Scioly.org

Balsa Man wrote:I actually expect the C- winner to be pushing, probably a bit over, 2,000 pts. With forces in a B-boom ~3/4 of those in a C-, B- should theoretically be able to score a bit higher, if someone can put the combo of good design, good wood, and careful build together. And yup, very close to full load, but under. Don't want to leave money on the table at Nats

mwloveslm wrote:

silverheart7 wrote:

dholdgreve wrote:Recently at our unnamed Regional, the was a parent from an unnamed national powerhouse that sat quietly 20 feet or so to the side of the stage, with his small digital camera positioned at his side, with the optical zoom lens fully extended. After each competitor got their boom mounted, he would discretely reach over and push the shutter button, then at the end of each test, he would write down what it held. If that's what it takes to get to Nationals, I guess I'm happy just going to State competition, and leave the National Competition to those teams that have ... well... never mind...

If this parent had asked politely, I wouldn't have had much of a problem with this. However, if they were just sitting there all day and taking pictures without permission, I would have been upset with them. While you can't exactly stop people from taking pictures, I do find it somewhat sneaky to just take pictures 'discreetly' and not discuss it with the students/coaches of that team.

However, as has been stated before, it's mostly about building techniques, etc. However, winning isn't everything in Science Olympiad. It's about having fun, working as a team, and doing your best. I personally don't think it's too much of a big deal.

Also, I'm assuming that not all 'powerhouse' teams do things such as this to do well. Mostly, I feel that those people work very hard at what they do, and 'rude' or 'sneaky' practices are the exception, not the norm.

I agree....but at some competitions you are not even allowed to take pics, or you have to get permission from the tester.

havenguy wrote:

flyingwatermelon wrote:Socal scores were quite competitive. Scores above 850 scored in the top 10. Rumors were that Troy had a 7/8 boomi with 14 kg. They got 4th.

Wow! A 7.8 boomilever that held 14 kg only got 4th? That seems very hard to believe. That's about 1800 efficiency.

Anyway, what do people think the predicted Nats medaling range will be? The only thing that has been discussed has been the top score. I'm thinking: >1700 for div. b, and >1600 for div. c.

iwonder wrote:We've talked about nat scores multiple times, just search back for them

looking at around 2000 for C div...

drifter601 wrote:

havenguy wrote:

flyingwatermelon wrote:Socal scores were quite competitive. Scores above 850 scored in the top 10. Rumors were that Troy had a 7/8 boomi with 14 kg. They got 4th.

Wow! A 7.8 boomilever that held 14 kg only got 4th? That seems very hard to believe. That's about 1800 efficiency.

Anyway, what do people think the predicted Nats medaling range will be? The only thing that has been discussed has been the top score. I'm thinking: >1700 for div. b, and >1600 for div. c.

Div. C is not necessarily going to be harder. Although Div. B has it easier with their larger clearance, that causes more wood, which is more weight. soo I expect 1600 for both.

drifter601 wrote: I've had much more extreme ways of parents trying to see our designs.
One parent at a regional was in the seats and when I walked past her, she stopped me with her hand and examined it CLOSELY (Even touching it to move it around) to try to see what we did. (BTW this was towers from last year). In about 1 second, I snatched it away quickly (it was already broken) and power walked back and gave a quick excuse that "I had to go". Some people really go too far....