Difference between revisions of "Technical Problem Solving"
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− | '''Technical Problem Solving''' involves the gathering and processing of data to solve some sort of mathematical analysis. | + | '''Technical Problem Solving''' involves the gathering and processing of data to solve some sort of mathematical analysis. It has 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. |
==Information from Various Competitions== | ==Information from Various Competitions== |
Revision as of 15:24, 20 March 2012
Template:EventLinksBox Technical Problem Solving involves the gathering and processing of data to solve some sort of mathematical analysis. It has 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.
Information from Various Competitions
At the 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 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.