National Science Olympiad Tournament

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Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions

Will we have access for our computers on campus?

Ans: everyone who registered on our website will receive a nametag in a lanyard. Each person will have a wireless login and password on the back of their tag along with a number to call anytime with questions.

Student Questions

How high is the ceiling in the McClain Center?

Ans: approximately 65 feet at the center point. This is a football indoor practice facility that requires a high ceiling.

What is the floor surface in the SHELL where vehicles will run?

Ans: Poured Rubber. It appears much like a tile floor without any seams. Normally it is used primarily as a basketball-playing surface.

Can alternates participate in the trial events?

Ans: Actually it is encouraged, however, while medals can be won in trial events (not demo events), no scores are used to help with the team score.

We are wondering if the sled for the MagLev, division B, is also a hovercraft on magnets or if it simply slides along the track?

Ans. Yes, the sled is also outfitted with magnets so that it levitates on the track. The sled will be provided by the event supervisor and will be the same for all teams.

Are we allowed to make a Canard plane. If so, then will the first wing (which is the smallest) be considered a wing or a stabilizer?

Ans: As long as there are no more than two horizontal surfaces (e.g. wing and stabilizer) and both are in compliance with the dimensions there is nothing in the rules that prohibits a canard.

I was wondering what key we will be performing Shenandoah in at the opening ceremony. The rules allow students to transpose Shenandoah into a key that is convenient to the players, so some students may be unaccustomed to playing the song in various keys.

Ans: Just bring your wind instrument to play in the key you are prepared to play in for the competition and you will be accommodated.

In the case of a scheduling conflict for two events (in this case Dynamic Planet and Optics), may partners compete at a time other than the regularly scheduled time of the event(s) for their state?

Ans: This is never allowed at a National Science Olympiad Tournament for scheduled events. You must compete in your assigned time slot which is in announced in the annual coaches and students' manual.

I am a participant in Junkyard Challenge. Will I be able to eat breakfast at our dorm on Saturday and still get to the event on time.

Ans: Breakfast is normally served from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the dorms. On Saturday it will be served from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. So you can eat either before or after the build portion of Junkyard.

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If you have questions send them to Van Valaskey and Gary Graper, tournament co-directors, at veval@engr.wisc.edu or by calling 608-890-3994. The questions will be updated at this location on the website.

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