Transcript Write It, Do It - North Carolina Science Olympiad

Write It, Do It
NCSO Coaches Institute
October 24, 2008
B & C Divisions
Event Description
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The goal is to test a student’s ability to
communicate with a colleague in writing by
having their partner construct a device based on
their written description.
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Utilizes technical writing skills that are essential for the
work of scientists and engineers.
One partner will have 25 minutes to write a
description of an object and how to build it, using
only words and numerals.
Their partner will then have 20 minutes to build
the object based solely on their partner’s written
instructions.
Scoring
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One point is given to each piece of material
placed in proper connection and location
compared to the model.
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Pieces that are connected correctly after an
incorrect connection will be counted. No penalty
will be assessed for parts that were not used.
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The team that builds an object nearest to the original
model and has properly written instructions is declared
the winner.
Helpful Tip: If one step in the instructions is especially
difficult, it may be beneficial for the builder to ‘skip’ it
and continue with the rest of the assembly.
Any use of codes or symbols will result in the
team being assessed a 5% penalty for each
different type of infraction.
Time used for construction will be used as a
tiebreaker.
Writing Concepts
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Be as clear and descriptive as possible.
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List all the materials needed to build the object.
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Builders will often be given extra materials.
Note the colors if necessary.
Use a consistent orientation scheme to describe
the positions of the objects’ parts in relation to
each other.
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Note the exact orientation of asymmetrical objects such
as spoons or pencils.
Ex. compass directions or the face of a clock.
Make sure the reference points for the orientation
scheme remain consistent.
Use distance conventions, like 1 inch = knuckle length
Organize your instructions into numbered steps.
Keep your writing neat and legible!
Building Concepts
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Before building, divide the items into similar
groups.
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Keep the object in the same orientation during its
construction.
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Separate the items that will not be needed to build the
object according to partner’s list.
Important since the orientation scheme described by the
writer would be based on a certain position of the
object.
Pay close attention to the color and orientation of
objects, as necessary.
Double-check your work as time allows.
Avoid the desire to look for any sense or purpose
in the design of the object, it is meant to be fairly
random.
Practice, practice, practice!
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Have your student teams practice together with a
variety of objects.
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Determine which student is a better writer or
builder, and have them practice those skills.
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Building sets such as Legos, K’nex, Tinker Toys, etc.
Cheap materials such as popsicle sticks, straws, string,
etc. Styrofoam cups, plates or bowls are great building
surfaces.
Effective writers tend to be attentive to details, and have
a good sense of the visual space.
Effective builders are usually methodical in their work
and good at following instructions.
Ensure that descriptive and directional
conventions are understood between the
partners, without establishing a code.
Have students practice with objects that are as
unique and challenging as possible.
Useful Links
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NCSO Event Resources: Write It, Do It
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2003 WIDI Judge Megan Bair
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http://departments.weber.edu/sciencecenter/ScienceOlympiad/
write_it_do_it%20tips.htm
Science Olympiad Student Center
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http://www.sciencenc.com/Tournament_information/Event_rule
s_nc/write_it_do_it.cfm
http://www.scioly.org/obb/index.php
National Science Olympiad Website: WIDI
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http://soinc.org/write_do_b
Questions, Comments, Concerns?
Source: de Leun Graphics http://www.deleongraphics.com/guerrillaGrafx/miscFULL/assemblyFULL.htm
Hands-on Example
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Divide into teams of 2; one partner will write
while the other will build.
The writer will have 8 minutes; only words and
numerals may be used. No symbols or codes
are allowed, and abbreviations must be defined.
The builder will have 7 minutes to build the
object, using only their partner’s written
instructions.