, 3.P.2, 3.P.3, 4.P.2, 4.P.3, 5.P.2, 5.P.3)

Trajeggtory (Science as Inquiry)

Weather Permitting (K.E.1, 2.E.1, 5.E.1)

Whats the Matter? (2.P.2, 3.P.2, 4.P.2, 5.P.2, 6.P.2)

Work It Out (Science as Inquiry)

2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 3.P.1, 5.P.1, Science as Inquiry

4. MAXIMUM TIME: 10 min.

10. THE COMPETITION:

12. EVENT RESOURCES:

3,2,1 Blast Off! 2018 Score Sheet (revised 7/11/17)

Student Names: _________________________________________________________________________

Safety Criteria Safety Criteria

________9.f. Recovery system is safe. ________9.f. Recovery system is safe.

2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: 2.L.1, 3.L.2, 6.L.1

4. MAXIMUM TIME: 60 min.

7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None

11. EVENT RESOURCES:

Backyard Biologist 2018 Official Specimen List

**Pine tree generic (no specific type) is the state tree

Bushes, Vines, and Flowers

2. ESSENTIAL STANDARDS ALIGNMENT: Science as Inquiry

3. TEAM OF UP TO: 2 4. MAXIMUM TIME: 10 min.

5. TEAMS: Teams must bring bridge and safety glasses.

7. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Teams must wear safety glasses throughout event.

10. THE COMPETITION:

Bridge-a-Roni Score Sheet 2018 (revised 7/11/17)

Mass of bridge: ______________________ g

2. The bridge is free standing and spans a 45.0 cm opening

4. The bridge supports the loading block and chain assembly

Teams with no eye protection or who continue to remove eye

Maximum mass to be supported = 10,000 g.

_______________ g / ______________ g = __________________

Tier (Circle one): 1 2 P DQ Final Rank: __________

9.f. Recovery system is safe. 9.f. Recovery system is safe.

_ g / g = ______

5. The entire device is a maximum of 1.0 m in height _ _