NCSO Debrief – December 2022

Are the resources on the NCSO website up to date for this season? In the past events like Crimebusters, Forensics, and list events like Forestry and Rocks & Minerals have had their content narrowed down to a “NC list.”  When do you anticipate the update? 

We are updating the resource pages all the time.  I recommend checking them often.  The NC State Tree List for Forestry was posted in early November.  This will be used for both Regionals and States.  Rocks & Minerals will follow the National rules but we did add Anorthite under Plagioclase Feldspar. It is one of the most common rock bearing minerals in the world. There is a clarification posted about this. 

Crimebusters and Forensics clarifications were posted on the event resource page mid-November. Both are detailed, so I encourage you to check them out. 

As a former coach, what are some of your tips for coaches on how to make the most out of practice sessions with our students? 
This greatly depends on the level of students you are working with.  Your approach with Elementary students will look very different from your strategy with High school students.  Regardless of their age, start early and help them develop a plan.  And not even just a daily plan.  Sit down and look at the weeks available before competition, compare this to the topics required and map out how they will cover everything in a timely manner.  They all need help with time management.  Tournaments sneak up on you quickly and waiting until the last minute never works. 

I am a Div A Science Olympiad coach, can you tell me where I can find previous year questions for test events. 

If any of the event leaders release their regional and state tests from previous years, will that be found on the NCSO resource page? 

We do not release tests from previous years. For Div B/C,  National science olympiad does release National tests from the year prior which serve as a great resource and can be purchased for a few dollars from the National site.  

For CodeBusters, I have a question about the grading of Aristocrat with spelling/grammar errors: would an answer, which corrects all the spelling errors, receive full credit; or only the mis-spelled phrases decoded (exactly based on the given ciphertext in the question) will receive full credit? 

From John Toebes: For a misspelled Aristocrat, we are grading the misspelled words (i.e. the plaintext which happens to have grammar/spelling errors)

I am having trouble finding 20 oz. bottles for 321 Blastoff! Any suggestions for finding bottles?

Made from a single 1-liter plastic carbonated beverage bottle.  *Show them an example

A design log for Roller Coaster sounds challenging.  Are we required to create a design log for roller coaster in NC? 

Design Logs are NOT required in NC this year for Roller Coaster. DATA logs WILL be required. 

Do National rules clarifications apply to tournaments in NC?

Yes and we recommend checking the Rules Clarifications page on the National site often.  It really stinks when you’re caught off guard because you didn’t know.  

Will Bite Size SO be returning?

We will not be running Bite Size SO this year. But, we have an archive online of the last two years, including free tests, available. We will bring Bite Size SO back in the Fall of 2023. 

Once I build my my egg protection for Trajeggtory – what do I do with it?

Trajeggtory is a fun one.  It involves Protecting a raw egg from breaking when tossed over a bar or barrier.  Practice throwing it.  You don’t want your ability to throw to keep you from winning. lol

Can we set up tents outside again on Miller Fields at States like we did last year?  That was so fun!

That was a blast.  We are working on doing this again.  Let’s all start asking for sun that day!