Scioly.org

what is scioly.org's opinion on stations in shock value? I have found that usually they involve ridiculously simple circuits, and the only challenge is physically constructing them. At states, we got 2 foot long wires and had to build a circuit with three parallel bulbs, a battery, and a switch. this was next to impossible, as the wires had little male plugs on the end rather than clips, and the workspace was tiny. All of our wires got tangled. I ended up making up data using the measured resistances for each light bulb in the previous station. we got 1st place overall, and didn't even do one of the stations. PA states test had its issues...

Toms_42 wrote:what is scioly.org's opinion on stations in shock value? I have found that usually they involve ridiculously simple circuits, and the only challenge is physically constructing them. At states, we got 2 foot long wires and had to build a circuit with three parallel bulbs, a battery, and a switch. this was next to impossible, as the wires had little male plugs on the end rather than clips, and the workspace was tiny. All of our wires got tangled. I ended up making up data using the measured resistances for each light bulb in the previous station. we got 1st place overall, and didn't even do one of the stations. PA states test had its issues...

In general, stations seem to be a hit-or-miss. Half the time, advisors don't even try to build the stations they assign themselves. Thus, the time management is nonexistent. In the end, tests are most of the time the deciding factor, with stations being the decider for top 10 or top 5. I've come across stations that no-one was able to get right in the entire competition, it's sometimes ridiculous.
I wish advisors became more aware of the time they give students to build stations. For example 2 minutes to build a circuit that will make 4 bulbs shine the dimmest (without going out) and finding the one resistor which does so (out of 10 resistors), that too you have to draw the schematic and use a switch and build the circuit using a limited amount of wires.

Just my 2 cents, someone else might have a completely different idea. This is based off my 2 years of experience in Indiana.

Hello! Have your tests this year featured questions about capacitors or transformers? I know that they're not supposed to be on the tests, but I've seen questions about transformers and AC during competition. Thank you!

ML wrote:Hello! Have your tests this year featured questions about capacitors or transformers? I know that they're not supposed to be on the tests, but I've seen questions about transformers and AC during competition. Thank you!

I cannot say for Div B, but capacitors are allowed and I have frequently seen them on our Div C tests

ML wrote:Hello! Have your tests this year featured questions about capacitors or transformers? I know that they're not supposed to be on the tests, but I've seen questions about transformers and AC during competition. Thank you!

Some test writers do not follow all of the rules, especially at lower level competions. However, if you are competing at nationals, it is very safe to assume they will follow the full intent of the rules (as they are usually involved in writing the rules).

Phys1cs wrote:I cannot say for Div B, but capacitors are allowed and I have frequently seen them on our Div C tests

They are specifically prohibited in the Shock Value rules.

Schrodingerscat wrote:

Phys1cs wrote:I cannot say for Div B, but capacitors are allowed and I have frequently seen them on our Div C tests

They are specifically prohibited in the Shock Value rules.

ahh, okay

Hello, I was wondering what the division B National Shock Value test will consist of. Is there be anything that was not at regionals or states? Is there any section that I should focus heavily on for the test? Thanks for any feedback!

VikP wrote:Hello, I was wondering what the division B National Shock Value test will consist of. Is there be anything that was not at regionals or states? Is there any section that I should focus heavily on for the test? Thanks for any feedback!

look on the rules sheet. Under the heading of TEST, there should be allowable topics. Some parts may have (NATIONALS ONLY) next to them. Those are national level only topics, so you would not have previously seen them. I do not know if there are any, for I don't have the division B rules

Does anyone know if the shock supervisor is the same as last year?

Bazinga+ wrote:Does anyone know if the shock supervisor is the same as last year?

I think it is, but not 100% sure.