Earth/Space

Astronomy

Overview:

This study event consists of a written test that requires background knowledge, so research related to the given topic for the year is required before the event. Teams will demonstrate an understanding of this year’s topic — Star and Galaxy Formation and Evolution, using math and physics to answer the questions.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps to shape your notes

Official SciOly Website — with websites and other resources to help guide your research

Practice tests — from the Harvard Invitational (key) and MIT Invitational (link includes test, key, and walkthrough) of 2020

Dynamic Planet

Overview:

This study event consists of a written test that focuses on physical and geological oceanography. Teams will have to use a mix of theoretical and practical skills to solve problems. Participants will need to understand how to read graphs and plots and how to apply theory to those problems.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps to shape your notes

Official SciOly Website — with websites and other resources to help guide your research

Textbook — covers most of the topics concerning physical oceanography that will be on the test

Various oceanography textbooks — helps with understanding physics and more in oceanography

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) links and resources — easy-to-navigate information on the website to topics

Fossils

Overview:

Teams will identify various fossilized animals and plants and answer questions on paleontology while rotating through various stations.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps to shape your notes

Official SciOly Website — with websites and other resources to help guide your research

Identifying fossils — the fossils test requires identification of various kinds of fossils; this slideshow has pictures and descriptions

GeoLogic Mapping

Overview:

GeoLogic Mapping requires students to read and construct various topographic and geologic projections. Understanding Earth history is also necessary with other aspects of structural geology.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps to shape your notes

Official SciOly Website — with websites and other resources to help guide your research

Visual simulation — 3-D models and toggles for visualization of geology and topography

Textbook — aids in understanding how to read geologic maps and other aspects of geology as a whole

Ornithology

Overview:

Teams will use the National Bird List and other knowledge and resources to answer timed questions. Identification of birds along with scientific knowledge will aid the participants in the test.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps shape your notes

National Bird List 2020 (subject to change with rules) — used on the test

Quizlet — assesses your understanding on the subject for identifying birds

Anatomy descriptions of birds — helps with memorization of birds with terms

Water Quality

Overview

This event involves identifying marine coral reef indicator organisms and understanding indicators affecting estuarine and marine water quality. For this year, there is a focus on marine and estuary aquatic environments.

External resources:

SciOly Wiki — gives an overview of the event and what to expect; helps to shape your notes

Official SciOly Website — with websites and other resources to help guide your research

Marine Science Textbook — focuses on given topic of the year