Test writing

[Unome]

Wow Im starting to think Im just slow. Most tests take me 30-40 hours. The nationals circuit lab test I wrote was somewhere in the range of 60-80 since it was my first time writing for circuit lab and I spent a good 10-15 hours on formatting alone.

Ay 30-40 hours for one test... yeah I'm thinking that's on the slow side. I probably spent about 30-40 hours on Geomaps MIT last year, about 5-15 on a typical test.

Darn, I wish I could write a test in 5-15 hours... How long does it take you if you don't know the rules for an event before writing a test?

If I don't know the rules, probably closer to 20 hours. (I only did that once, and had to push through it in a week, so I'm not certain)

[CPScienceDude]

So I'm writing a road scholar test for an upcoming invitational, and I need some advice. For reference, there are 13 teams. What should I do about the maps? Run it in stations so I need less of each map? Or should I put the maps in the test? I don't like the second option because the map is usually very difficult to read and it doesn't really prepare participants for higher competitions. Thanks for any advice, though.

[svph300]

So I'm writing a road scholar test for an upcoming invitational, and I need some advice. For reference, there are 13 teams. What should I do about the maps? Run it in stations so I need less of each map? Or should I put the maps in the test? I don't like the second option because the map is usually very difficult to read and it doesn't really prepare participants for higher competitions. Thanks for any advice, though.

In this scenario, I think a stations format would be more useful. You can set up stations, then full-scale the map. By doing so, you would have less paper to print, focus on the answer sheet during grading, and better maps for the competitors since they can see better. Just make sure to let the competitors know to not write on the stations themselves. To avoid this issue, you can laminate the maps, put it in a sheet protector if the maps are on 8.5" x 11" paper, or even deduct points if you catch the competitors writing on the stations.

[sciolyperson1]

So I'm writing a road scholar test for an upcoming invitational, and I need some advice. For reference, there are 13 teams. What should I do about the maps? Run it in stations so I need less of each map? Or should I put the maps in the test? I don't like the second option because the map is usually very difficult to read and it doesn't really prepare participants for higher competitions. Thanks for any advice, though.

You could potentially use map scans, just take screenshots of specific parts of the topo map (usgs map pdfs can be found).

[sciolyrules107]

If I'm writing fossils, I generally take forever because I'll be combing our fossil collection for unique/interesting specimens to write questions on.

Otherwise, 10-15 hours for a decent test is pretty standard. For higher-tier invites/competitions, I will generally take more time to double check the key and questions.

Wow Im starting to think Im just slow. Most tests take me 30-40 hours. The nationals circuit lab test I wrote was somewhere in the range of 60-80 since it was my first time writing for circuit lab and I spent a good 10-15 hours on formatting alone.

30-40 hours?!!!!! I need to write a fossils test by December 1st. Better get started soon...
Any tips?

[windu34]

If I'm writing fossils, I generally take forever because I'll be combing our fossil collection for unique/interesting specimens to write questions on.

Otherwise, 10-15 hours for a decent test is pretty standard. For higher-tier invites/competitions, I will generally take more time to double check the key and questions.

Wow Im starting to think Im just slow. Most tests take me 30-40 hours. The nationals circuit lab test I wrote was somewhere in the range of 60-80 since it was my first time writing for circuit lab and I spent a good 10-15 hours on formatting alone.

30-40 hours?!!!!! I need to write a fossils test by December 1st. Better get started soon...
Any tips?

Find a test that you admire for its style and emulate the formatting. This will save alot of time playing with different styles

[Things2do]

About how long should a Division B Circuit Lab test be? It would be with the minimal hands-on activities to meet the rules, and it's for a pretty easy invitational.

[imaditi]

When making a circuit lab div b test I usually have around 25-30 multiple choice, a couple diagrams / fill in the blanks and around 7 free response. I normally aim for around 50-60% average on a test if its for a moderate invitational. I would make it a bit more conceptual because its for division b.

[IdahoSciGuy]

Personally depends on a factor of how much time I have/What Event it's for/how many teams will be there. With full control of the format, an invitational of 7 teams will get a different style of a test than a full tournament of 60. The main reason for the difference is the ease of grading though. Our volunteers in my state are precious, so we do the best we can with them in mind, just as much as the test content. So, for that invitational, there's more likely to be short answers, but that full tournament of 60 might have fill in the blanks, multiple-choice, or a spattering of both through station formats. The end goal being that there are adequate knowledge checks going on, while simultaneously being gradable efficiently.

[Tailsfan101]

Personally depends on a factor of how much time I have/What Event it's for/how many teams will be there. With full control of the format, an invitational of 7 teams will get a different style of a test than a full tournament of 60. The main reason for the difference is the ease of grading though. Our volunteers in my state are precious, so we do the best we can with them in mind, just as much as the test content. So, for that invitational, there's more likely to be short answers, but that full tournament of 60 might have fill in the blanks, multiple-choice, or a spattering of both through station formats. The end goal being that there are adequate knowledge checks going on, while simultaneously being gradable efficiently.

Are you going to be at the North JH Invitational on Saturday? If so, I'd really like to meet you!