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Division C Events

Division C 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
- Astronomy
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
    
    10/16/2018
    
    Can external devices that do not require an internet connection, such as wireless mice, be used during competition?
    
    Yes, wireless mice and keyboards are allowed.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Can external hard drives that do not use an internet connection (i.e. flash drives) be used during competition?
    
    Yes, External hard drives i.e. flash drives can be used during competition.
- Dynamic Planet - Div C
- Fossils - Div C
  - (Section: 3. / Paragraph: d. / Sub-Paragraph: viii. / Line: 1)
    
    10/03/2018
    
    Cannot find the Official S.O. Geologic Time Scale. Found a reference in old 2010-11 event that went to a dead GSA site link, so I assume you're using the latest GSA Time Scale (v. 5.0), but that is not the way it's described in the rules.
    
    The Official S. O. Geologic Time Scale was modified from the GSA Time Scale and is available on the Science Olympiad website. https://www.soinc.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_files/FossilsGeologicTimeScale.pdf The Geologic Time Scale was updated in 2018, but the Science Olympiad Official Time Scale will have 2019 in the title, to reflect use for the 2018-19 season.
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: A / Line: 2)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Will binders be measured using the binding or the rings?
    
    Binders will be measured by the size of the rings. A 3" binder has rings that have a 3" diameter on the inside of the rings. The binding of a 3" binder will be larger.
- GeoLogic Mapping
Inquiry & Nature of Science
- Codebusters
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Are different types ( i.e. pencils, highlighter, pens, etc.) of "writing utensils" acceptable?
    
    Yes. pencils, highlighters and pens are all valid writing instruments. However, any solutions written must be readily read by the person grading the test and an answer written only with a yellow or other color highlighter may be scored the same as a non-answered question.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e,f / Line: 7)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Are xenocrypts only limited to Spanish? The wording makes it unclear.
    
    Yes. For this year, all Xenocrypts will be in Spanish.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Sub-Paragraph: vii / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Does "Mathematical Cryptanalysis of the Affine Cipher" refer to merely decoding a cipher given the a and b values, or determining the a and b values from given ciphertext?
    
    Mathematical Cryptanalysis of the Affine Cipher means that the student has to decode the entire plain text of the cipher given two plain text characters to match the cipher text.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 5)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    For aristocrats with spelling/grammar errors, should the errors be included in the final answer?
    
    Yes. The final answer should exactly match the errors in the encoded text. Specifically if the aristocrat was LFOE JG KOI GNFQJH then the correct answer would be HEAR IS BAD SPELIN in order to count as zero mistakes.
  - (Section: 4 / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    For monoalphabetic ciphers, is an error defined as per incorrect letter or does one error encompass everything from that letter matching to an incorrect letter? If A is B and if the word AA is translated by mistake to CC is that 1 or 2 errors?..
    
    Errors are counted against the decode phrase and not the alphabet. If A is supposed to map to B, then AA mistakenly translated to CC would count as two errors.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    If students make errors while decoding the first question, but still receive full or partial credit per 4.b.ii., will this be counted as answering "correctly" for purposes of earning the timing bonus?
    
    There is no partial credit for the bonus. In order to be considered solved for rule 3.i.v the team must solve the timed question with 2 or fewer errors within the 10 minute timer. After the 10 minute time has passed, the timed question is scored like any other question under rule 4.b.ii such that a team may still receive points for solving it with 3 mistakes, but no bonus is awarded.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e / Sub-Paragraph: vii / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Is xenocrypt necessarily monoalphabetic substitution?
    
    Yes. All Xenocrypts will be mono-alphabet substitution following the same substitution rules of Aristocrats.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Must competitors finish the first question before moving on in order to obtain points for the bonus, or may one or two students move on from the first question while others work on the first question in the first 10 minutes?
    
    Rule 3.d states that "participants are free to answer the questions in any order, working individually or in groups, attempting whichever of the questions seem right for them." Therefore, there is no requirement to complete question 1 before moving on to the other questions to be eligible for the timing bonus on the timed question.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: e. / Sub-Paragraph: vi. / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    What type of baconian Cipher is being tested, the one in which V and J do not have a unique code or the one where all the letters have a unique code?
    
    The Baconian ciphers will use the 24 character alphabet in which I and J are both represented by ABAAA and U and V are both represented by BAABB.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: f / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Will the crib necessarily be provided in the exam?
    
    Not for all questions. "cribs" (also known as Hints) will only be supplied for cipher types under rules 3.e.iii.(1), 3.e.iii.(3), 3.e.iii.(5), 3.e.vi, 3.e.vii, 3.f.iii and 3.f.vi.
- Experimental Design - Div C
  - (Section: Rubric / Line: 1)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Will participants be required to write a "Statement of problem" even though it is not included in the rubric?
    
    No. Students may write a Statement of Problem but the Hypothesis will contain information necessary to determine what is happening in the experiment.
- Fermi Questions
- Write It Do It - Div C
Life, Personal & Social Science
- Disease Detectives - Div C
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/16/2018
    
    Are the steps of an outbreak investigation based on the 13 steps as listed on the CDC site, or on the 10 steps provided in previous years' event description.
    
    The updated event outline uses the 13 steps that are listed on the CDC site and in the textbook listed in the resources. It is the most up-to-date format. The process is the same, but the division into 13 steps emphasizes the validation of the hypothesis.
  - (Section: 1 / Line: 1)
    
    10/03/2018
    
    What is the focus of Disease Detectives this year?
    
    Disease Detectives has been reorganized for 2019 and the topic rotation has been dropped. See the 2019 rules for the emphasis in each area. For an outbreak investigation, needed background will be provided.
- Anatomy and Physiology - Div C
- Designer Genes
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 15)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    What is the difference between the "molecular consequences of mutations" (Regional & State topic) and "mutations" (National topic)?
    
    Categories of mutations (nonsense, missense, etc) are included in the "basic principles of genetics" in relation to their molecular consequences. More specific questions about mutations themselves can be considered to be a National level topic.
- Herpetology - Div C
  - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: a / Line: 1)
    
    10/11/2018
    
    "One two-inch or smaller standard binder" should refer specifically to the rings in the binder being two inches or smaller, correct?
    
    Yes, the standard for measurements of a binder are based upon the inner size of the rings. For round ring binders, the size is determined by measuring the inside diameter of the ring(s). D-ring and slant-d ring binders are measured by the straight edge of the ring.
  - (Section: 1 / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    For Herpetology are the species’ information based on North America only? For example, in population is it for North America or the whole world?
    
    Questions relating to species' information will be limited to North American groups and organisms included in the official herpetology list. However there might be a one or two broad, generalized questions about major, exotic groups (populations, examples) elsewhere in the world.
- Water Quality - Div C
Physical Science & Chemistry
- Chemistry
  - Chem Lab
  - Forensics
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      10/15/2018
      
      When the rules say each participant may bring a sheet of paper does that mean that each partner in a team can bring a sheet, or that each team can bring one sheet only?
      
      Yes, each person may bring 1 sheet of paper per the rules. Therefore, a team of 2 students can have a total of 2 sheets of paper.
  - Protein Modeling
- Physics
  - Circuit Lab - Div C
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: b / Line: 1)
      
      11/15/2018
      
      Are the breadboards mentioned limited to solderless breadboards, or will they involve soldiering?
      
      Only solderless breadboards will be used.
    - (Section: 2 / Paragraph: D / Line: 1)
      
      11/15/2018
      
      Define the word "Basic" What is considered a Basic MultimeterWhat is not considered a Basic Multimeter?Could it be digital? Auto ranging? What part is discretionary
      
      Basic multimeter refers to those devices that are hand-held, battery powered, analog or digital, manual or auto ranging, measuring volts, amperes and ohms. Multimeters with advanced features, such as graphing, time waveform displaying, fft/frequency-domain functions, non-contact voltage sensing, current clamp probes are not considered basic. Whether to allow participants to use their own multimeters is at the discretion of the event supervisor. For example one regional supervisor may allow it, while another regional supervisor may not and require all participants to use multimeters they provide.
  - Sounds of Music
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 4)
      
      10/15/2018
      
      Does a 3-D printed mouthpiece violate the rule since they are not purchased but manufactured?
      
      No, that does not violate the rules. 3D printed parts are legal.
    - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 4)
      
      10/15/2018
      
      Will horse hair, like for violin bow replacements or on the bows, be allowed as a type of string?
      
      Yes, per Rule 3.a., strings of any type of permitted.
  - Thermodynamics - Div C
Technology & Engineering
- Boomilever - Div C
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Sub-Paragraph: I / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    If Wood is turned into wood string, would that still qualify for build materials?
    
    No, string made from wood can not be used.
- Mission Possible
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    Are products marketed as "resistance programmable" allowed so long as they do not use software?
    
    No, anything labeled programmable would not be allowed per rule 3.i.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: c / Line: 4)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    Can the battery be under the influence of a magnetic field if it is not directly touching the magnet?
    
    No, per Rule 4c the battery must be free standing. If it is under the influence of a magnetic field, it is not free standing.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: a / Line: 2)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Can the ping pong ball indirectly cause the golf ball to move, or does it have to be moved with direct contact between the balls?
    
    Yes, the rules do not say the ping pong ball has to come in direct contact with the golf ball, just cause the golf ball to move and start the next action.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: h / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Do competitors need to ask permission before touching their device if they believe it has stopped, jammed, or failed?
    
    No, they do not need to ask. However, if the team reaches into a device that is still running, the judges may penalize the team for taking advantage of time. If they are figuring the time and basing the touch on that, it could lead to a disqualification.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: iii / Line: 1)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    Do the heartburn tablets have to be whole or can they be crushed/broken into pieces?
    
    They must be in tablet form per the rules, not be broken or crushed.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: j / Line: 1)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Do the scorable actions in the device have to be in order as in the packet (b.i. , b.ii. , b.iii. , b.iv. , etc.) or can they be in any order as long as you list on the ASL what it is?
    
    No, the scorable actions may be in any order within the device and listed on the ASL in the order they are within the device.
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: h / Line: 1)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    Does the completed extension of the Final Action deduct from the dimension score or is it excluded from the measurement of the devices dimensions?
    
    The extension of the completed Final Action is not part of the measured device dimensions.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: vi / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Does the inclined plane have to be a flat surface or can it be a curved surface/half-pipe (such as a PVC tube) or a set of parallel rails?
    
    It should be a plane. The plane could be curved, however, it is up to the student to prove that the IMA >= 2. Rails do not make an inclined plane.
  - (Section: 3.c / Line: 2)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    For scorable electric actions, is a secondary action for the sole purpose of turning off a running motor considered an illegal parallel task under 3.c?
    
    No. A secondary "action" for the sole purpose of turning off the electrical circuit in a previous scorable action is allowed. It can not be connected in any way to any other actions.
  - (Section: 6 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    If during operation, part of a device exceeds its initial dimensions, should the measured dimensions be expanded (and therefore subject to 6.b.i. if >60.0cm) to include this extension, or be penalized under 6.c. for exceeding its initial dimension?
    
    If a part of the device moves out of the original dimensions, it should be included in the measurement of the device. If an object leaves the device or detaches from the device, the 50 point penalty will be assessed. It is suggested that the team notify the judges about this expansion before running the device so this can be measured.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    In reference to unguided balloons, may a string be used to empty the contents of a balloon into a bottle so long as the string does not guide or pull the balloon towards a specific direction?
    
    This may be possible. It depends upon the decision of the judges who see it operate. It must not be guided and no other rules may be broken. As an example, the string's movement must not directly cause the balloon to move towards the direction it needs to go to cause the next action.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    Is an unmodified golf ball which is designed to float in water allowed?
    
    No, the golf ball must be a standard, unmodified golf ball. Floater golf balls are not considered standard. Please see the posted Clarification regarding 4.b.iv.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: g / Line: 1)
    
    10/03/2018
    
    Is the use of electricity allowed in non-scorable actions?
    
    No, electricity is not allowed in non-scorable actions.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    What constitutes a golfball for Scorable Action 4.b.iv.?
    
    Please see the posted Clarification for Scorable Action 4.b.iv. The golf ball must be a standard, unmodified golf ball.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    10/03/2018
    
    What defines "Programmable Component?" Would a Thermostat Temperature Controller be considered "programmable"?
    
    There may be some thermostats that are non-programmable, but many are. The team could be at risk using a digital one. One that moves physically to complete the next action could be allowed if the judges see that it is not programmable.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    10/16/2018
    
    What defines a balloon, for example, do they have to be commercial or can they be homemade as long as they follow a certain definition such as "a nonporous bag that can be inflated with air" ?
    
    The balloon should be considered a balloon to most people who see it. For example, a paper bag is not a balloon although it might be filled with air. To be sure it is accepted, a team should use one that is marketed as a balloon.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: iv / Line: 1)
    
    10/11/2018
    
    What defines water? Can the water that is being added to the container have any additives in it such as salt?
    
    Water must be without additives.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: x / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    What do you mean by launch? Does it have to go airborne above the top boundary?
    
    Yes, the quarter must be launched into the air so that it goes above the top boundary of the Device before it lands back into the Device.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    What qualifies as 'guided' for the balloon?
    
    Any part or piece of the machine placed strategically to direct the balloon toward the part of the machine it is designed to strike. There must be enough room between the balloon and the other parts of the machine to allow the balloon to move randomly. Examples might include but are not all inclusive - A wall, tube, object, material, wires, string, weights, etc.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: J / Line: 1)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Would a lead object permanently encased in a safe material be considered hazardous?
    
    Yes, a lead object permanently encased would be considered hazardous and not be allowed.
  - (Section: 4 / Paragraph: b / Sub-Paragraph: i / Line: 1)
    
    10/05/2018
    
    Would placing weights into a balloon count as gravitational guidance?
    
    Yes, placing weights in a balloon would count as gravitational guidance and would not be allowed.
- Mousetrap Vehicle
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    Are wax-treated and non-wax-treated cups both considered legal regarding section 5.c.1?
    
    Yes, the rule does not specify which type, so the ES could use either.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: 1 / Line: 2)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    As "No part of the jaw/hammer may extend more than 1.0 cm beyond the base," does the jaw/hammer include an arm-extension from the original hammer of the mousetrap(s)?
    
    No. Any added items are not considered part of the unmodified mousetrap, and therefore may extend more than 1.0 cm beyond the mousetrap's base. Per 3.a., however, added items may not increase the potential energy of the unmodified mousetrap.
  - (Section: 5 / Paragraph: c / Line: 1)
    
    10/26/2018
    
    Does 3-oz. refer to the volume or the mass of the cup?
    
    A 3 oz. paper cup refers to the volume of the cup as labelled on the package.
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: a / Line: 2)
    
    10/15/2018
    
    Does the statement, No part of the jaw/hammer may extend more than 1.0 cm beyond the base, refer to the base of the mousetrap or the base of the vehicle as a whole?
    
    The base of the mousetrap (in its lowest energy state (tripped)).
  - (Section: 3. / Paragraph: f. / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Does this mean when the wheels/treads are placed on the floor, the bottoms of the wheels must fit in a 40.0 x 40.0 cm space? Or is this measuring the vertical center of the wheels, outer edge to outer edge?
    
    Paragraph 3.f. states that the 'wheels/treads in their entirety' must fit in the box. That means from the outermost portion of the rear wheel/tread to the foremost portion of the front wheel/tread must fit in the 40 cm x 40 cm box.
  - (Section: 7 / Paragraph: d / Line: 1)
    
    11/15/2018
    
    Is a team allowed to modify the paper cup during their 8-minutes?
    
    No. A team is not allowed to modify the paper cup during their 8-minutes.
- Wright Stuff
  - (Section: 3 / Paragraph: d / Line: 4)
    
    10/11/2018
    
    In the downloaded rules there are no dimensions presented for the horizontal stabilizer. Does this mean it can be any dimensions as long as it is smaller than the largest surface?
    
    Yes, the stabilizer doesn't have a size restriction as long as it is smaller than the single largest surface. There are fewer size restrictions this year and are listed correctly in the rules.

‹ Please give an example of the added rule: The beginning and the end of each Gap must be at least 0.5 cm above the next surface(s) below them.
Earth & Space Science ›

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