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For the build part of It's About Time, are we allowed to use more than one device (eg. one stops keeping time, then I release the other mechanism to allow second device to keep time)? thank you in advanced

1399 wrote:For the build part of It's About Time, are we allowed to use more than one device (eg. one stops keeping time, then I release the other mechanism to allow second device to keep time)? thank you in advanced

Rule 2.f. states that "each team may impound only one device." However, I don't see any other sections clarifying what counts as a single device or rules stating that you can only trigger your device once, so I suppose you could make one contraption that has two mechanisms starting at different times.

As always, Scioly.org is not the place for official FAQs. Official FAQs are only on the official Science Olympiad website here, where you can submit your own questions.

I really do think that the soundtrack for the testing should also contain warning beeps for the end as well. The event is to test the clock the students made, and the reaction time shouldn't play such a significant problem for the students. For the 10-300 sec one, I have to stand there concentrated for the whole time, with my eyes closed.

TheLeftEye wrote:I really do think that the soundtrack for the testing should also contain warning beeps for the end as well. The event is to test the clock the students made, and the reaction time shouldn't play such a significant problem for the students. For the 10-300 sec one, I have to stand there concentrated for the whole time, with my eyes closed.

I know this was talked about by our state director, Mike McKee (also past national competition director and such) and he supported that idea as well. Not sure if it will change, but I would agree with you that there should be warning beeps.

JonB wrote:

TheLeftEye wrote:I really do think that the soundtrack for the testing should also contain warning beeps for the end as well. The event is to test the clock the students made, and the reaction time shouldn't play such a significant problem for the students. For the 10-300 sec one, I have to stand there concentrated for the whole time, with my eyes closed.

I know this was talked about by our state director, Mike McKee (also past national competition director and such) and he supported that idea as well. Not sure if it will change, but I would agree with you that there should be warning beeps.

Interesting thought. I have to profess that It's About Time is near and dear to my heart since I got a silver medal in the event at Nationals in 1992. And I guess I've been thinking all along that current competitors should continue to have to do it 'the way I did' back then. My biggest concern is whether it's going to cause more confusion amongst participants as to what constitutes the start and stop of the interval, since there are more beeps of different types to listen for. Anyone have any thoughts regarding that?

Well, I mean in all the competitions, the event supervisor always plays the sounds before hand to show the students what it will be like. I dont think there will be too many people who are going to be confused. I was also interested why there is only 3 beeps in the beginning: people usually count down 3-2-1-GO, not 2-1-GO. THAT suprised me a lot when I listened to the mp3.

My partner and I were wondering what exactly a "commercial counter" (listed under 3. Construction, and the first item mentioned under section b.) is? We've been searching, and have found a range of different sorts of items that might fit under the term "commercial counter", but we're not completely sure what it is. If anybody knows what it means we'd love to know!

VP15 wrote:My partner and I were wondering what exactly a "commercial counter" (listed under 3. Construction, and the first item mentioned under section b.) is? We've been searching, and have found a range of different sorts of items that might fit under the term "commercial counter", but we're not completely sure what it is. If anybody knows what it means we'd love to know!

Look up "Tally-Counter-Manual-Mechanical" on Amazon.com. This was my first thought when I read the rules but I am sure there are MANY other items that would be considered commercial counters.

Hey, do you guys know if a tuner (for tuning instruments) can be used as a "calculator" that calculates the frequency of sound during the trial event (and yes this is for "It's About Time).

Abonamza wrote:Hey, do you guys know if a tuner (for tuning instruments) can be used as a "calculator" that calculates the frequency of sound during the trial event (and yes this is for "It's About Time).

No electronic components allowed except for a scale/balance to measure mass. Remember, you cannot use a calculator in the time trials.