2012 Events
MACOMB ELEMENTARY SCIENCE OLYMPIAD
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
A is for Anatomy
Students will identify anatomical structures of the human muscular and skeletal systems. Only the scientific names of the bones, parts of bones and muscles will be accepted as correct.
Bridging the Gap
This event is designed to test the student's ability to think on their feet. They will be given a bag of appropriate materials which they will use to build a bridge. The bridge should be constructed to span the greatest possible distance while supporting a tennis ball at its midpoint
Charged Up
Students will be tested on their knowledge of electricity and related concepts. The exam will cover circuits, conductors, voltage, current, resistance, schematic drawings, meter reading, electrical sources and safety.
Crime Busters
Students read a crime scene scenario, and a Detective’s Log giving detailed information about each of the three suspects. Students test unknown powders, use paper chromatography to identify ink, match fingerprints, shoeprints, and analyze a handwriting sample to determine who committed a crime. Then, students use the Detective’s Log to answer a question about the suspect they have found to be the criminal.
Don't Bug Me
Using characteristics of the major arthropod classes, students are to distinguish insects from non-insects. They will also identify insect specimens, body parts, characteristics, habitats, ecological significance, and life cycles of specified orders of Insects.
Force and Motion
This event will test students knowledge of the motion of objects and the forces that affect them.
Students need to understand force, motion, speed, gravity and contact and non-contact forces.
Grasp-A-Graph
Students will interpret and organize information using pictographs, pie, bar, double bar, line and
double line graphs.
Mystery Egg Drop
Each team will be given a container of materials to construct a device that will hold and protect a large Grade A raw chicken egg as it is dropped from a fixed height onto a target.
Reflection Relay
A team of three students will work cooperatively to determine the path a light beam takes, as it
reflects off a series of plane mirrors.
Rock Hound
Students will prepare a chart and use it to identify various rocks and minerals. Questions about
the rocks or minerals, such as their color, specific gravity, relative hardness, reaction to 3 molar
hydrochloric acid, shape, and texture will be asked.
Rubber Band Catapult
Students will design and construct a catapult device, according to the parameters set forth in the
rules, to shoot a rubber band at a target that is placed within a given range.
Starry, Starry Night
This event will test students' knowledge of astronomical facts and concepts relating to the earth,
moon, solar system, celestial sphere, stars and constellations. Additionally, students will also
examine the life cycle of stars.
Water Rockets
Prior to the tournament, each team will use 2-liter soda/pop bottles to build one or more rockets
propelled by pressurzed air and water. Rockets will be launched at the tournament and time aloft recorded. The rocket that stays aloft for the longest time will win.
Weather or Not
Students will be tested on their knowledge of weather and meteorology. Topics may include
clouds, simple scientific weather instruments and their functions, weather patterns, severe weather, and weather photographs, drawings, or diagrams. Questions may also include states of water, water cycle, weather terminology, atmosphere, and seasonal changes in weather.
Wildlife Safari
Students will demonstrate their ability to identify Michigan fish and their habitats through the use of field guides. They may view photographs of fish, mounts, and/or photographs of habitat.
Zowie Estimation
Presented with a variety of tasks, students will be asked to estimate mass in grams, volume in
cubic centimeters, or number of objects in a container.