Technical Problem Solving

Technical Problem Solving involves the gathering and processing of data to solve some sort of mathematical analysis. According to the 2014 event rules, "the event will consist of two lab stations and up to 10 questions per station". The use of calculators and probes by supervisors is encouraged. It can have a very wide range of potential test topics, so it is advised to put people with a very wide base of science knowledge on this event.

You are allowed to bring any calculator, one double sided page of Notes, and are required to bring goggles. Supervisors will provide a more advanced calculator if necessary for a lab station.

2014 Topics
The topics for 2014 are electrochemistry and thermodynamics. Similarly to 2013, 80% of the weight will be given to the lab itself, and 20% to the questions relating to the lab.

Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is the study of chemical reactions involving the use of an electrical current. Events may use voltage, amp, and temperature probes.

Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the science related to thermal energy and its relation to matter. All levels of the competition will use a temperature probe.

More in-depth information can be found here: Thermodynamics.

Past Topics
The general focus of TPS changes from year to year. Here are some topics it has covered in the past.

2013
In 2013, the topics are more clearly defined than they have been in the past. This year will consist of two labs, one dealing with harmonics and sound, and the other regarding enzymatic reactions. The placement will be based off of how accurate teams' lab procedures and results are and their responses to questions related to the labs. 80% of the weight will be given to the accuracy of the answer from the lab, and 20% of the weight will be given to the test questions that relate to the lab.

Harmonics
The topic for Harmonics is the same for regionals, states, and nationals. All of them use a microphone as a probe and deal with open and closed tubes and strings.

Enzymes
This section studies the mechanisms governing enzymatic reactions using yeast catalase. As you advance through competition, additional topics are added:


 * Decomposition Rates (Regional)
 * Reaction Types (State)
 * Animal Catalase, Ideal Gas Law (National)

2012
There are certain topics listed in the rules as the foci of this event:
 * Colorimetry
 * Temperature
 * CBR2 motion detector.

Colorimetry
Colorimetry is a chemical analysis procedure in which the absorption of a certain colored solution corresponds with its concentration.

Temperature
The use of temperature in this event is usually in analyzing colligative properties of solutions, and how they relate to temperature. Some of these properties include elevation of boiling point, freezing point depression, and lowering of vapor pressure.

CBR2 Motion Detector
A CBR2 motion detector is used for finding data related to motion, such as position, velocity, and acceleration. It measures motion using sound waves, and can plot points of position on a computer interface. They may be used in this event as a way for participants to analyze motion and the forces that govern it.

Past Competitions
At the 2009 Los Angeles Regional competition, all problems were physics-based and very difficult. Calculus and extensive knowledge of formulae were both required. True to the event's name, problem-solving ability was vital. One of the problems was a proof-type problem.

At the 2010 Cypress Falls Invitational in Texas, all problems involved measurement and basic formulae, such as area of a prism.

The 2010 national tournament featured various stations including calculating the periods of pendulums, measuring the volume of a 5-pointed foam star, measuring the volume of a block of wood with a hole drilled out of it, and calculating the acceleration of a ball bearing.

Tips for Success in Technical Problem Solving

 * Practice is vital for this event. Make tests for one another, and remember imagination and creativity is a great asset for one to have on these tests!
 * Check out the test exchange for practice tests.
 * Keep calm and think carefully. Don't panic if you don't know how to solve a problem right away.  A few minutes of thinking can lead to key breakthroughs.
 * Keep track of time. Often, the station-based nature of the event will lead to tight time constraints.
 * Pay close attention to significant figures. Don't let yourself lose half a point per problem on account of incorrect sig figs.
 * Show all work, including elementary algebraic steps. Let there be no room for confusion in grading.
 * Know all physics formulae by heart. The equations used by the College Board for Advanced Placement Physics are a good place to start.  The event supervisor may or may not provide these formulae on the exam.
 * Stay organized and neat. The grading of this event is often very subjective, so it's important to make your test paper easy for the event supervisor to grade.

Links

 * Example Harmonics Lab
 * Example Enzyme Lab