Science Olympiad Rock Hound

Transcription

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 Sedimentary Rock and Fossil 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 Fossils Fossils are the remains or impression of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock A mold is a fossil formed when the organism is buried then decays to leave an impression in the rock A cast is a fossil formed when the organism decays and the void is filled with sediment 7

8 COACHING TIPS Practice! A lot! Weekly quizzes and work on: Arranging specimens in groups Charts Diagrams 8

9 20 Stations in covered boxes A-T Time the boxes are open is controlled 9

10 Letters on top of the boxes Movement ascending the alphabet A - T then T - A 10

11 Questions & Answers are found in the box tops 11

12 Samples are found in and around the boxes 12

13 Recording Answers This event will be multiple choice These answers will be recorded on a ZipGrade answer sheet Value of the questions will range from one to three points; the point values will not be stated 13

14 Sedimentary Rock and Fossil Emphasis There will be additional emphasis on sedimentary rocks, minerals associated with sedimentary rock and other sedimentary processes compared to previous years There are also four fossils included this year This does not mean that it will be an sedimentary 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 14

15 Sedimentary Rock Emphasis For 2019, two Sedimentary rocks and a mineral have been added to the list Breccia (rock) Travertine (rock) Barite (mineral) 15

16 Fossil Emphasis For 2019, four common fossils have been added to the list Brachiopod Gastropod Horn Coral Petoskey Stone 16

17 2019 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 17

18 Rule Clarifications Check the Macomb Science Olympiad web site often for rule clarifications. 18

19 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 19

20 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 20

21 Charts Same as last year: The chart size must be limited to a maximum of 8.5 x14 21

22 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 22

23 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 23

24 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 24

25 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 25

26 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. 26

27 The End 27