home

=The official WMS SciOly page has a new home! =

Please visit [|bit.ly/wmsscioly] from now on.
--DWJ, 2013 Jul 15

Updated 2013 Mar. 12
=State Meet [THIS SATURDAY!] as 6 W's =

//Who:// all teammates required, and all family members welcome

//Where:// Assumption College, 500 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609 map]

//Where^2// : *WMS “Home Room” = Laska 112 --> IF IN DOUBT, GO THERE (or call Mr. J.) *Event rooms -->Listed in bottom-left corner of “…map.pdf” *Parking --> Please use the Taska Lot, location “O” of “…map.pdf” [stay left as you enter campus]

//When (this Saturday!):// *8:15-8:30 = goal for turning-in build projects (9:00 a.m. = *absolute* latest) *8:30-8:45 = gather materials, selves, and senses of direction in “WMS Home Room” (Laska 112) *8:45-9:00 = go to first events (all teammates who have a 9:00 event) *9:00-9:50 = first round of events [involves ~two-thirds of teammates] ***events are 50 minutes each, leaving 10 minutes for #|travel between events*** *2:50 = final events end ~4-5 = awards ceremony ~5:30-7 = dinner at Bertucci's (Route 9 in Westborough)

// What's // *: #|return to me by Friday at 3:30 p.m. [paper copies were given in homeroom today = Tuesday] *TOTE BAGS (thanks, PTO!): To be given in homeroom *tomorrow* = Wednesday (for binders, notes, calculators, goggles, etc.) *And perhaps most importantly:
 * PLEASE DOUBLE-CHECK THAT YOUR CHILD(REN) HAS/HAVE ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR EACH EVENT!*

//Why:// The actions and/or words of your child(ren) answer that question better than I can.

//How:// will it to be, or it'll be what it will. ;)

--Mr. J.

Updated 2012 Dec. 5
RSVP for 1st practice meet (on 12/15) THE LINK TO RSVP: [|https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dElVcHFWcmpZR1F2UG9jNlNBLWZuZVE6MA#gid=0]

**Who** = All teammates and family members are welcome. **What** = Practice meet #1, including roughly half of the 23 events. **Where** = Coolidge M.S., 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, MA **When** = Sat., Dec. 15; **How** = please arrange for your child(ren)’s transportation **Why** = It’s way easier to witness the SciOly awesomeness first-hand than it is for me to put anything into words/pictures/movies. :) --Mr. J.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">8:45-9:15 = __#|registration__ / orientation / organization / preparation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">9:15-10:15 = 1st round of events
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">10:30-11:30 = 2nd round of events
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">11:30-12:30 = FREE pizza-and-bottled-water lunch

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2012 Nov. 27
=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">3 Saturday practices, 2 practice-meets, 1 State Meet, and non-zero materials =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">(Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la, la-la = optional.)
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Mar. 16 at Assumption __#|College in Worcester__. (Assume 8:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m., including a team dinner afterwards.) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Check out the Materials HQ (public Google Doc), and email Coach Prideaux (Family Liaison) or Mr. J. if you have any questions.
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Three Saturday practices, all 4:00-5:45 p.m. in the WMS IT rooms (please see the map). ====
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Dec. 1
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Jan. 12
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Mar. 2
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Two practice-meets ====
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Saturday, 12/15 at Coolidge M.S. in Reading. (Assume roughly 8-noon.)
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Saturday, 2/2, at Oak M.S. in Shrewsbury. (Assume roughly 8-noon.)
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">One State Meet: ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Non-zero materials: ====

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

==<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2012 Oct. 16 [ <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">with Faculty Meeting date corrections + <span style="color: #008000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">one teammate correction on Oct. 17 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> + <span style="color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">more updates on Oct. 21 <span style="color: #cccc00; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">and Oct. 29 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">] == =<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Three Practice-Groups + Two Videos =
 * **Three practice-groups:**
 * 1) **“Tuesday Group” (ALWAYS 7:00-7:40 a.m.):** Toby d., Tyler P., Kyle M., Alex P., Katie P., Sam D., Darius R.K., Leon X., Emily M., Connor R., Nathaniel G., Tteja S., and Ryon Y., and Ashwini V
 * 2) **“Thursday Group” (2:30-3:30 p.m., EXCEPT 10/18, 11/15, 12/13, 1/17, and 2/14, when afternoon Faculty Meetings make necessary a 7:00-7:40 a.m. practice time)** //***Yes, this Thursday, 10/18, is a 7:00-7:40 a.m. practice, due to an afternoon Faculty Meeting***//: Jefferson L., Chase M., Steven Z., Thomas G., Cameron M., Max R., Luke C.-A., Sunny H., Alex F., and Luis H.** , and Emir H. **
 * 3) **“Friday Group” (ALWAYS 2:30-3:30 p.m.):** Ethan C., Jarrett H., Sabrina C., Ji Sun J., Max S., Mike M., Christie Y., Alex K., Finn S., Catherine Z., Cort B., Nancy L., Young K., Shin K., Javier L., SooKyeong K., and ** Jackson I., Jay G., Andrew D., Zach M., Alden S., and Ashwini V. **


 * **Two introductory SciOly videos:**
 * 1) “Matter of fact” intro to SciOly, by a cooperator/competitor from Hawai’i:media type="youtube" key="rERG4gDmWSg?rel=0" height="315" width="560"
 * 2) “Smattering facts” intro to SciOly, by yours truly: media type="youtube" key="vude0ba8WNo?rel=0" height="315" width="560"

41 teammates = 1 team, <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2012 Sep. 20 [with slight edits on Oct. 8]
=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Essays <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-decoration: line-through;">due Fri, 2012 Oct. 5 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> //**[EDIT: overdue (7 spots remaining)]**// + State Meet on Sat., 2013 Mar. 16 =

Essay prompt for **returning** teammates:

 * 1) ====Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **cooperation** last year====
 * 2) Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **competition** last year.
 * 3) Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **organization** last year.
 * 4) Write a sentence promising to bring an only-for-Science-Olympiad, one-inch binder to every practice!

Essay prompt for **non-returners**:
 * 1) Describe how you have a **passion for science**.
 * 2) Describe ways you have been, and will be, a **positive teammate**.
 * 3) Write a sentence promising to bring an only-for-Science-Olympiad, one-inch binder to every practice!

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

==<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2012 Sep. 18 ( //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">names in italics added 2012 Sep. 20/23/26 or Oct. 1/6 //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">) == =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Early start for the Main Team =

Darius R.K., Toby d., Alex P., Katie P., Sam D., *Jefferson L., Kyle M., //**Emily M., Tyler P., Ryon Y., Leon X., Tteja S.**//
 * Tuesday-morning crew (FOR TWO WEEKS), starting 25 Sep.:**
 * Sorry, Jefferson & family -- I hope you can manage this time for two weeks (see 1c, below).

Alex K., Cort B., Ji Sun J., Jarrett H., Finn S., Max S., Sabrina C., Mike M., //**Ethan C., Nancy L.**//
 * Friday-afternoon crew (FOR TWO WEEKS), starting 28 Sep.:**

NO Thursday-afternoon practice FOR TWO WEEKS; rather, the Thu. P.M. practices will start Oct. 11.

For any returning members NOT listed above: please choose either Tuesday A.M. or Friday P.M. (again, for two weeks only).

<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">--DWJ

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2012 Jul. 21-22 (//yes, this post was composed over the course of two days//)
=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Summer S.O.! =

//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Or: Fun activities to preview the ////<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2012-13 season //
Based on the Science Olympiad Summer Institute (SOSI) for coaches, below are some ways for teammates to enjoy the S.O. "off-season" of summer (//or// get a head __#|start__ on the 2012-2013 season!).

> (The slideshow is also available at @http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjacksonwms/sets/72157630702285996/). > media type="flickr" key="74333227@N02" ARG0="&tags=sosi12besties&lang=en-us&format=rss_200" width="500" height="500" BUILD EVENTS: //Italic font shows parameters repeated from last season//; **bold font shows parameters NOT from last season**. Against wall: <20 cm vertical & <20 cm horizontal. Extension from wall must be between 40-45 cm. || Construct the most efficient structure (to hold up to 15 kg). Balsa is probably best for trusses. Poplar/spruce/bass are probably best for the attachment base (at top corners). || and minimum mass is 3.0 grams. Powered by a rubber band (probably 1/8" thick). || Maximize time aloft; most designs have two rotors. Use balsa for framework, piano string for thrust bearings, and VERY thin paper/film to cover the four rotor-blades. || are popular materials. || //Minimize temperature drop// in a **20x20x20 cm cube (MUCH** //for various starting temperatures and cooling times.// || Ask a parent/guardian to check email for details. || New, smaller dimensions: **80x30x90 cm** **(LxWxH) maximum.** || Travel as quickly and accurately as possible, over a distance between 9-12 m. Include a **1/4"-diameter** without breaking the egg. Must fit in a 51 cm-cube. || Use an egg + plastic bag + 3 oz. cup + pinwheel-of-sorts. Find the optimal blade material, length, number, and tilt. || high-range (175-784 Hz) & low-range (65-294 Hz). Both must fit through a 75 cm door or be reassembled within 30 seconds. || Instruments can be flute-like, drums-like, trombone-like, and much more. The required selection is from Mvt. 2 of Dvořák's Sym. 9, "From the New World" (melody ; no harmony found yet). See also **0:46-2:16** on this Dublin Phil. performance. //Original song also must be <=90 sec.// || NON-BUILD EVENTS: //Italic font shows topics repeated from last season//; **bold font shows topics NOT from last season**. graduated from medical school //yet.//) || from CyberBee, Rice U., or others. And watch this AC360 video. || //outbreaks, epidemics, & pandemics.// || Diagnose causes of and actions against disease spread, with emphasis on N>1 (more than one person). //Not// just about bacteria and viruses, this event also includes chemicals, radiation, and more. || HUGE role in shaping the geography of Massachusetts! || 1) See pretty pictures and info from <bostongeology.com>. 2) Read an intro article with tons of links by Tom Brosnahan. 3) //**Visit**// some of places you read about! || //complete cycle,// //in 50 min. or less.// || Practice, practice, practice! And use to guide you. || //on taste and nutrition.// || Use for standard viscosities. Then calibrate 2 viscometers (7/64" hole for <1000 cP and 5/32" hole for >1000 cP). || Walter Hunnewell (NOT Wellesley Coll.), Arnold (Harvard U.), et al. || like eye color, blood type, seemingly unrelated parts of DNA affecting each other, and the effect of your surroundings on how DNA "works". || Email Eleanor Vallier-Talbot ( [|eleanor.vallier-talbot@noaa.gov]) for help. || height, radius, diameter, volume, time, density, ....) || and/or an observatory (Wheaton, Harvard, BU, Clay Center, UMass-Boston, et al.). Also see the M.o.S.'s special exhibits, "Cosmic Light" and "The Light House". || //maps. Create your own maps, too!// || Check out the M.o.S. exhibit, "Mapping the Word Around Us". Ask Mr. J. for some maps. Or, download free maps from the U.S. Geological Survey. || //"stories" of rocks and minerals// //on the .// || Check out the collection at the Harvard Museum of Natural History and the Rock Garden at the M.o.S. Or, go find rocks and minerals in your backyard (and beyond)! || Play with DC circuit or magnet simulations from PhET. || and something VERY dense (ball-bearings, or metal marbles, e.g.). Optional challenge: build an electronic version. || //then 20 min. to build// || Practice, practice, practice! (With a partner, of course.) School supplies (pens, pencils, etc.) can make great "sculptures". And do NOT use any diagrams/sketches/etc. for the "Write It" part. ||
 * Hints for making sense of all the text below:**
 * For BUILD EVENTS, start with the **photos** (if available), including Boomilever, Helicopter, Keep the Heat, Mousetrap Vehicle, and Rotor Egg Drop.
 * For NON-BUILD EVENTS, check out the **links** and/or visit **in-person** some of the museums/arboretums/observatories/etc.
 * For ALL EVENTS, start with the slideshow below. //**Figure out a way to see the comments!**//
 * ~ EVENT ||~ "In-a-nutshell" ||~ You-Do ||
 * **Boomilever** **[ALL-new]** photos ||< A cantilever (~half of a bridge; 1 end unanchored).
 * **Helicopters** **[ALL-new]** photos ||< a.k.a. "Ceiling Spinners". Max diameter = 30 cm,
 * Keep the Heat photos ||< //Super-insulating box w/ beaker of H2O inside.//
 * Aluminum foil**, //cotton balls, and balsa//
 * smaller than last year)**, and //predict the final temperature//
 * Mission Possible (no photos yet) ||< //Rube Goldberg device//, **6a mamimum of** **60x60x60 cm (****smaller than last year).** //60 seconds is still the optimal runtime.// || 12 required tasks + 1 optional task **(most-if-not-all**
 * different from last year, and quite challenging!).**
 * Mousetrap Vehicle photos ||< Should be "Mousetraps": **up to two are allowed!**
 * support that can hold a wooden pole 1-m in height**. ||
 * **Rotor Egg Drop** **[ALL-new]** photos || Make the device freefall as slowly as possible,
 * **Sounds of Music** **[ALL-new]** (no photos yet)  ||< Build and play TWO instruments [one per person]:
 * ~ EVENT ||~ "In-a-nutshell" ||~ You-Do ||
 * Anatomy || //Digestive system// + **nervous system** || Be a gastroenterologist and/or neurologist. (Even if you haven't quite
 * Crime Busters || //Use evidence to solve a crime.// || If you have enough materials, use them! Otherwise, try online versions
 * Disease Detective || Focused on the effects of
 * environmental quality** on
 * Dynamic Planet || Focuses on **glaciers**, which had a
 * Experimental Design || //The Scientific Method, through one//
 * Food Science || //Effects of chemical processes//
 * Forestry || //All about trees east of the Rockies.// || Visit an arboretum: H.H. Hunnewell (Wellesley Coll.).,
 * Heredity || **Learn about DNA's structure, how**
 * its "code" works, and why**
 * identical twins aren't-so-identical.** || Start with simple genetic relationships, then move to complex topics
 * Meteorology || **Everyday weather (including**
 * forecasting)** || Visit the M.o.S., especially the "Weatherwise" exhibit.
 * Metric Mastery || **Estimate (in ~30 sec.),** **then**
 * precisely measure (in ~60 sec.),**
 * a WIDE** **variety of objects.** || Practice, practice, practice! (Fair game: mass, weight, length, width,
 * Reach for the Stars || //stellar evolution// and
 * the electromagnetic spectrum** || Go to a planetarium (Boston M.o.S., Worcester EcoTarium, e.g.)
 * Road Scholar || //Interpret highway and topographic//
 * Rocks and Minerals || //Know the characteristics and//
 * Shock Value || **Magnets and DC circuits; about**
 * 50%** **hands-on and 50% on-paper.** || Build Snap Circuits or other home kits (Radio Shack can help).
 * Water Quality || //Freshwater// and **estuaries** || Make a salinometer out of a ping-pong ball, a long straw, superglue,
 * Write It Do It || //25 min. to describe a structure,//

**As always, feel free to email Mr. Jackson with any questions/comments/ideas you have.**
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2012 Mar. 20 <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">UNOFFICIAL Scoring from the State Meet

It might be a week or two before some scoring snafus get sorted out. In the interim, here is some data that's probably ~95% correct, with the remaining ~5% off by only a place or two.

 * Main Team:** 6th place (improvement from 9th last year), and <10% in total points from 3rd place (and a nice big trophy!). Might have been third if not for DQ's [disqualifications] in Storm the Castle and Towers (both "build events").


 * Alternate Team:** 5th place (we were 3rd last year) -- significantly affected by some no-shows/late-arrivals and some DQ's (see below for details).

Anatomy - Reg. 4th, Alt. 1 6th, Alt. 2 N/A Aquifers - Reg. 2nd, Alt. 1 5th, Alt. 2 N/A Bottle Rockets - Reg. 5th, Alt. 1 8th, Alt. 2 N/A Compute - Reg. 2nd, Alt. 1 7th, Alt. 2 N/A __#|Crime__ Busters - Reg. 8th, Alt. 1 11th, Alt. 2 N/A Disease - Reg. 9th, Alt. 1 N/A, Alt. 2 3rd Dynamic - Reg. 8th, Alt. 1 2nd, Alt. 2 3rd Experimental - Reg. 14th, Alt. 1 9th, Alt. 2 6th Food Sci. - Reg. 7th, Alt. 1 N/A, Alt. 2 5th Forestry - Reg. 11th, Alt. 1 4th, Alt. 2 5th Keep the Heat - Reg. 6th, Alt. 1 7th, Alt. 2 8th Meteorology - Reg. 9th, Alt. 1 3rd, Alt. 2 N/A Microbe - Reg. 13th, Alt. 1 4th, Alt. 2 N/A Mission Possible - Reg. 7th, Alt. 1 2nd, Alt. 2 6th Mousetrap - Reg. 13th, Alt. 1 9th, Alt. 2 N/A Optics - Reg. 10th, Alt. 1 N/A, Alt. 2 6th Reach for the Stars - Reg. 1st, Alt. 1 5th, Alt. 2 N/A Road Scholar - Reg. 2nd, Alt. 1 3rd, Alt. 2 N/A Rocks/Minerals - Reg. 12th, Alt. 1 8th, Alt. 2 N/A Storm - Reg. **DQ**, Alts. N/A Towers - Reg. **DQ**, Alt. 1 N/A, Alt. 2 7th __#|Water Quality__ - Reg. 2nd, Alt. 1 7th, At. 2 N/A WIDI - Reg. 2nd, Alts. N/A
 * By Event (in teams of 2 or 3):**

It's a tribute to the students that most of the events for which they earned high places are the events that are the most difficult for adults to help in. I for one have a few ideas of how to better coordinate materials and goal-setting for the build events next year, while maintaining my core belief that adults are for facilitation, not fabrication.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2012 Mar. 15 <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Key Information for the State Meet

See also the @Events Central page for which teammates are in which events.

 * 1) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Email with lots of important details (including 6 W's): [[file:SO_email-120312.pdf]]
 * 2) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Map and schedule:[[file:SO_2012_map-and_schedule.pdf]]
 * 3) <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Permission slip: [[file:WMS_SO-Permission_Slip.pdf]]

Got unanswered questions? Email david_jackson [at] wellesley.k12.ma.us -- Mr. J. will be checking his email frequently over the next ~48 hours. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2012 Mar. 4 <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">S.O.: State Meet in 13 days + no mini-meet (yet) + $10 for shirts <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">*13 days until the State Meet! Please complete build projects THIS week, so that there is one week to make final adjustments.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">*No mini-meet before the State Meet. (Max availability was ~75%.) There will be another survey *after* the State Meet, with another chance to find a time for students (and families) to all gather.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">*Team t-shirts have arrived! Many thanks to Toby's mom for coordinating the effort so smoothly that I don’t even know who else to thank. The cost came to a little under $10 each; any extra funds will go towards future S.O. supplies.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2012 Feb. 5

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">MAJOR lineup changes + Practice Meet #2 materials posted
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> 1) See the Events Central page for details about lineup changes. Many teammates have changed some events **and/or** their partners **and/or** their Team (Main / Alternate #1 / Alternate #2).

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2) All electronic materials from Practice Meet #2 (received so far) have been posted. Tests for any given event may be found by selecting that event’s name on the Events Central page. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> As a reminder, the events offered were <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Awesome Aquifer, Compute This, Crime Busters, Dynamic Planet, Experimental Design, Forestry, Food Science, Meteorology, Reach for the Stars, and Write It Do It.

===<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">As usual, if you have any questions or comments -- ESPECIALLY ABOUT MATERIALS -- ask Mr. Jackson in-person, or email david_jackson [at] wellesley.k12.ma.us (sooner rather than later!). === <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2012 Jan. 29 =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Practice Meet #//2// this coming Saturday, Feb. 4, at Oak M.S. in Shrewsbury = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">//*Yes, it's okay (recommended, even!) to try-out events that aren't yours.// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Awesome Aquifer, Compute This, Crime Busters, Dynamic Planet, Experimental Design, Forestry, Food Science, Meteorology, Reach for the Stars, and Write It Do It. || //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">(Yes, it's okay to arrive late and/or leave early if you already have other plans.) // ===<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">If you have any questions or comments -- ESPECIALLY ABOUT MATERIALS -- ask Mr. Jackson in-person, or email david_jackson [at] wellesley.k12.ma.us (sooner rather than later!). === <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Who? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">**ALL** teammates (from **ALL** Teams) are welcome to participate! ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">What? **// || **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">These 10 events: **
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">When? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">This coming Saturday, Feb. 4 :
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Arrive between 8:45-9:00
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">First round of events from 9:15-10:15
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Second round of events from 10:30-11:30
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">...and that's all, folks! ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Where? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Oak Middle School, 45 Oak Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 map] ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Why? **// || * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">It'll be fun!
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Practice for your events
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Experience in how meets "work" (your events or otherwise)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">It's the final practice meet before the State Meet! ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">How? **// || * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Make sure you have **ALL required materials** for your event/s! (Check your copy of the official rules.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Use scioly.org to guide your preparation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Focus on events that are being offered (NOT build events, unless you're in "Keep the Heat") ||

=Updated 2012 Jan. 7= =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Astronomy observation on 2012 Jan. 21 = //How:// Hosted by the Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. //Who:// ALL S.O. teammates and families (but not Mr. J. :-/ ) //When:// Sat., 2012 Jan. 21, starting around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m. (to be announced) //Where:// Science Building, Anna Maria College (in Paxton, MA) //What:// "night sky viewing through member telescopes if weather permits" (their words) //Why:// Because **everyone** should "Reach for the Stars" (haha)

For more about this event's 6 W's, contact

Jim J. Zebrowski President, Aldrich Astronomical Society, Inc. jjz60@yahoo.com website: www.aldrichastro.org <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

=Updated 2011 Dec. 18 [2 of 2]= =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Two future meets to "save-the-date" = ====2012 Feb. 4 (encouraged) = Practice Meet #2 at Oak M.S. in Shrewsbury (morning-only) map]==== ====2012 Mar. 17 ("super-critical") = State Meet at Assumption College in Worcester (full-day) map]==== <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

=Updated 2011 Dec. 18 [1 of 2]= =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">One study-guide and two links added to the "Keep the Heat" page. = ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Go the Events Central page, click on "Keep the Heat", and find one study-guide made by Mr. J. (about heat capacity, a.k.a. capital "C"). Also check out the two links, both of which point to introductory sites for the 4 Laws of Thermodynamics. One site is more word-friendly, and the other site is more equation-friendly. ==== //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">(By the way, relax! The test yesterday was a **high-school** level test. Also, the Ideal Gas Law, a.k.a. //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">PV=nRT //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">, does NOT appear to be part of the official event rules, so do NOT study it [at least until high school].) // <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2011 Dec. 17 <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">25 files of Coolidge-related materials uploaded. ====<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Go the Events Central page, click on the name of one of your events, and find tests, keys, and other materials related to the practice meet on 2011 Dec. 17 at Coolidge. ==== <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2011 Dec. 13

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Go the Events Central page, click on the name of one of your events, and see if there are any practice tests for you.
<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--DWJ

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2011 Dec. 11 =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Practice Meet #1 this coming Saturday, 12/17, at Coolidge M.S. in Reading = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">//*Yes, it's okay (recommended, even!) to try-out events that aren't yours.// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Anatomy, Disease Detectives, Experimental Design, Keep the Heat (written test only), Microbe Mission, Optics, Reach for the Stars, Road Scholar, Rocks & Minerals, Water Quality, and Write It / Do It. || //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">(Yes, it's okay to arrive late and/or leave early if you have other plans.) // ===<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">If you have any questions or comments -- ESPECIALLY ABOUT MATERIALS -- ask Mr. Jackson in-person, or email david_jackson [at] wellesley.k12.ma.us (sooner rather than later!). === = = <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Who? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">ALL teammates (from ALL Teams) are welcome to participate! ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">What? **// || **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">These 11 events: **
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">When? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">This coming Saturday, Dec. 17 :
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Arrive between 8:45-9:00
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">First round of events from 9:15-10:15
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Second round of events from 10:30-11:30
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Lunch 11:30-12:30 ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Where? **// || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Coolidge Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, MA 01867 map] ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Why? **// || * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">It'll be fun!
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Practice for your events
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Experience in how meets "work" (your events or otherwise)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">There's only one other practice meet before the State Meet! ||
 * //**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">How? **// || * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Make sure you have **ALL required materials** for your event(s)! (Check your copy of the official rules.)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Use scioly.org to guide your preparation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Focus on events that are being offered (NOT build events, unless you're in "Keep the Heat") ||

= =

= = <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2011 Nov. 11 =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">From meeting #3: Engineering Design Process (EDP) + Non-Build event "lineup" =

//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> or: How To Plan Your Build Event //
===**//EDP why?//** The medium-term goal is for all teammates to be building their "Build Event" projects starting with the first practices after Thanksgiving break. A few **weeks** of planning now will help everyone work MUCH more effectively in the following few **months** (long-term).===

**//EDP when?//** Here are the EDP timelines (short-term goals) for the three groups:
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">1) Tuesday group: Steps 1 & 2 due Nov. 15; Step 3 due Nov. 22. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">2) Thursday group: Steps 1 & 2 due Nov. 17 (at MORNING PRACTICE TIME, 7-7:40, due to the Faculty Meeting); Step 3 due Dec. 1. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">3) Friday group: Steps 1 & 2 due Nov. 18; Step 3 due Dec. 2. ====**//EDP what?//**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> The EDP is an 8-step cycle geared towards making science useful in everyday, "real-world" situations. For now, we'll focus on Steps 1-3: ==== ====**//EDP where?//**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Use S.O.B.E. #3 (distributed at meeting #3; extra copies available at the link above) as a guide. **33x43 grid paper is recommended for Step 3** (and available on the S.O. Binder Entries page of this site). ==== ====**//EDP who?//**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> Meet with your partner(s)! If you can't find her/his/their contact info, check the red WMS directory you should have received in homeroom about a month ago. ====
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">1) **Identify the need or problem:** for S.O., this first step is mostly based on **safety requirements, design limitations, and event-specific scoring** (see official S.O. rules, which were distributed at meeting #2).
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">2) **Research the need or problem:** similar to the Background or Research step of the Scientific Method.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">3) **Develop possible solutions:** detailed, labeled, to-scale plans for constructing a working model (sometimes called "prototype").

Finally, the //non//-build event lineup is now posted on the "Events Central" page of this site.
<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2011 Nov. 6 = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">From meeting #2: Build event "lineup", Materials HQ, event rules, and planning-worksheets =

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">The Build Event "lineup" can now be found on the "Events Central for WMS" page of this wiki. If you're interested in helping out with materials for both build and non-build events, check out the combination Wish List / Materials Tracker on the Google Doc entitled, "[|Materials HQ]".

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">The Official Rules are available in HARD COPY ONLY. (Per S.O., Inc., the final version can NOT be posted online.)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">Finally, here are descriptions of, and links to, the two planning-worksheets that were distributed at last week's (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4) practices:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Includes information about goal-setting, teamwork, and wiki usernames/passwords

 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">1) Some end-of-year goals by teammates from last season
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">2) Room for teammates to write their own goals for this season
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">3) Head Coach's goals for this season:
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> a) Each teammate will know more about his/her events than Mr. J. does (by mid-March).
 * b) Each coach thoroughly understands the rules and helps teammates set goals.
 * c) Both teams earn 3rd place (or better) overall team at the Massachusetts State Meet.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">4) Space for writing username and password for S.O. wiki
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 12.8px;">5) Tips for remembering ALL materials on practice days
 * 6) Suggestions for teammates to meet outside of practice-time

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">S.O.B.E. #2 = "Student Preparation" --> page 1 is a summary of pages 2-4
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">

//<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">*Focus on the five "Online Resources": //
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">[] = online “Student Center” with wikis, discussions, practice tests <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">[] = Science Olympiad’s official site; each event has its own page! <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">[|YouTube]: videos of past competitions, even if they’re from different states/years/etc. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">“[|google] it” (search): keep in mind that the best result is often NOT the first result! <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 90%;">THIS WIKI = WMS’s official site for general info & To-Do’s <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Updated 2011 Oct. 16 <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: left;">Coaches wanted! Patience and passion required; proficiency optional.

There are three distinct groups of teammates who meet at different times:
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">1) "Tuesday group" = Tuesdays from 7-7:40 a.m. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">2) "Thursday group" = Thursdays from 2:39-3:30 p.m (//EXCEPT Nov. 17, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, and Mar. 16, on which dates the Thursday group will meet from 7-7:40 a.m.//) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 80%;">3) "Friday group" = Fridays from 2:39-3:30 p.m.

For __#|details__ about individual events, see "SO_rules_11_12-DRAFT.pdf" on the left-side menu of this page. [Posting the final rules online is prohibited by S.O., Inc.] Remember, though, that //coaches'// proficiency is optional; it'll require patience and passion to help the **teammates** become proficient.

To express interest in coaching and/or ask for additional information, please email the WMS S.O. head coach, Mr. Jackson, at david_jackson [at] wellesley.k12.ma.us. With more Olympiad than Science, <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J., Head Coach

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2011 Oct. 6 = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Return your availability/acceptance forms to Mr. Jackson in room 111 A.S.A.P.! = The sooner you express your preferences for practice-times, the more time we'll have to practice. :-) = = = = <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J. = =

= = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2011 Sep. 3 (REVISED 2011 Sep. 29): = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">2011-2012 Season Outline (including essay due dates & prompts) =
 * ~ Time Frame ||~ Task ||
 * = late-Aug. through mid-Oct. ||= recruit coaches ||
 * = late-Sep. through early-Oct. ||= recruit teammates ||
 * = **Weds., Sep. 28, 2:45-3:30 P.M.** ||= **ACTIVITIES FAIR (WMS Cafeteria)** ||
 * = ==**Mon., Oct. 3 @ 3:30 P.M.**== ||= ==**TEAMMATE ESSAYS DUE (prompts below)**== ||
 * = mid-Oct. ||= first coaches-only meeting ||
 * = mid-Oct. ||= first meetings with teammates ||
 * = early-Dec. ||= Invitational Meet #1 ||
 * = early-Jan. ||= WMS and/or WHS Mini-Meet (???) ||
 * = early-Feb. ||= Invitational Meet #2 ||
 * = ===Sat., 2012 Mar. 17=== ||= ===State Meet (at Assumption Coll. in Worcester, MA)=== ||
 * = mid-May ||= National Meet (MA sends one middle school team) ||

Essay prompt for **returning** teammates:

 * 1) ====Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **cooperation** last year====
 * 2) Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **competition** last year.
 * 3) Describe the most significant lesson you learned about **organization** last year.
 * 4) Write a sentence promising to bring an only-for-Science-Olympiad, one-inch binder to every practice!

Essay prompt for **non-returners**:
 * 1) Describe how you have a **passion for science**.
 * 2) Describe ways you have been, and will be, a **positive teammate**.
 * 3) Write a sentence promising to bring an only-for-Science-Olympiad, one-inch binder to every practice!
 * 4) Ask your **current** science teacher to write Mr. Jackson a brief email describing your **participation** (NOT grades) in science class.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.

=<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">Updated 2011 July 31: = =<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">"Events Central" & "Materials HQ" up-and-running! = ==="Events Central" is the new name for "Events of-by-for-WMS", chosen to emphasize the new role of the individual event pages in helping teammates, coaches, and families collaborate in a central e-location. (For more details, see "4W Lists" below.)===


 * Build events** have __#|photos__, videos, and suggestions from SOSI (Science Olympiad Summer Institute, coaches-only).
 * "4W Lists"** -- each event has its own "Who/What/When/Where" list to help everyone plan (a.k.a. "To-Do List" or "Action Item List", etc.). Why no "why" nor "how"? Those questions are for teammates to answer (with guidance from coaches, of course!). :-)

EXAMPLE 4W LIST: Walter Hunnewell Arboretum, pretty much all around town ||
 * Who || What || When || Where ||
 * Bottle Rocket team || "Lunch & Launch Party" || some Saturday about 5 months ago :-) || Mike M.'s house ||
 * Forestry team || Three-tier tree tour || some time before all the leaves die || Wellesley College Botanical Gardens,
 * [...] || [...] || [...] || [...] ||
 * everyone || State Meet || mid-March || Assumption College ||

"Materials HQ" is a new name for the "S.O. Wish List", chosen to reflect the fact that the Google Docs spreadsheet can help track requested items once they've been fulfilled.
<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: right;">--Mr. J.