2012 Division C Event Updates


As requests for clarification or interpretation of rules are received the questions and appropriate responses will be posted for all to read. The "new" or "updated" labels are to provide a quick visual means of determining whether or not you may have read the question/response previously. Entries are labeled as "new" for 10 days; entries are labeled as updated for another 10 days.


If you are familiar with RSS feeds you may set up a RSS aggregator (such as Google Reader) or your Email to automatically receive rules updates/clarifications feeds as they are posted. You can do this for new items as they are added as well as a separate feed for updates/clarifications that have been modified since they were posted. The RSS links are in the sidebar.


You can click on Download PDF in the sidebar to get all rules/clarifications formatted for printing.

NOTE: Event updates and clarifications that are posted here will be in effect for the Los Angeles County Science Olympiad on Saturday, February 25, 2012. Any other clarifications posted elsewhere do not apply to this regional.

  • Sounds of Music (02/21/12)
    Question: The event construction rules state that no rosin is allowed for the construction of the instrument, but that would make almost any bowed instrument impossible to play, therefore ruling out a significant majority of possible string instruments. Are you going to be enforcing the "no rosin" policy at regionals/state? (Section 3, Paragraph b, Line 2 of part b)

    Answer: Per rule 3.b, professional instruments or parts of such instruments must not be permitted. This means that commercial rosin will not be allowed. However, student can make their own rosin but it is the student's responsibility to prove to the event supervisor that they have made the rosin. (Posted 02/21/12)

    Back to Top
  • Water Quality (02/21/12)
    Question: Will we be given a solution to test and demonstrate, and if so, will we be able to take the amount of solution we need? Also, will we be informed of the original amount of water used to make the solution? (Section 3, Paragraph c, Line 5)

    Answer: Teams will be given a solution to test and demonstrate. Each team will receive at most 1 liter of salt water solution, but they do not have to take the full 1 liter of sample. Teams will not be informed of the original amount of water used to make the solution. (Posted 02/21/12)

    Back to Top
  • Optics (02/21/12)
    Question: Because competitors can place templates on the LSS and leave them on the LSS during the laser shoot, can competitors tape down their templates? (Section 3, Paragraph d, Subparagraph xv, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. (Posted 02/21/12)


    Question: During the laser shoot, are we allowed to place our pre-made templates on the LSS, and if so, do we need to remove them after we position our mirrors and before the laser is turned on? (Section 3, Paragraph d, Subparagraph xv, Line 2)

    Answer: Yes, you can place your pre-made templates in the LSS and they can remain in the LSS after you position your mirrors and after the laser beam is turned on. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Protein Modeling (02/19/12)
    Question: The rules say students will have Jmol available during the on-site model build. Will Simple Viewer be available too? And if so, can they use it? (Section 1, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. (Posted 02/19/12)

    Back to Top
  • Thermodynamics (02/19/12)
    Question: Do you know yet if the supervisors are going to leave the thermometers in the beakers the entire cooling period? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 2)

    Answer: The thermometer will not be left in the device during testing, however the thermometer hole must remain unobstructed during the cooling period. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: When it says "1 point for each data plot on a graph or graphs turned in (up to 4 total)" does the "up to 4 total" refer to the points, meaning up to 4 points, or does it refer to the graphs or plots. (Section 5, Paragraph a, Subparagraph v, Line 1)

    Answer: Rule 2.c. clearly states you may turn in up to 4 plots. Rule 5.c.v. awards 1 point per plot for a maximum of 4 points possible. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: Will the water be transferred by the Event Supervisor at the student's station or will students need to carry the beaker to their station to place the beaker into their device? (Section 2, Paragraph b, Line 1)

    Answer: The beakers will be filled at the student's station. They will not have to carry them around the room. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: Can we use particle wood / presswood for the construction of the box? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: No. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: Will hot mitts or oven mitts be provided or shall we bring our own? (Section 2, Paragraph b, Line 1)

    Answer: They will not be provided to the competitors. The Event Supervisor will pour the water into the beakers, so the students will not touch any hot water. However, competitors are free to bring oven mitts if they want. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Back to Top
  • Gravity Vehicle (02/19/12)
    Question: In the construction parameters for gravity vehicle it calls for an unsharpened #2 pencil with an unused eraser, is the eraser to be used to release the vehicle? (Section 3, Paragraph h, Line 1)

    Answer: Teams may use either end of the provided pencil to actuate their vehicle. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: If a vehicle has a construction violation on only one run, will it be placed in Tier 3 for that run only or for both runs? (Section 6, Paragraph f, Subparagraph iii, Line 3)

    Answer: If a vehicle has a construction violation for one run, that run would be scored in Tier 3. If the other run is not in violation of the rules it is scored in Tier 1. (Posted 02/19/12)

    Back to Top
  • Helicopters (02/19/12)
    Question: Please clarify if time stops when balsa disc dislodges (separates) from the helicopter or when the disc touches the floor (assuming it reaches the floor before the helicopter) per 4 j. (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line last)

    Answer: Timing will stop when the disc is dislodged from the helicopter per rule 3.a. The reference to rule 4.j. falls under the last line "or the judges otherwise determine the flight to be over" which would be when the disc dislodges from the helicopter, not when the disc or any other part of the helicopter touches the floor. (Posted 02/19/12)

    Back to Top
  • Astronomy (02/10/2012)
    Question: Is each student allowed to bring a laptop computer, resulting in multiple laptop computers at the competition? (Section 2, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. The rules state that "Each team member is permitted to bring either a laptop computer or one 3-ring binder". This means the pair can bring either two binders, two computers, or a binder and a computer. (Posted 02/10/12)

    Back to Top
  • Gravity Vehicle (02/09/2012)
    Question: The manual states "Students must place one edge of their ramp parallel to the Start Line. The Start Line is defined as "'the inside edge of the tape.'" Is this referring to the edge closest to the center of the Launch Area or the edge closest to the Target Point? (Section 4, Paragraph b, Subparagraph i, Line 2)

    Answer: (Posted 02/09/12)


    Question: Are the competitors allowed to hold the ramp when they launch the vehicle? (Section 5, Paragraph h, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. (Posted 02/19/12)


    Question: Are students allowed to use electrical components (i.e. wire) if there is no electricity used in the device? (Section 3, Paragraph k, Subparagraph iv, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. Many materials could be considered an "electrical" component if included in an electronic device (e.g, rubber used on wheels could also be used to insulate wires), so it is impossible to differentiate between various materials that way. As long as the vehicle uses no electricity, then the materials are legal. (Posted 02/09/12)

    Back to Top
  • Thermodynamics (02/09/2012)
    Question: Are packing peanuts made from corn starch allowed to be used as insulation? (Section 3, Paragraph a-b, Line 1)

    Answer: Packing peanuts made from corn starch are a type foam which is prohibited from use in the device per rule 3.b. (Posted 02/09/12)


    Question: With regards to fastening materials, please provide examples of when they are or are not “contributing to the insulating properties of the device”? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 3)

    Answer: Allowable examples of fastening materials usage include, but are not limited to: using a single strip of tape or glue along an entire edge to hold 2 sides of the device together (it doesn’t need to be just ‘tacked’ together at a few spots). Spreading a thin layer of adhesive on the entire surface of a piece of aluminum foil to secure it to a piece of wood (e.g. like you would with wallpaper). NOT allowable example uses include, but are not limited to: using multiple layers of tape on an edge to seal it. Wrapping the entire device in tape to hold it together. Filling a large cavity with glue to ‘hold together’ an inside and outside wall. (Posted 02/09/12)


    Question: What constitutes a natural fiber? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: Natural fibers come from plant or animal sources. In their raw form they are typically continuous filaments or discrete elongated pieces. They can be processed into items such as threads, ropes, matted sheets or fabrics. Any of these forms are allowable as long as they are made up of 100% natural fibers. Examples include, but are not limited to cotton balls, wool blankets, and silk fabric. (Posted 02/09/12)


    Back to Top
  • Gravity Vehicle (02/08/2012)
    Question: If our team has been working on a clean hallway floor, are we allowed to ask for a dusty floor during the competition to be swept? (Section 4, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: We will allow a team to clean the track as long as it does not affect the track conditions for following teams. Sweeping and wiping with water or other water-based cleaning solution will be permitted, but using other liquids will not be permitted. Teams will have to provide the cleaning supplies, and the time will count as part of their total allotted time. (Posted 02/08/12)

    Back to Top
  • Thermodynamics (02/08/2012)
    Question: Is it acceptable to have a board composed of granular cork? (Section 3, Paragraph 1, Line 1)

    Answer: No. Granular materials that are modified to become a conglomerate are not considered granular material. Cork may only be used if the pieces of cork in the device are separate.(Posted 02/08/12)


    Question: May teams prepare more than four unique plots to use during the competition and only enter four for scoring? (Section 2, Paragraph c, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes. (Posted 02/08/12)

    Back to Top
  • Water Quality (02/08/2012)
    Question: How accurate does the salinometer/hydrometer need to be for the test? (Section 3, Paragraph c, Sub-paragraph i, Line 4-6)

    Answer: Any value ± 1% will be given full credit. For example, an answer between 7 and 9% will receive full credit if the actual salinity is 8%. (Posted 02/08/12)


    Question: How much water will each team receive for the salinity tester? (Section 3, Paragraph c, Line 5)

    Answer: Each team will receive at most 1 liter of salt water solution, but they do not have to take the full 1 liter of sample. (Posted 02/08/12)

    Back to Top
  • Forestry
    Question: Will tree identification be made using twigs, cones, seeds, flowers, bark, or other parts of the tree? (Section 3, Paragraph c)

    Answer: No, tree identification will be based only upon live or preserved leaf specimens but may be accompanied by other parts of the tree. Twigs, cones, seeds, flowers, bark, fruit, or other parts of the tree may be used without leaf specimens for other types of questions, but will not be used for tree identification without the presence of a live or preserved leaf specimen. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: There is a problem with one of the species names on the official tree list. For the Chinkapin Oak, the name on the official list is Quercus muhlenbergii. However every source I can find including the Audubon guides has the name as Quercus muehlenb... (Section 3, Paragraph e, Line 5)

    Answer: Quercus muehlenbergii is the correct spelling for Chinkapin Oak. This correction has been made to the Official Tree List posted on the National Website. Please be sure you are using this corrected version of the tree list. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Instead of the National Tree List, will a regional or state list of trees be used at this competition? (Section 3, Paragraph e, Line 1)

    Answer: We will be using the entire list posted on the National web page: 2012 National Tournament Specimen List for Forestry Organized to correspond to Audubon Field Guides of North American Trees as well as 3 additional trees listed here: 2012 LA County Regional Forestry B/C Additional Trees (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Thermodynamics
    National Rules Clarification (Section 4, Paragraph a, Subparagraph v )

    Answer: Teams may elect to add up to 100 mL of water from an ice bath to their INTERNAL BEAKER (note: delete the "s") immediately after receiving the hot water for bonus points. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: What is meant by organic granular material? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: Organic material is matter that has come from a once-living organism, is capable of decay or the product of decay, or is composed of organic compound. Granular material is a conglomeration of discrete solid, macroscopic particles characterized by a loss of energy whenever the particles interact (the most common example would be friction when grains collide). Thus, organic granular material could be described as a collection of pieces of organic material. Some examples of organic granular materials are rice, coffee, corn flakes, sugar, nuts, popcorn, coal, pieces of cork, leaves, etc. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Question: Would clay, sand, and/or dirt (such as top soil, potting mix) be considered an organic granular material? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: The definition posted by Nationals on organic dirt is somewhat confusing because dirt is technically non-organic. At the regional tournament, the interpretation for the clarification will be “All dirt will be allowed as long as it is not man made.” (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Is cork acceptable as "wood"? Is cork an acceptable building material? As cork is essentially wood. (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: Cork is not wood but it is organic and must be granular if used. Please see the posted FAQ for organic granular material. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Do the two Thermodynamics team members take the written test together or separately? (Section 4, Paragraph b, Subparagraph i, Line 1)

    Answer: The two students will take the test together. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Back to Top
  • Rocks and Minerals
    Question: Is a mini, hand held magnification device acceptable as a magnifying glass? (Section 2 Line 1)

    Answer: A pocket sized magnifier of any type will be acceptable at the event. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Are any rocks or minerals to be tested beyond those on the National list? (Section 3, Paragraph e, Line 2)

    Answer: No. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Robot Arm
    Question: This rule states that "the device may use modified kit parts." Does this imply that each and every part must be modified, or simply that the robot as a whole must have at least one modification from the condition that would result from following t... (Section 3, Paragraph c, Line 1)

    Answer: The spirit of the problem is for students to design and build a device. This does not necessarily mean each component must be modified by the students, but a token modification of a single component from an entire kit would not be within the spirit of the problem either. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Protein Modeling
    Question: The Jmol visualization has residues 207-225 as being part of an alpha helix, but the PDB sequence has residues 207-221 and 223-226 as part of an alpha helix. Which resource should the pre-build secondary structure be based off of? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 1)

    Answer: Use what Jmol designates as the helix. The physical (3D) models that the event supervisors will be using to aid in the scoring will be based on the Jmol designation of the length of the helices. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Astronomy
    Question: In the rules, section #3 letter c. the rules say "and/or answer questions relating to the three content areas outlined above for the following Objects". What are the "three content areas" that this references? (Section 3, Paragraph c, Line 2-3)

    Answer: This is referring to the possible information given about each object, found after the boldface "The Competition", and then sections A and B of the rules following. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Does a tablet computer qualify as a laptop computer? (Section 2, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes, a tablet computer fulfills the same functions as a laptop computer. The only constraint is that like the laptop computer, the tablet must have the ability to turn its internet connection (Wi-Fi, 3G, or other) off for the competition. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Robot Arm
    Question: This rule exempts fasteners from reporting requirements, but does not define fasteners. Would this exemption extend to spacers, washers, axle collars, bushings, bearings, brackets, belts, zip ties, gussets, standoffs or couplers? (Section 4, Paragraph b, Line 1)

    Answer: A fastener is intended to hold two or more things together. Its going to take a little judgement on the part of the event supervisor, but the following things are fasteners when used as such: screws, bolts, rivets, washers, straps, nuts, pins, c-clips, e-clips, twist ties, zip ties, straps, rubber bands, belts used as a strap. Rubber bands used to store energy, or a belt used to transfer energy is NOT a fastener. Axle collars if used to retain the axle are a fastener. Bushings and bearings are not fasteners, they don't hold things together, they reduce friction. Gussets are more structural pieces than fasteners. Same is true for standoffs or couplers. In the same vein as event supervisors are expected to use judgements, so should competitors. If you aren't sure, listing it won't hurt anything, for example, it may not be required to list a screw but it won't be penalized. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Gravity Vehicle (01/23/2012)
    Question: Does the phrase "competitor provided ramp" mean that each team will not be competing with the ramp they built? (Section 3, Paragraph b, Line 2)

    Answer: No, "competitor provided ramp" means that each team must bring their own ramp and compete with their own ramp. (Posted 01/23/12)


    Question: Can digital/electric tools be used as a way to adjust a vehicle during the competition (preparation phase)? (example: The use of a digital caliper) (Section 3, Paragraph k, Line 1)

    Answer: No. (Posted 01/23/12)

    Back to Top
  • Teams and Team Members
    A maximum of 15 students may participate on any team.

    A maximum of five 6th grade students may participate on a Division A team.

    A maximum of five 9th grade students may participate on a Division B team.

    A maximum of seven 12th grade students may participate on a Division C team.

    Middle schools may invite a maximum of five of their last year's 8th grade students to be part of the current Division B team.
    Back to Top
  • Thermodynamics
    Question: Does the event supervisor or the student pour the water into the beakers? (Section 4, Paragraph c, Sub-paragraph iv, Line 1)

    Answer: That is up to the individual event supervisor, although the recommendation is that the event supervisor transfers the water. The student(s) load the beaker into their device. - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Forestry
    Question: Is it acceptable to print the tree list single-sided and write notes on the reverse side of each sheet? (Section 2, Line 3)

    Answer: No, This would be a violation of the Spirit of the Rules of the competition. If the tree list is printed on a single side of paper, only the front of the paper may contain notes. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: Does "teams may ... write on any of these" include digital modifications to the tree list? (Section 2, Line 5)

    Answer: No, you are not allowed to make digital modifications to the tree list but you are allowed to write on the tree list. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: What types of books are encompassed by the phrase "field guide"? In other words, must a book have the words "field guide" printed on the cover in order to be permissible for the event? (Section 2, Line 3)

    Answer: A published or commercially published field guide is any printed resource that is published and used for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: Is there a State List of Trees for each individual state that will be used for regional/state competitions? (Section 1, Line 1)

    Answer: Answer is under review. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Sounds of Music
    Question: What is meant by two different instruments, of any type? (Section 1, Line 1)

    Answer: The word “different” refers to the instruments not being alike. The wording “of any type” means the type of either instrument doesn’t matter. Examples of what is not allowed: two flutes, two guitars, two trombones, etc. Examples of what is allowed: a flute and a piccolo, a trumpet and a tuba, a flute and a trombone, a guitar and a ukelele, an xylophone and a drum, etc. While these examples are technically different instruments, they are of similar variety, and students would lose points for "variety". Refer to the scoring rubric when choosing instruments. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Water Quality
    Question: How accurate does the salinometer/hydrometer need to be for the test? (Section 3, Paragraph c, Sub-paragraph i, Line 4-6)

    Answer: No resolution is stated. This will be determined by the Event Supervisor. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Rocks and Minerals
    Question: What types of books are encompassed by the phrase "field guide"? In other words, must a book have the words "field guide" printed on the cover in order to be permissible for the event? (Section 2, Line 3)

    Answer: A published or commercially published field guide is any printed resource that is published and used for identifying natural objects, flora, or fauna. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Helicopters
    Question: What is the required orientation of the flat balsa wood disc? (Section 3, Paragraph a, Line 2)

    Answer: The disc is to be parallel to the rotation of the rotors. - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: If two (or more) motors are used, may each one be a parameter for the flight log? (Section 4, Paragraph c, Line 2)

    Answer: Yes - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: Must the axes of two rotors be essentially parallel to qualify as "Chinook style?" That is, may the axes be orthogonal as in most helicopters? (Section 5, Paragraph c, Line 1)

    Answer: The axes do not necessarily have to be parallel, but all rotors must be contributing lift to the helicopter (see 3.d, definition of rotors). A horizontal tail rotor (used for yaw control on full-scale helicopters) will not count for the bonus, as it does not provide lift for the helicopter. - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: Does "axes of rotation separated by at least the radius of the rotors" mean the sum of the two radii or only the radius of the largest rotor? (Section 5, Paragraph c, Line 1)

    Answer: It means the radius of the largest rotor. - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: If the axes of rotation are not parallel in a Chinook-style helicopter, what point on the axes will be chosen to determine this distance between them? (Section 5, Paragraph c, Line 1)

    Answer: They will be measured from the minimum separation of the axes of rotation. Thus, if the rotors are tilted away from each other, the measurement will be made from the bottom of the rotation axes. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Robot Arm

    Question: Can a laptop be used as a medium to connect the controller to the robot arm by using its wireless capabilities as I will be using bluetooth to control the robot arm? (Section 3, Paragraph f, Line 1-4)

    Answer: Yes, a laptop can be used to control the Robot Arm as long as it satisfies the frequency rule (3.f) and the battery rule (3.d) (Posted 10/9/11)

    Question: What is the official definition of a motor? Is an electromagnet a motor? (Section 7, Paragraph j, Sub-paragraph, i, Line 1)

    Answer: A motor is a machine that converts energy into mechanical motion. An electromagnet isn't a motor since it only creates a magnetic field. - National FAQ (Posted 11/30/11)

    Question: Can a personal computer (laptop) be used without penalty as part of the controls and inputs of the arm if its battery does not exceed the maximum voltage? (Section 3, Line 1)

    Answer: Yes, you can use a laptop for the control system, however you must still submit a technical drawing of the control system, the voltage and frequency must be verifiable and satisfy the rules. Use of the laptop for outside communication while competing would be a violation of General Rule #4. (Posted 11/30/11)

    Back to Top
  • Towers
    Question: How is the height of the tower defined? (Section 6, Paragraph b, Sub-paragraph, Line: 1)

    Answer: Add one line, "6.c.iv. Tower height is measured to the highest tower point that the bottom of the loading block rests on." - National Rules Clarification (Posted 10/19/11)

    Back to Top
  • Protein Modeling
    Question: I can't find 1i30.pdb. Is that a mistake?

    Answer: Part II: The On-Site Model (10/18/11): the pdb for Regionals should read 1i3o.pdb (the letter "o" and not the number zero). - National Rules Clarification (Posted 10/19/2011)

    Back to Top
UA-21676501-1