Description:
This event is typically done as either stations or as a sit down test, where all the stations have been copied into a test book. Teams will answer questions and be presented with information in the form of pictures, graphs, charts, written descriptions, etc. which they will the be asked to use science process skills to analyze (make calcuations, make hypotheses and predictions, create graphs or charts, etc). The topics for the 2010 tournament season are Grasslands and Taiga.
Materials:
Teams MUST bring a writing instrument. Teams may also bring one NON-programmable calculator and one 8.5 x 11 two-sided page of notes (in any form). Event leaders will provide copies of the test, and any samples/demonstrations necessary to complete the test.
Scoring:
High score wins. Questions will have pre-assigned point values. Predetermined questions will be used to break ties.
Common Mistakes:
- Always, always, always give correct units on calculations!
- Make sure if you are asked to draw a web/chain/pyramid that you know which is which.
Recommendations:
- Be familiar with common terms.
- When studying, make a notebook. Have different sections for general, taiga, and grassland topics. The areas within each topic that can be covered are clearly defined in the official rules. Remember, approximately 50% of the event will be general ecology, 25% will focus on grasslands, and 25% will focus on taiga.
Event Resources:
Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute - North American Biomes
Major Biomes of North America
Biomes of North America
Biomes Series
Sample Events:
Example B Event (Based on 2008 Rules, Not 2010)
Example C Event (Based on 2008 Rules, Not 2010)
Pictures and Video: |
