Science Olympiad Rock Hound

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Science Olympiad Rock Hound"

Ethelbert Quinn
6 years ago
Views:

1 Science Olympiad Rock Hound

2 Contents Event description Topics Outline Coaching tips Making tests Putting together a team Test-taking strategies Resources 2

3 Event Description A team of up to 2 will demonstrate knowledge of Rocks, Minerals and Geology principles Writing implements (Pencils only) and a Chart are all that contestants are allowed to bring Test format will be about 20 stations, and about 100 questions 3

4 Event Topics Sample identification Uses Physical attributes Special properties Metamorphic Rock Emphasis 4

5 Minerals Minerals are pure natural crystalline solids Minerals have properties that aid in identification Including but not limited to: streak, hardness, specific gravity, luster, crystal habit and form, color 5

6 Rocks Rocks are classified into three groups; Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks are made of Minerals The overall proportion and type of minerals define the rock The relative and overall differentiation of these minerals usually give insight into how the rock formed 6

7 COACHING TIPS Practice! A lot! Weekly quizzes and work on: Arranging specimens in groups Charts Diagrams 7

8 20 Stations in covered boxes A-T Time the boxes are open is controlled 8

9 Letters on top of the boxes Movement ascending the alphabet A - T then T - A 9

10 Questions & Answers are found in the box tops 10

11 Samples are found in and around the boxes 11

12 Recording Answers This event will be multiple choice These answers will be recorded on a ZipGrade answer sheet Some questions will be worth one point, others will be worth two; the point values will not be stated 12

13 Igneous Rock Emphasis There will be additional emphasis on igneous rocks, minerals associated with igneous rock and other igneous processes compared to previous years This does not mean that it will be an igneous only event- the vast majority of the event will be similar to previous years You should still make sure to study all of the other rocks and minerals on the list 13

14 Igneous Rock Emphasis For 2018, three Igneous rocks have been added to the list Diorite Gabbro Rhyolite 14

15 Igneous Rock Emphasis For 2018, three minerals commonly associated with Igneous rock and processes have been added to the list Hornblende Apatite Olivine 15

16 2018 Science Olympiad Rock and Mineral List Samples for identification must be taken from this list Event supervisors are free to use samples not on the list, however participants will not be required to identify those samples 16

17 Rule Clarifications Check the Macomb Science Olympiad web site often for rule clarifications. 17

18 Practicing Give lots of quizzes even if they re only 5 samples! Have kids make quizzes Use flash cards Have samples available at every practice and whenever kids want to study (study hall?) Have kids quiz each other and ask associated questions Play Pictionary, hangman, charades, anything 18

19 Arranging Samples By Mineral or Rock By relative hardness In groups By Mineral family: e.g., Quartz, Gypsum, etc. By Rock type: i.e., Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic 19

20 Charts Same as last year: The chart size must be limited to a maximum of 8.5 x14 20

21 Making Practice Tests Clearly convey expectations at beginning of test Choose specimens that have typical characteristics Put one or more specimens per station Label specimens so they can t be mixed up! Pair supplemental questions with specimens 21

22 Making Practice Tests (cont.) Provide information if necessary (Formula) Provide equipment if necessary (hand lens) Try to cover all topics reasonably evenly Work out the traffic pattern and label it Indicate or don t indicate tiebreakers, but include them in the regular score 22

23 Putting together a team Have more than 2 students per team practicing Pair your strengths (both identification and conceptual) Have students practice together Practice with the chart that will be used at the competition Be sure the students will support each other Both students should contribute If one is more dominant in the event, he/she should be a mentor, not just take over 23

24 Test-Taking Strategies Know the event! (rules and format) Know the subject! (concepts and identification skills) Talk quietly (the competition may be listening) Don t mix up the specimens Don t leave your chart behind Don t panic if a station is left unfinished Take notes and try to finish while at another station If all else fails, guess 24

25 Summary Practice identification Assemble teams that can work together Build and practice using a useful chart Keep a sense of humor Have FUN! Rock and Roll!!! Best Luck to all. 25

26 The End 26

Science Olympiad Rockhound Please Sign in

Science Olympiad Rockhound **Please Sign in** 2017. Contents Event description Topics Outline Coaching tips Making tests Putting together a team Test-taking strategies Resources EVENT DESCRIPTION A team