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Discussion for Technical Problem Solving C

Technical Problem Solving Wiki
2010 Lab Event Thread

are the rules the same this year? any big changes?

quizbowl13 wrote:are the rules the same this year? any big changes?

nope. not really. This event is so broad as it is, there's not exactly some way to change it without specifying it into another event.

Is there any effective way to study for this event? This will be my first year doing this event.

really the best way is to practice, practice, practice. if you can find sample questions or old tests, utilize those, for there are only so many questions this event can ask. also, be very proficient in knowing as many formulas as you can.

I agree that this event is extremely broad. Might I suggest that we start a list of problems that we have seen. I'll go first. Fill a beaker up to but not over the 500mL line with BB's. Calculate the number of BB's. It seems so straight forward but many (actually most) teams screw it up. I am talking about being wrong by at least 50%. Next, try the same problem with marbles.

Does this event require knowledge of calculus? I know it's been an event for two years before but it hasn't been held at our region so I don't really have any experience in it. I probably won't be doing it anyway, it's just for team knowledge.

EASTstroudsburg13 wrote:Does this event require knowledge of calculus? I know it's been an event for two years before but it hasn't been held at our region so I don't really have any experience in it. I probably won't be doing it anyway, it's just for team knowledge.

Theoretically no, but there have been regional tests which required it - I seem to remember one from CA a couple of years ago, which you might be able to find on the test exchange.

What are some topics/stations I could expect to see on this competition?

I'm a SciOly n00b, so please help thank you!

Okay, no offense to you or anyone, but I'm getting slightly annoyed by people saying "I'm new, tell me everything about this event." Look on the wiki and do preliminary research there, and try to find some tests from previous years. After getting a feel for the event and finding out what speficically you need help with, then we would be happy to help you.