Division B Events Reveal Questions Questions must be directed toward the rules. We cannot pre-judge your device by answering questions on whether it complies. Earth & Space Science Dynamic Planet - Div B Meteorology Road Scholar (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 3) 02/03/2023 In the rules, when it states what we can bring to the competition, it says this "...and hard copies of other information in any form and from any source..." I am making sure because I don't want to get disqualified, so can we bring small binders... Yes, binders would be permitted by rule 2.a. Rocks and Minerals - Div B (Section: List) 12/27/2022 For all of the groups in the list of minerals, do we need to know the actual group or just the minerals that are under that group? Students should know information on the minerals AND groups oer rule 3.f.vii.(1) Solar System Inquiry & Nature of Science Codebusters (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 01/25/2023 In the rules for Codebusters, it is unclear whether we will be using International or American Morse Code. Since there are differences, I need to know which version we will be using, in order to study the correct alphabet. Thanks! The morse code based ciphers will use International Morse Code. The mapping of the letters using this alphabet will be included in the resource page. (Section: 2 / Line: 2) 01/30/2023 On the exam, will the provided Baconian mapping have I, J, U, and V as their own codes, or will I,J and U,V share codes? For Baconian ciphers, the I and J will share codes as will U and V. The Baconian mapping will also be included in the resource sheet. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1) 12/05/2022 Relating to the Fractionated Morse Cipher, will it always end with the last letter or will there be an xx at the end to mark the end of the word? No. For a Fractionated Morse Cipher, the cipher can end with 0, 1 or 2 X at the end depending on how many are needed to pad to a group of 3 symbols. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: g / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1) 12/27/2022 Science Olympiad rules do not define Rail Fence. ACA rules allow encryption to be either writing into the railfence pattern on the zigzag and reading off on rows, or writing into the pattern on rows and reading off on the zigzag. Are both encrypti... No. Only the pattern where the cipher text is written in rows and the plaintext is read through the zigzag is allowed. For example with the cipher text RFEALECIN would be written into three rows of 'R F E' ' A L E C ' and ' I N ' and would be read out via zigzag as RAILFENCE. Experimental Design - Div B Fast Facts (Section: 4 / Sub-Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 02/03/2023 The rule states number of points depends on number of correct terms. If a student writes 2 correct terms for one grid, that is for "C/Element", the student writes both Chromium and Cadmium, will they get 1 pt or 4 pts? Only the first term provided (e.g., the one at the top of the box, the first one in a line) will be evaluated. Any additional terms, whether correct or incorrect, will not be scored. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: h / Line: 2) 12/02/2022 The rules state that only the first letter of a scientist's last name will be counted, and gives Marie Curie as an example, counting for "C". However, her correct name was Marie Skłodowska–Curie. Would this also be accepted (as an entry for S)? Yes that would count if the letter was S, however they would not be able to use her for both S and C in the same grid. Write It Do It - Div B Life, Personal & Social Science Disease Detectives - Div B Anatomy and Physiology - Div B Bio Process Lab Forestry (Section: 2 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1) 02/01/2023 May students add adhesive labels onto pages in the field guide in order to add annotations? Yes; please review Section 2.b. in the published Forestry Rules where this topic is addressed. (Section: 1 / Line: 1) 12/13/2022 Regarding the National Tree List- Page 2, Column 2, Line 36- Caprifoliaceae- American Elder/Elderberry-Should the Family Name be Adoxaceae instead of Caprifoliaceae? It appears that the Caprifoliaceae/Honeysuckle genera was changed to Adoxaceae/... The published Tree List will be what is used to evaluate answers at all tournaments as was established by the Rules. (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: a / Line: 2) 02/01/2023 Rule quote: "...containing information in any form and from any source..."Question: Are participants allowed to take preserved samples of actual leaves (rather than a picture). These samples would be laminated and 3 hole punched in a binder. Preserved leaf samples would be allowed as long as they were laminated or sealed in a sheet protector. The samples would not be allowed to be removed from the binder during the competition. (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 02/01/2023 Shouldn't the scientific name for the Blue Paloverde be listed as Parkinsonia florida instead of Cercidium floridum? The published Tree List will be what is used to evaluate answers at all tournaments as was established by the Rules. Green Generation Physical Science & Chemistry Chemistry Crime Busters (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 01/24/2023 Is the lab equipment glassware size strictly enforced (is a 50ml graduate or 200ml beaker or 25ml flask allowed)? No, The sizes are suggestions. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 3) 12/07/2022 Will Event supervisor inform the Participants the number of the material in the mixture evidence? i.e. the first evidence is mixture of 2 and the second evidence is mixture of 3, etc. No the event supervisor will not provide that information. Can't Judge a Powder (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 01/11/2023 Can participants use a digital thermometer and conductivity meter? Yes, the recommended material list has both a thermometer and a conductivity meter listed. Make sure that whatever model conductivity meter you use, it complies with the 9V or less battery requirement. (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 12/16/2022 Is the lab equipment glassware size strictly enforced (is a 50ml graduate or 200ml beaker or 25ml flask allowed)? No, The sizes are suggestions. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e & g / Line: 1) 12/16/2022 What is the purpose of the two different writing implements mentioned in 3.e and 3.g that are provided (and collected) by the Event Supervisor? Changing the writing utensils ensures that the students are not writing down additional observations after the data collection time has expired. Teams use the second colored writing utensil during the questions portion of the event. Physics Crave the Wave (Section: 2. / Line: 2) 01/03/2023 Can I type notes for the competition as well as printing out useful information? Rule 2.a. clearly states "...information in any form and from any source..." so yes both of those would be acceptable. Sounds of Music (Section: 3 / Paragraph: D / Line: 1) 01/18/2023 Must the device be set up and tuned in the two minutes. Can the teams bring it into the room already larger than the 60.0 cm x 60.0 cm x 100.0 cm box. Per rule Part II.c., the device must be setup and tuned in the 2 minutes. The device must fit within the dimensions listed in rule 3.d. when brought into the room. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Line: 3) 12/13/2022 Sounds of Music Rule 4b says "Any such parts purchased as an end item or as part of a kit do NOT require this information". Does this mean that kits are allowed this year for this event? That has not been allowed in the past. No, kits for building a complete musical instrument are not allowed. (Section: 6 / Paragraph: iv / Sub-Paragraph: 6.d. / Line: 1) 10/05/2022 There is a discrepancy between 6.b.iv. and 6.d. in the score of the song. IS the song worth 15 points or 20 points? The Song Score multiplier is 20 points. A rule correction will be posted on the rule clarifications page. Storm the Castle (Section: 3 / Line: 3) 01/12/2023 3a. Can the combined length and width of the device exceed 1.0m? Per rule 3.a. The length of the device may not exceed 1.0 m AND the width of the device may not exceed 1.0 m. (Section: 7 / Paragraph: h / Line: 2) 11/09/2022 5.a.3 says that a device that doesn't meet construction specs won't be allowed to launch until brought into spec. 7.h.2 (bold) says that if a team is unable to fix a construction violation, they may still compete but are ranked behind all legal or... If the team is able to fix the device, they receive the penalty listed in 7.h.2 The key word in 7.h.2 is students who cannot fix the issue MAY launch. This is judges discretion at this point. If the judge feels as if the device is safe to operate as is, they may allow it to compete, but this device MUST BE RANKED BELOW all devices that did not have construction violations, or devices that were able to fix their construction violations. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1) 01/31/2023 Does the device's height get measured at resting position (with a counterweight and the trigger about to be pulled) or with a counterweight but the trigger is not placed yet? Measurement is done with the device in the loaded, ready to shoot position. The counterweight is hung and trigger is in place. (Section: 3. / Line: 2) 12/06/2022 Is wood glue allowed to be used anywhere on the build? Wood glue would be allowed in your construction of the device. Make sure you include it in your design log. Technology Technology & Engineering Design Bridges (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1) 12/16/2022 Length requirements for the S-hook & chain are not given. Since the goal is to suspend the bucket from the chain creating enough clearance above the floor, can the S-hook, which holds the bucket handle at one end, be hooked onto "any" of the chain... Yes, S-hooks can be placed on any of the chain loops so that the bucket can be suspended approximately 3-6 inches above the ground. (Section: 7 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1) 12/16/2022 Will the team be placed in Tier 3, in the case where the team attempts to place the Loading Assembly on their bridge (Section 5, II, c&d, 1) and the bridge undergoes some sort of breakage--rendering the bridge unable to hold the Loading Assembly, ... Yes, any Bridge that cannot hold the minimum load of 6.c Loading Assembly will be placed in Tier 3 as defined in 7.e.iii. Mass of the Loading Assembly is defined in 6.c.v. and may not exceed 1.5Kg. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2) 11/04/2022 can the bridge hang over on the test supports? or is there a maximum limit for bridge length? Yes, the Bridge length must be greater than the span dimension and can hang over the far edges of the Support Blocks. There is no maximum length. Flight (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1) 02/03/2023 Are ELGs allowed for this event? I realize if built properly the propeller-type aircraft will stay aloft longer, however as a backup can my team use an ELG? If so, will the elastic "motor" still be weighed separately before attaching to the hand-h... Yes Elastic Launch Gliders are permitted this year per rule 3.b. and 3.b.ii. The rubber "motor" for the launcher would need to be massed separately and comply with the rule 3.l. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Line: 1) 10/07/2022 Are you allowed to deploy a parachute mid-flight, or would deploying a parachute change the flight configuration? No, Para 3.f requires the aircraft to stay in the same flight configuration throughout the flight as it left the box. Deploying a parachute would change the flight configuration violating that rule. (Section: 5 / Paragraph: iv / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1) 12/16/2022 Does timing of a flight continue after aircraft touches part of the building or object within building and continues flying? Per rule 5.e.iv. Timing stops when the plane hits the floor or gets stuck on something and is no longer remaining aloft under its own power. It is allowed to hit girders, basketball hoops, etc as long as it then continues to fly under its own power. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c. / Line: 1) 02/03/2023 Please clarify that a single cover sheet attached to both the flight log and the design log as a single package of material meets the requirements of this Rule 4.c. as, this single cover sheet would effectively be the cover for both and "each" log... If both logs are submitted together in the same folder/binder/holder, then one cover sheet labeled for both logs would be sufficient. If two separate logs are submitted, then each log would need its own labeled front cover sheet. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: D / Line: 1) 02/03/2023 The dimensions of the box says 39 cm x 28.5 cm x 63 cm . is this length X width X height strictly or is this interchangeable? The dimensions are interchangeable. (Section: 5 / Paragraph: d e / Line: 5) 12/02/2022 The rules do not preclude any possibility that a student could use a device to increase their height that they could wear (like painting stilts) or bring (like a ladder) for the competition flights. Is this allowed? This would be a clear violation of General rule #1 due to the extremely unsafe nature of either of those activities, therefore, not allowed. Wheeled Vehicle (Section: 3 / Line: 1) 12/13/2022 Can the vehicle be assembled from a commercial kit? Yes. Students can use a commercial kit as long as the student(s) build the kit and the vehicle is not pre-assembled. Student will still need to complete the design log. Roller Coaster (Section: 3 / Paragraph: k / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 2) 12/13/2022 "The two sections of track at the POI must TOUCH" If our track has two separate rails which the ball is rolling on, do the downward rails themselves at the POI have to physically touch the original upward rails of the loop? Yes, using the terminology in the question, the upward and downward rails must touch at the POI. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: g / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 3.g says "The Relative positions of the start line and the finish like must not change after impound"Is it relative position of Start or End Line to the floor or table? Or is relative position of start line to finish line or finish line to Sta... Once the device is leveled and in place to compete, the position of the start and finish lines relative to their place in space must not change. The should be marked on the device and not changed. Other parts of the device are allowed to be changed. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: G / Line: 1) 12/06/2022 Are the competitors allowed to alter the position of the Start Line or Finish Line relative to the device at ANY time AFTER retrieving the device from impound? Or are those intended to be fixed points? Teams are allowed to alter the start and finish line BEFORE they are given the target time, but not after knowing it. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: j / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1) 02/01/2023 Does the ball need to land on a track that is horizontally *level* to the track it left, or can it land on a track that is placed higher than the track it left (as long as distance is measured horizontally)? Yes, it can land on a higher track and will be measured horizontally. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: k / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 Does the requirement that the track not be fully enclosed (Rule 3.k.ii) only apply to loops? Outside a loop, the ball could be visible (Rule 3.c) inside a fully enclosed track (e.g. in clear tubing). The track is not allowed if it is enclosed, even if it is transparent. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 I do not see any specs regarding the materials used in the coaster. Does this mean that they are allowed to use pieces from manufactured kits, such as the JOYIN Marble Run kit? There are no specifications on the materials allowed in building the roller coaster. Pieces from manufactured kits may be used. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: k / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 If the track goes under another part of the track, will it be counted as a loop? No, that does not fulfill the definition of a loop. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: j / Sub-Paragraph: iv, vi / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 Is it required that a ball travel 5cm at the end of a gap in generally the same direction of travel? Can a ball land, travel <5cm, hit a wall (or vertical section of track), and continue traveling in a different direction? The ball must reenter the track and travel for a minimum of 5 cm. Please read rule 3.j i - vi for further gap guidance. (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 1) 12/02/2022 Is the device allowed to use wire during construction? There are no specifications on the materials allowed in building the roller coaster, so wire would be allowed. (Section: 3 / Line: 2) 12/16/2022 It says "No added energy by use of stored potential energy is allowed (e.g. no springs, rubber bands, magnets, or elevators)".Is there any restriction on use one of these methods to slow and/or stop the ball. The sentence says "No added Energy". It does not specify where. So, don't use these objects, even if it to stop the sphere. (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 2) 12/07/2022 Shouldn't the gap and loop scores be recorded in the log in units of "points" (or possibly unitless), not centimeters? Rule 6.e and 6.f say the Gap Score and Loop Score are "[X] points for each whole cm". In your design log, just report the whole cm. for each. The event judge will record the points after measurement and a successful run. ‹ Frequently Asked Questions Earth & Space Science ›
