*** Draft Ver. 1.2 (Last revised 26 JUL 2005) ***

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD (Division B)
IT'S ABOUT TIME: SUNDIALS

RULES OF THE EVENT


DESCRIPTION

The event consists of two parts. The first part requires participants to
construct two sundials, one prior to the tournament and another during the
tournament(1), that will measure [solar] time to the nearest [hour
(1/4-hour)]. The second part is a "test of time" that will include
questions related to fundamental concepts in time & time-keeping (with an
emphasis upon sundials & sundialing), astronomy, geography, and
mathematics.
(1)[add footnote re: construction specifications (see "Continuum of 
Competition)]

{Event Parameters}
THE COMPETITION | A TEAM OF UP TO: 3 | APPROXOMATE TIME: 60 minutes

* Part I - Time measuring device...

{Sample Performance Tasks}
* collect & present a time-series of digital photos of sundial(s) 
showing... [sample task performed before competition]

* Using a standard set of tools & materials(2), students will be given 30
minutes to construct either a horizontal or vertical sundial (for a given
latitude) using the graphic (or geometric) method of construction. [sample
task performed during competition]
(2) Standard set of tools & materials: paper (cover stock); pencil;  
protractor; compass (Safe-T Compass); scissors; glue & transparent tape.

Participants will CONSTRUCT (in contrast with "assemble") two of three of
the following types of sundials:

[Required. Constructed prior to event.]
1. Equatorial
[Optional; pick one. Constructed during the event.]
2. Horizontal
3. Vertical (Direct South)

Sundials must display all of the following features:
- hour lines [specify precision (units) & accuracy (relative to true
value)]
- one "date curve" (declination line) for the equinoxes
- data table(s) &/or graph(s) explaining time correction factors
(longitude, EoT, Daylight Saving Time)

Allowed (during competition):
- Standard set of tools & materials, including a scientific calculator 
provided by the test administrator (for use by students during Part II)
- Reference material [spec what is/is not acceptable]

NOT Allowed (at any time):
- Prefabricated sundials
- Use of ready-to-assemble template-maker software or similar online
resources


* Part II - Written test...

Multiple choice format. ~30-35 test items related to fundamental concepts
in time & time-keeping (with an emphasis upon sundials & sundialing),
astronomy, geography, and mathematics.

Sample test items: 

1. The rate of the Earth's rotation is: 
A. 1deg/4min (or 1/4 deg/min)
B. 15 deg/hr
C. 360deg/24hr
D. All of the above
E. None of the above.]

2. What is the time difference between two cities separated by 4 degrees of 
longitude? Hint: The rate of the Earth's rotation is 15 deg/hour.
A. no difference
B. 4 minutes
C. 16 minutes
D. 20 minutes
E. none of these

3. Given graphics of a horizontal sundial gnomon & dial plate plus a set
of dialing scales(3), determine the latitude for which the sundial was
designed, to the nearest whole degree.
(3) dialing scales: ruler-like scales designed to help in the geometrical
layout of a sundial, e.g., [George] Serle's ruler.

SCORING

Add subtotal points, Part I & II; place order determined by grand total
points. Tiebreakers: In case of a tie between two or more teams, specific
questions from the written test will be used in order to break the tie.

Sundials will be judged & scored based upon the following criteria:
1. Functionality (objective)
2. Aesthetics (subjective)

A scoring rubric will be used to assign point values to objective criteria
(functionality)(4).
(4)[add footnote re: scoring rubric (see RK-rubric.txt)]

The following 5-increment Likert scale will be used to assign point values
to subjective criteria (aesthetics):
5 - Excellent
4 - Above Average
3 - Average
2 - Below Average
1 - Poor

{Additional Resources}

"Virtual Coaches" provided by volunteers from the North American Sundial
Society.

{Provide pointers to national education standards, including National
Science Education Standards, etc.}


==
[Coach's Clinic]
Practical Considerations for Event Coordinators, Judges, & Coaches:

* Provide guidance re: tracing a true geographic north-south line

* Develop & test a "Sun Simulator" (for use during inclement weather)
[contact local utility companies & architectural firms re: availability of 
loaner heliodon]

* Use radio-controlled clock for standard time-keeping, determining the
exact time of Sun transit, comparing solar time versus standard time, etc.

* Judge(s) can use Serle's ruler for determining the overall accuracy of
sundials ... [Provide judges with step-by-step instructions re: how to use
a Serle's rule to measure the accuracy of a sundial. Repurpose one or more
of the following NASS resources: "What Latitude Was It Designed For?" by
Steven Woodbury ("Compendium" article); "The Use of Dialing Scales," by
E.C. Middleton (e-booklet); &/or "Serle's Ruler," by R.L. Kellogg, PhD
(Microsoft PowerPoint presentation).]

* Use a "SmartTool" for quickly measuring angles, e.g., gnomon (style
height, a.k.a., style angle), tilt/alignment of heliodon, etc.