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Frequently Asked Questions
Division B Events

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
- Fossils - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Shouldn't Limestone on the Fossils List read "Limestone (chalk/fossiliferous limestone)" instead of "Limestone (chalk/fossil limestone)" (which fits with how Rocks and Minerals names it)?
    
    "Limestone (chalk/fossil limestone)" is equally acceptable to "Limestone (chalk/fossiliferous limestone)". Either term may be used.
- Meteorology
- Reach for the Stars
  - (Section: B40 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: 2a / Line: 7)
    
    10/24/2019
    
    Are pictures and illustrations allowed on the 2 sheets of notes in Reach for the Stars and can we ID them? We don't know what no labels means.
    
    Yes, pictures and illustrations are allowed and can be captioned or labelled. What is not permitted is the addition of anything to the surface of the sheet, such as but not limited to adhesive labels, tags, stickers, or Post-It Notes, which add surface area and space to the sheet of paper.
- Road Scholar
Inquiry & Nature of Science
- Experimental Design - Div B
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    In the checklist section H, do the raw and condensed data tables need to be distinct, with the "raw table" containing measurements and the "condensed table" containing derived values?
    
    Yes, the raw and condensed data tables are two separate tables.
- Game On
  - (Section: 5 / Line: 2)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    For this year will there be different point ranges given for particular types of games, is it expected to make combination game types for higher score?
    
    No, there is no requirement of game type in this year’s rules.
- Ping-Pong Parachute
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    "Parachutes must be attached to ping pong balls with tape only." Can a team tape a ping pong ball to string and tape the string to the parachute?
    
    Yes, this does not violate the rules as stated in rule 2b. The strings that are attached to the canopy are called shroud lines and they are part of the parachute. The shroud lines may be taped to the ping pong ball.
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: e, f / Line: 1)
    
    10/23/2019
    
    Can other parts separate from the rocket other than the parachute payload system? For instance, can a cone covering the parachute land off to the side separated from the rocket and payload system and not be tiered?
    
    Yes. Parts separating from the rocket/payload assembly will not cause the rocket to be "tiered." The parachute / ping pong flight time is what accounts for the score. No part of the rocket / parachute assembly can come in contact with the ceiling.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    Is glue allowed on the actual parachute itself? In other words, as long as the only thing directly holding the parachute to the ping pong ball is tape, is it legal?
    
    Yes, glue is allowed on the parachute. It is not allowed on the pressurized bottle.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/24/2019
    
    Is the nose required to fit partway into a bottle cap?
    
    No, the nose of the rocket is not allowed to be able to touch the inside top of the cap. It is not required to fit partway into the cap.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    May multiple parachutes be combined into a single parachute payload system and attached to a single ping pong ball?
    
    Yes. Multiple parachute systems can be used as long as they are attached to the ping pong ball. The parachute(s) ping pong ballflight time is what accounts for the score.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/23/2019
    
    What qualifies as a parachute?
    
    This is the definition of a parachute we will be using: parachute - a device for slowing the descent of an object through the air that consists of a canopy beneath which the object is suspended
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 1)
    
    10/09/2019
    
    What's the maximum psi?
    
    Please see the posted Rules Clarification which says that at no time should the pressure vessel (bottle) be pressurized beyond 65 psi. ~~Due to the variation in the sites where the ping pong parachutes will be held, there can not be one max psi that is published.~~ Teams will be placed in Tier 3 per rule 5.g. if any part of their rocket or parachute hits the ceiling or any part connected to the ceiling.
- Write It Do It - Div B
Life, Personal & Social Science
- Disease Detectives - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
- Anatomy and Physiology - Div B
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
- Heredity
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
- Ornithology
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    Are bird eggs eligible content?
    
    Yes
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    The 2020 National Bird List lists Clapper Rail's scientific name as Rallus longirostris, but online sources say that Rallus longirostris is instead the Mangrove Rail and that the Clapper Rail is Rallus crepitans. Is this a typo?
    
    The National Bird List taxonomic scheme is based upon the 7th edition Checklist of North American Birds, American Ornithologists’ Union, and www.allaboutbirds.org from 2019 Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology and reflects the expectations of the event supervisors.
  - (Section: 2 / Line: 2)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Under Order Strigiformes, the screech owl is listed, but I believe that is a genus that doesn't pertain to a singular species. Should this be specified to a certain species (Eastern screech owl), or should this remain as a genus?
    
    Remain as a genus and be familiar with species within the Genus.
  - (Section: List / Line: 40)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Under the list, it says “Clapper rail” with the scientific name of Rallus Longirostris. However, Rallus Longirostris is actually the Mangrove rail, which is not in the rules. Which one should participants study?
    
    Use the taxonomy as listed on the Official National Bird List.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: c / Line: 2)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Will a separate National Ornithology list that is annotated be allowed to be taken out of the binder?
    
    No, an annotated Bird List must remain in the binder if the event is run as a series of stations per rules 2.b. and 2.c.
- Water Quality - Div B
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i= / Line: 1)
    
    11/24/2019
    
    Are participants expected to differentiate between multiple species of the same organism?
    
    No, the students will just need to recognize all variations as a particular species.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 3)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Could you please clarify the meaning of, "from any source without any annotations or labels affixed". Can they have diagrams that are pre-labeled?
    
    Students may make a word document in which they put in notes, diagrams etc. which can be pre-labeled and print it onto a page double sided or they may hand-write the notes, diagrams etc., but they may not add anything additional to the sheet of paper such as labels, adhesive flags, sticky notes, or anything extra to the surface of your reference sheet.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 5)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    What is meant by "recently killed coral?"
    
    Coral that has been recently killed (died) can be used as a global indicator of coral reef health. Questions could include topics like what causes coral to die and what kind of information recently killed coral could tell us about the ecosystem health.
Physical Science & Chemistry
- Chemistry
  - Crime Busters
    - 10/03/2019
      
      Can skinny jeans be a universal exception to the "loose-fitting" pants rule for chemistry events?
      
      From the rules: Pants should be loose fitting; if the host has more specific guidelines they will notify teams in advance of the tournament. In chemistry events, any tight-fitting pants do not provide the loose-fitting safety margin necessary should a hazardous chemical be spilled on the clothing to prevent the skin from sustaining a chemical burn.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
      
      10/08/2019
      
      For both the Chemistry events, the rules say “each participant may bring one 8.5” by 11” sheet of paper.” Does this mean each team is allowed two pieces of paper, or does “participant” mean team?
      
      If a team has two participants in these events it is allowed two reference sheets; one for each participant. If for some reason the team only has a single participant in the event then that team is allowed a single reference sheet for that participant. If two sheets are used the content does not have to be exactly the same on both sheets.
  - Food Science
    - 10/03/2019
      
      Can skinny jeans be a universal exception to the "loose-fitting" pants rule for chemistry events?
      
      From the rules: Pants should be loose fitting; if the host has more specific guidelines they will notify teams in advance of the tournament. In chemistry events, any tight-fitting pants do not provide the loose-fitting safety margin necessary should a hazardous chemical be spilled on the clothing to prevent the skin from sustaining a chemical burn.
    - (Section: 3 / Line: 1)
      
      10/24/2019
      
      FDA is in the process of changing the nutrition label format. Which format will SO be using? Old, new or both?
      
      Study the differences between the old and new nutritional label format, as well as, the laws regarding nutritional labeling that have not changed.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: B / Line: 1)
      
      10/08/2019
      
      For both the Chemistry events, the rules say “each participant may bring one 8.5” by 11” sheet of paper.” Does this mean each team is allowed two pieces of paper, or does “participant” mean team?
      
      If a team has two participants in these events it is allowed two reference sheets; one for each participant. If for some reason the team only has a single participant in the event then that team is allowed a single reference sheet for that participant. If two sheets are used the content does not have to be exactly the same on both sheets.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: vii. / Line: 1)
      
      10/29/2019
      
      For the nutrition labeling regulations, are the questions supposed to be about the nutrition label of fermented food types only or all food types?
      
      Students should be able to read any food label and answer questions about the information on the label.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
      
      10/09/2019
      
      I do not know how to find the % moisture in a pickle without using dehydration & volume (before and after) or through commercial equipment. How are students supposed to be able to do this?
      
      There are multiple methods that will allow the approximate percent moisture of a pickle to be determine. Complete dehydration is one. An approximation of the percent moisture can be determined by massing the pickle in a container then doing something to the pickle (i.e., crushing it) to release the moisture. The moisture released can then be removed and the pickle remnants and container can be remassed.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Is the salinometer required to be mechanical? Can it be electrical or electronic, as long as it is built and can be explained by the team?
      
      Yes, it can be electrical.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2)
      
      10/24/2019
      
      It states in the rules that "to operate within a standard 500 mL beaker...," however 500 mL is not a standard Griffith beaker size. Should this read 400 - 600 mL?
      
      Yes, a beaker size between 400-600 ml is fine.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: xi / Line: 1)
      
      10/09/2019
      
      There are quite a few yeast and bacteria out there. Can we get a list of which ones the students will need to know?
      
      These are common examples but event supervisors may use bacteria or yeasts that are regionally appropriate. Yeast-fungus-the most common type used in fermenting is Saccharomyces cerevisiae - Can grow aerobically or anaerobically on sugars - Most commonly used for production of ethanol in fermentation Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus, Homolactic-used for making Yogurt, souring vegetables, making sausage Leuconostoc, Heterolactic-used to sour vegetables Streptococcus, thermophiles, Homolactic-used for making Yogurt Acetobactor, Acetic Acid Bacteria -used in the production of chocolate & wine. Bacilus, spp., spore producing bacteria – used in the production of chocolate.
- Physics
  - Circuit Lab - Div B
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: viii / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Are capacitors valid components that may be present in Division B Circuit Lab tests?
      
      No, but electrical capacitance may be included as a theory discussion for electric fields. RC circuits were removed as a topic.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
      
      11/24/2019
      
      Can I bring an auto-ranging multimeter (like Fluke 23 Series II) in place of the provided ones?
      
      As for Circuit lab competition in general, the rule is not clear on what constitutes a basic multi-meter. But it is the discretion of event supervisor. Some hands on stations will require the student to use the provided equipment.
  - Density Lab
  - Machines
    - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Are related topics that are neither specified nor prohibited (such as history, work, and conservation of energy) included in the scope of the event?
      
      The only topics to be tested are those listed in 4.Part I.c. as they relate to the simple machines listed in 4. Part I.d. For example, questions that ask trivial questions regarding historical figures, dates or publications, are prohibited. As a reminder, topics listed in 4.Part I.e are prohibited.
    - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Can you provide a definitive answer to Event Supervisors about the required length to use for IMA?
      
      IMA of a wedge is defined as 1/tan(angle of wedge). The angle of the wedge can be calculated from either the length of the base and height or the length of the slope and height, depending on which specific formula you use.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: C / Line: 1)
      
      10/23/2019
      
      Does connecting the levers by a string satisfy the requirement that they be "connected directly?"
      
      Yes, if the strings are used to cause a movement in one lever to induce a movement in the other lever, then the levers are “connected directly”.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      10/29/2019
      
      How accurate must the measurement of the ratio be (should the answer be only a whole number, one decimal place, two decimal places, etc.)?
      
      Students may give their answer to any number of decimal places. Their answer will be compared to the ES's calculation of the ratio, which will be calculated by using the maximal precision of the scales and observing rules of significant figures.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 3)
      
      10/10/2019
      
      Must all masses simultaneously fit inside a 15x15x20cm box or must each mass separately be able to fit inside the box?
      
      Each mass must fit within the 15 x 15 x 20cm box individually.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      Rules specify maximum beam lengths of 80.0 cm (B) and 40.0 cm (C). What is the definition of Beam Length?
      
      The “length of the beam” is the physical length of the single beam, including any permanently affixed non-movable fixtures extending off the physical end of the beam. If either attachment point (or the fulcrum) extends beyond the physical end of the beam, the distance between the attachment point (or the fulcrum) and the end of the beam is included in the “length of the beam”.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      What is the desired format for the mass ratios?
      
      That will be up to the individual event supervisor to specify. Any equivalent format (decimal, fraction, table format) will be accepted. However, fractions must not be complex fractions (i.e. having a decimal or fraction in the numerator or denominator). Note the official scoresheet expects it to be entered as a decimal value, but the supervisor can easily convert a fraction to a decimal if they desire.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: e / Line: 6)
      
      11/08/2019
      
      What is the desired format for the mass ratios?
      
      That will be up to the individual event supervisor to specify. Any equivalent format (decimal, fraction, table format) will be accepted. However, fractions must not be complex fractions (i.e. having a decimal or fraction in the numerator or denominator). Note the official scoresheet expects it to be entered as a decimal value, but the supervisor can easily convert a fraction to a decimal if they desire.
Technology & Engineering Design
- Mission Possible
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    ". . .the golf ball. . . initiates the next action." The ball may only be tied, per 3.a.viii. If the string tied around the ball hits something to initiate the next action, does that qualify?
    
    No, the surface of the golf ball must make the contact to initiate the next action.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    "a 3:1 rato gear system. . ." Does this mean output teeth/input teeth = 3, or the other way around? Thanks.
    
    The rules don't specify the direction it must go.
  - (Section: Compet / Paragraph: C / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    Can any of the scorable unique actions also be used for the timer?
    
    One of the unique tasks or the pendulum timer may count as a timer as long as all other rules are met. The task that allows the use of electricity is not allowed as a timer.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: v / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Can the wingnut have rotational motion (i.e. the wingnut rotates with the rotating screw) or must it only have linear motion (i.e. the rotating screw only pushes the wingnut along its threads)?
    
    The wing nut needs to move linearly. The threaded wing nut must move along a threaded rod or screw.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    Can we use salt water for Mission Possible?
    
    No, the water that is added to the container may not be salt water.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Sub-Paragraph: ii / Line: 1)
    
    10/08/2019
    
    If the Tee Holder is mounted onto the wall or base of the Device, does the wall and base count as part of the device and subject to the 10cm clearance requirement of the rule?
    
    The wall or base may be considered as part of the "tee holder" and would not be subject to the 10cm clearance requirement. However, the top of the tee must still be at least 2.5 cm above any part of the "tee holder".
- Boomilever - Div B
  - (Section: 6 / Sub-Paragraph: i, ii / Line: 1)
    
    11/08/2019
    
    Is the score rounded up or down to nearest whole number?
    
    No, the Score should not be rounded to the nearest whole number, and as many digits as possible should be used for comparing scores. The scoring example in the rules follows proper significant figures.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    The loading point must be between 40-45cm away from the wall, can the boomilever extend past the 45cm mark or must the loading assembly sit on the end of the boomilever?
    
    There is no length restriction for the boomilever.
- Elastic Launched Gliders
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: d / Line: 2)
    
    10/29/2019
    
    Is there a maximum Chord length/wing span and/or wing area for the fore wing/horizontal stablizer?
    
    No, but as stated in para 3.j, the horizontal stabilizer must be in front of and smaller than the main wing to meet the canard bonus. Span and chord both. There is specifically no limit on the horizontal stabilizer this year, be it behind the main wing, or in front to meet the criteria for the canard bonus. The largest horizontal surface will be considered the wing. As already stated, largest by BOTH span and chord. The next largest horizontal surface will be considered the horizontal stabilizer. There should be no significant third horizontal surface. Fuselage, so long as it does not contribute significant lifting surface will be disregarded.
- Mousetrap Vehicle
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 2)
    
    10/10/2019
    
    can the drive string be pre-wrapped around the drive axle?
    
    Yes, as long as all of the energy that propels the vehicle comes from the single mousetrap.

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