1. science

Instruction
Manual
2014
Regional, State and
Australasian Pacific
Tournaments
© Copyright 2013 Tournament of Minds Inc.
Published in Australia by:
Tournament of Minds Incorporated
Website & TOM Portal: www.tom.edu.au
Email: [email protected]
© 2013 Tournament of Minds Inc.
Important Copyright Notices
The Tournament of Minds programme is copyright protected and any materials
must not be copied or distributed outside registered schools for any purpose.
The Tournament of Minds logo with the words ‘Challenging the World’ is the
registered trademark of Tournament of Minds Inc. (A36145L).
Please note:
This manual needs to be read carefully and in conjunction with Challenges.
The Glossary section provides additional, essential information – please read it
thoroughly.
Contents
1 Overview .................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 2 What is Tournament of Minds? ........................................................................................ 2 Spirit of TOM .................................................................................................................... 2 TOM Objectives ............................................................................................................... 2 The Long Term Challenge ............................................................................................... 3 The Spontaneous Challenge ........................................................................................... 3 Benefits of Tournament of Minds ..................................................................................... 3 General Rules ............................................................................................................................ 4 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 School Registration .......................................................................................................... 4 Copyright Information for Registered Schools ................................................................. 4 Team Nomination ............................................................................................................ 4 Divisions .......................................................................................................................... 4 Team Membership ........................................................................................................... 4 Access to Challenges ...................................................................................................... 5 Scoring ............................................................................................................................. 5 3 The Spontaneous Challenge ...................................................................................................... 6 4 The Long Term Challenges ........................................................................................................ 7 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 5 Judging ..................................................................................................................................... 10 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 6 Judges ........................................................................................................................... 10 Rule Violations ............................................................................................................... 10 Disciplinary Action ......................................................................................................... 10 Awards ........................................................................................................................... 10 Tournament Days ..................................................................................................................... 11 6.1 6.2 7 Overview .......................................................................................................................... 7 The Presentation ............................................................................................................. 7 Multi Media Presentations ............................................................................................... 8 The Maths Engineering Challenge .................................................................................. 8 Scoring ............................................................................................................................. 8 Recordings and Media Release ....................................................................................... 8 Risk Management Policy ................................................................................................. 9 Regional Tournament Day ............................................................................................. 11 State/Territory Finals & Australian Pacific Final ............................................................. 11 Team Forms ............................................................................................................................. 12 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 Presentation Skills Form ................................................................................................ 12 Outside Assistance Form ............................................................................................... 12 Cost Form ...................................................................................................................... 12 Presentation Summary Form ......................................................................................... 13 Presentation Skills Form – Sample ................................................................................ 14 Presentation Skills Form – Completed Sample ............................................................. 15 Outside Assistance Form – Sample .............................................................................. 16 Cost Form – Sample ...................................................................................................... 17 Presentation Summary Form – Sample ......................................................................... 18 8 Glossary ................................................................................................................................... 19 9 Timeline 2013 ........................................................................................................................... 24 © Copyright 2013 Tournament of Minds Inc.
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Page 1
1 Overview
1.1
What is Tournament of Minds?
Tournament of Minds (TOM) is an international programme designed to give participants
the opportunity to participate in creative activities involving stimulating open-ended
Challenges which demand experimentation and reward divergent thinking. Students do all
of these things together with the six other people that make up their team.
Tournament is about learning and developing as an individual within a team structure.
Tournament was launched in Victoria in 1987, in NSW in 1990 and by 1992 all Australian
states and territories had joined the program. There are now teams from Singapore, Hong
Kong and New Zealand taking part. In 1998, Tournament of Minds Incorporated was
established. Tournament of Minds (Northern Territory) Inc. is licensed to Tournament of
Minds Inc. to operate Tournament in the Northern Territory.
1.2
Spirit of TOM
The Spirit of TOM is fundamental to the entire programme. It underpins all of the activities
involved in successful personal and team participation. It will be evident when teams:
demonstrate tolerance, co-operation and fair play; abide by the rules of the programme and
are self-disciplined in their problem solving; respect the views and opinions of all team
members; and respond positively to overcome obstacles encountered during the challenge
timeline.
1.3
TOM Objectives
TOM’s objectives are to:
ü provide real open-ended challenges
ü develop creative problem-solving
approaches and techniques
ü foster co-operative learning and
teamwork
ü promote knowledge and
appreciation of self and others
ü encourage experimentation and risk
taking
ü expand and reward creative and
divergent thinking
ü stimulate a spirit of enquiry and a
love of learning
ü develop enterprise and demonstrate
initiative
ü celebrate excellence.
How TOM links to the Australian
Curriculum - General Capabilities:
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) capability
• Critical and creative thinking
• Personal and social capability
• Ethical behaviour
• Intercultural understanding
• Critical and creative thinking
• Literacy
• Numeracy
• Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) capability
• Personal and social capability
•
•
•
•
Personal and social capability
Ethical behaviour
Intercultural understanding
Critical and creative thinking
• Critical and creative thinking
• Critical and creative thinking
• Personal and social capability
• Critical and creative thinking
• Personal and social capability
© Copyright 2013 Tournament of Minds Inc.
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Page 2
On Tournament Day, teams (entered in either the primary or secondary division) will be
required to participate in the two Challenge areas that make up Tournament of Minds - the
Long Term Challenge and the Spontaneous Challenge.
1.4
The Long Term Challenge
Facilitators will be able to access the Long Term Challenges six weeks prior to Tournament
Day from the TOM Portal. Teams are to choose a Challenge in one of these disciplines,
work collaboratively to prepare a solution, and then present this solution on Tournament
Day to a panel of judges and an audience at their chosen Regional Tournament Day.
The Long Term Challenge disciplines are:
1.4.1
Applied Technology
The Applied Technology Challenge asks students to explore and apply
technologies. ‘Technology’ being the specific methods, materials and devices used
to solve practical problems.
1.4.2
Language Literature
The Language Literature Challenge asks students to investigate and apply common
literary devices and language techniques. This may involve existing or original texts,
where texts may be written, spoken or multimodal, and in print or digital forms.
1.4.3
Maths Engineering
The Maths Engineering Challenge asks students to understand and apply simple
engineering principles and mathematical concepts. There may be greater or lesser
emphasis on the mathematics or engineering components.
1.4.4
Social Sciences
The Social Sciences Challenge asks students to explore social issues and aspects
of human society. This may include posing moral and ethical questions in a variety
of contexts.
1.5
The Spontaneous Challenge
Spontaneous Challenges are previously unseen ‘on the spot’ Challenges. They allow only a
short time for teams to discuss and plan their response.
1.6
Benefits of Tournament of Minds
Tournament of Minds encourages the participation of all students. It has been found that
many outstanding individuals who do not necessarily score well in academic tasks, are
exceptionally creative problem solvers and readily accept the challenge of TOM.
The Tournament program was developed to help students develop the sorts of attitudes
and skills that will hold them in good stead throughout their life.
For teams to gain the maximum benefit from Tournament of Minds, it is important to
understand why the rules in this manual apply and then to follow them honestly. It is also
important for facilitators, teachers and parents to understand as well, so that they don’t
influence or hinder a team’s opportunity to get maximum benefit from the Tournament
process.
Tournament of Minds recognises that learning should be motivating, enjoyable and
rewarding. Accordingly, judges are supportive of the efforts of all participating teams and
students.
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2 General Rules
2.1
School Registration
Registration is completed through the TOM Portal at www.tom.edu.au.
Schools may register an unlimited number of teams in any of the disciplines.
Please see the Timeline, page 24, for the School Registration closing date.
2.2
Copyright Information for Registered Schools
All Tournament of Minds materials and Challenges are copyright protected. School
registration allows unlimited copies to be made of all such materials for use within the
school for the period of registration.
Please note: distribution of Tournament of Minds materials beyond a registered school
violates copyright.
2.3
Team Nomination
Team Nominations are completed through the TOM Portal at www.tom.edu.au.
Please see the Timeline, page 24, for the Team Nomination closing date.
2.4
Divisions
Tournament of Minds has two divisions:
1. Students in Years T-6 enter the Primary Division
2. Students in Years 7-10 enter the Secondary Division
In schools where middle schools exist, students from the year of entry must compete in the
Secondary Division.
Both divisions receive the same Challenges.
2.5
Team Membership
Tournament of Minds encourages and fosters team co-operation. All Tournament activities
are performed as a team.
2.5.1
Each team consists of seven students.
2.5.2
Primary teams must consist of a mixture of students from at least two primary year
levels, with a maximum of four students from any year.
2.5.3
Secondary teams must consist of a mixture of students from at least two secondary
year levels, with a minimum of two students from the year of entry and a maximum
of four students from any year.
2.5.4
Teams that do not conform to the above rules may still participate in the Tournament
but will be ineligible to receive prizes or progress further in the Tournament
programme.
2.5.5
Only the seven team members may work on the Challenge during the six weeks
prior to Tournament Day.
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2.6
2.5.6
There must be no substitution of team members after the Team Nomination has
been submitted on the TOM Portal. If a team member is unable to compete, the
team must notify the Tournament Director as soon as possible and continue with
only the original remaining members. The minimum number of team members is
five.
2.5.7
All team members registered on Tournament Day are to be involved in both the
Long Term Challenge presentation and in solving the Spontaneous Challenge.
2.5.8
Should a team member require special assistance from Tournament organisers, the
facilitator will need to notify the Tournament Director as to the nature of the
assistance via the online Team Nomination (see section 2.3, page 4) and any
necessary special arrangements. Wherever possible these arrangements will be
made.
Access to Challenges
Six weeks before the Regional Tournament facilitators will be able to download the
Challenges and the following team forms from the ‘Resources’ section of the TOM Portal at
www.tom.edu.au:
•
Presentation Skills Form
•
Outside Assistance Form
•
Cost Form
These forms are to be completed by team members and are required to be presented on
Tournament Day.
2.7
Scoring
2.7.1
The total score is obtained by adding the team’s Long Term Challenge score (max.
270) and the team’s Spontaneous Challenge score (max. 150).
2.7.2
In the event of a tie the overall winner will be determined by the highest
Spontaneous Challenge score.
2.7.3
Scores may be affected by serious rule violations. Please see section 5.2, page 10,
for a further explanation.
2.7.4
Feedback will be provided to teams for both Long Term and Spontaneous
Challenges.
2.7.5
No score will be divulged.
2.7.6
The judges’ decision is final.
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3 The Spontaneous Challenge
3.1
All team members must be involved in solving the Spontaneous Challenge.
3.2
The only item teams may use in the Spontaneous Challenge is a stop watch or wrist watch.
No other items are allowed. All the materials a team may need will be supplied. Teams may
not take any notes or papers away from the Spontaneous Challenge.
3.3
Unless an exception is specified, no one except the judges and the team members are
allowed in the Spontaneous Challenge room. No spectators, facilitators, parents or media
are allowed to view this activity.
3.4
The Spontaneous Challenge will not be revealed until presented to a team by the judges.
Each team will be given the same Challenge. Any team member found revealing the nature
of the Spontaneous Challenge prior to the end of the Tournament will be subject to
disciplinary action and may cause their team to be disqualified.
3.5
All Spontaneous Challenges will allow team discussion time before the response time so it
is important for teams to have developed the ability to work collaboratively.
3.6
A laminated copy of the Challenge will be provided to teams when the discussion time
starts. Students with hearing impairments will be given a copy to read as the Challenge is
read by judges - please notify the Tournament Director via the online Team Nomination, as
per paragraph 2.3, page 4.
3.7
The Challenge will be read twice. Team members are required to listen carefully and note
what they are required to do and how to respond. There may be a limit to the number of
responses allowed. Teams are advised to present their best responses. Team members
may begin to take notes once the judge starts to read the challenge.
3.8
Once the response time has begun it cannot be stopped. During the response time no
further discussion is allowed.
3.9
Teams will be judged on the group’s thinking processes, the creativity of responses and
ability to work as a team. No points are awarded for presentation.
3.10
Only responses given during the response time will be included in judging.
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4 The Long Term Challenges
4.1
Overview
4.1.1
Six weeks before Tournament Day, facilitators will be able to access the Long Term
Challenge in each of the Tournament disciplines via the TOM portal at
www.tom.edu.au.
Please see the Timeline, page 24, for the Challenge release date.
4.2
4.1.2
Facilitators give team members copies of the Long Term Challenges to read, from
which each team is to choose one Long Term Challenge only.
4.1.4
The facilitator nominates which one Long Term Challenge the team will attempt to
solve via the online Team Nomination by the due date (see Timeline page 24).
4.1.5
The team has the rest of the six weeks to interpret the Challenge, experiment with
different solutions and put a final solution into dramatic form (a play), make
costumes and props, and rehearse the presentation.
4.1.6
On Tournament Day each team presents their solution to a panel of judges and an
audience.
The Presentation
4.2.1
A performance area of approximately 3m x 3m will be marked, known as ‘the
square’. Team members who are performing must be visibly inside this area. If the
performance area is to be a different size or shape, the team will be notified.
4.2.2
The judges will indicate to the team when the presentation time is to begin.
4.2.3
The total time for setting up, performing the Challenge solution and clearing away is
ten minutes. After nine minutes the judges will indicate that the team has only ‘one
minute remaining’. Any part of the presentation after the ten minute mark will not
be considered.
4.2.4
All seven team members should be involved in the Challenge presentation. A
minimum of four team members must play a meaningful role and be within the
square at all times, from the moment the team starts the presentation until the last
person has left the performance space. This includes when changing scenes. The
team members who are performing must be visibly inside the square.
4.2.5
The Tournament Director will provide:
• two chairs
• one table
• an electrical outlet that will accept a standard three-prong plug.
4.2.6
All furniture, props and backdrops are to be arranged and removed within the ten
minute time frame. However, teams may be dressed in costumes before the ten
minutes begins and remain in them, and audio visual equipment may be set up prior
to this time with judges’ permission.
4.2.7
If teams need to display a backdrop, they must provide their own display boards or
screens. Likewise, teams must provide their own power boards and extension cords
if required. All electronic equipment, power boards and extension cords need
to be currently tested and tagged.
4.2.8
Team members must wear predominantly black clothing (see section 7.3, page 12).
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4.2.9
Teams must make any costumes and props from the list of ‘Allowable Materials’
included in the Challenge. However, please refer to section 7.3 Cost Form, page 12,
as to the use of other items such as musical instruments and technology.
4.2.10 No naked flames (e.g. matches, candles), sparklers, party poppers, firecrackers,
smoke bombs, laser lights, sharp implements (e.g. darts or knives) or similar
paraphernalia may be used.
4.2.11 During the presentation, a team member may ask for audience involvement,
e.g. applause, boos or laughter. However, if it appears that the audience is involved
in more than a general way, i.e. specific dialogue between a team member and a
member of the audience, it will be deemed as Outside Assistance.
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
Multi Media Presentations
4.3.1
Prepared visual presentations must contain team members as featured performers.
Other people may appear but may not be featured. On Tournament Day the team
members must be those who appear in the photographs, slides and videos.
4.3.2
No more than 50% of a team’s presentation may be pre-recorded, unless otherwise
stated in the Challenge.
4.3.3
Screened images must be projected to appear within or directly behind the
presentation square.
4.3.4
Any projection equipment necessary for the successful use of media may be placed
outside the square.
The Maths Engineering Challenge
4.4.1
Any additional materials for the device may be allowed within the cost constraints as
per the Challenge, but the use of recycled materials is strongly encouraged.
4.4.2
Teams are required to read this Instruction Manual in conjunction with the chosen
Long Term Challenge as other requirements and limitations may apply.
Scoring
4.5.1
Each Long Term Challenge contains:
•
a list of criteria on which that Challenge will be scored
•
the range of points for each criteria
•
a list of bonus points that may be given.
4.5.2
The Long Term Challenge is scored out of 270 points:
• Prescription Total
maximum 170 points
• Presentation Skills Total maximum 50 points
• Bonus Points
maximum 50 points
Recordings and Media Release
Tournament of Minds Incorporated will not accept responsibility for any person(s) taking
recordings before, during or after any TOM Inc organised activities/events, or for any other
form of media release. This includes, but is not limited to: use of photographs, videos,
newsletters, internet, audio or any other form of visual or print publication, regardless of
whether the intended purpose is for private or public use.
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4.7
Risk Management Policy
Tournament of Minds Incorporated does not accept the responsibility to undertake a ‘Risk
Management Plan’ for any person attending Regional, State and/or Australasian Pacific
Finals. This rule also extends to workshops and training. Those who do attend any of the
above mentioned events must undertake and implement their own Risk Assessment Plan.
(Please refer to your individual governing body for your Risk Assessment Plan and Policy
Guidelines).
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5 Judging
5.1
5.2
Judges
5.1.1
Each judging panel has a minimum of two judges.
5.1.2
Judges' decisions are confidential and final.
Rule Violations
Any violation of the rules will incur disciplinary action. Violations may include:
5.3
5.2.1
Copyright violation. This includes the release of the Challenges or copyright TOM
materials on public spaces or to non-registered schools.
5.2.2
Substituting participants for the nominated seven team members.
5.2.3
Serious or multiple displays of unsporting conduct.
5.2.4
Disclosing the Spontaneous Challenge before the end of the Tournament.
5.2.5
Unauthorised Outside Assistance.
5.2.6
Uploading video/digital footage of presentations to the Internet, including YouTube
or any other social media, before all Regional Finals have been completed.
5.2.7
Profanity - subject to judges' interpretation.
5.2.8
Comments that the judges regard as offensive. Awareness of and sensitivity to
gender, race, religion and culture is especially important.
Disciplinary Action
The following penalties may be incurred for rule violations or violation of the Spirit of TOM:
5.3.1
Penalty points given (up to –50).
5.3.2
Disqualification - the team will be disqualified from the current Tournament.
The appropriate penalty will be determined by the Regional/State Tournament Director
and/or Australian Director, whose decision is final.
5.4
Awards
Both the Long Term and Spontaneous Challenges are performed as a team. There are no
individual awards in Tournament.
5.4.1
All team members and the facilitator will receive a Certificate of Participation.
5.4.2
Awards are at the discretion of the Tournament Director (for instance, a first place
may not be awarded).
5.4.3
Tournament Honours are awarded to teams distinguishing themselves.
5.4.4
Spirit of Tournament Awards are made at the discretion of the Tournament Director
upon the recommendation of the judges.
5.4.5
Successful teams will be invited to participate at the next stage of the Tournament
programme.
5.4.6
State/Territory winners are eligible to enter the Australasian Pacific Final.
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6 Tournament Days
6.1
Regional Tournament Day
On Tournament Day all teams present their solution to the Long Term Challenge, watch the
solutions developed by other teams and solve a common unseen Spontaneous Challenge.
Teams need to arrive in plenty of time on Tournament Day as all team members must be
present to register at the official registration desk. The official will check the names of team
members against your initial online team nomination.
It is the responsibility of a team member to hand the following materials to the Long Term
Challenge judges immediately prior to your Long Term presentation:
•
•
•
•
•
6.2
Presentation Skills Form
Outside Assistance Form
Cost Form
Script - one copy
Other required materials (e.g. design plans for Maths Engineering)
State/Territory Finals & Australian Pacific Final
6.2.1
Successful teams may be invited to represent their state/territory at the Australasian
Pacific Final as part of the state/territory team. The venue for the Australasian
Pacific Final is in a different Australian capital city each year.
6.2.2
Team membership must not change throughout the Tournament programme.
6.2.3
Teams will enter the same discipline at all stages during the Tournament
programme.
6.2.4
At the State/Territory Final and Australasian Pacific Finals, teams solve a Three
Hour Challenge on the morning of Tournament Day and present their solution in the
afternoon. All materials that can be used to solve the Challenge and make costumes
and props are provided. Each team is given a room in which to prepare and is not
allowed contact with its facilitator. All the preparation is to be the team’s own work.
6.2.5
A ‘Room Supervisor’ (usually a facilitator from another team) will be in the team’s
room to ensure safety, but team members may not ask them for assistance of any
kind.
6.2.6
Pre written and rehearsed scripts, songs and scenarios are not permitted.
6.2.7
All live presentation content must be prepared in the lock down period.
6.2.8
Teams are not permitted to use pre-prepared performances for any of their Three
Hour Challenges. This rule is designed to maintain the integrity and purpose of
creative problem solving within the three hour period on the day of the
State/Territory and Australasian Pacific Finals. Failure to comply with this rule will be
seen as a violation of the Spirit of TOM and will incur a penalty.
6.2.9
The time allowed for the presentation is ten minutes. A stop watch or wrist watch
may be used by the team.
6.2.10 The Spontaneous Challenge will take place during the three hour preparation time.
The Spontaneous Challenge judges will come to each team’s preparation room.
Extra time is allocated for this.
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7 Team Forms
7.1
Presentation Skills Form
The Presentation Skills Form must be presented to the judges prior to the team’s Long
Term Challenge presentation. Teams will be required to select two Presentation Skills from
the set list on the form and explain in 50 words or less why they have chosen each of these
dramatic techniques and how each technique enhances the communication of the solution
to the audience.
A copy of the Presentation Skills Form and a completed example of a Presentation Skills
Form are provided on pages 14 and 15, respectively.
7.2
Outside Assistance Form
This form must be read and signed by all team members and the facilitator. The form must
be handed to the judges prior to the Long Term presentation. Once the Challenges have
been ‘opened’ neither the facilitator nor anyone else should help the team in solving the
Challenge. They may however assist teams in developing the skills required to solve the
Challenge. Any outside assistance must be acknowledged on the form and judges will then
decide if teams are eligible for bonus points.
A copy of the Outside Assistance Form is provided on page 16.
7.3
Cost Form
7.3.1
The Cost Form must be submitted to the Long Term Challenge judges prior to the
presentation and must show the total cost of all materials used in the preparation
and presentation of the team’s Challenge solution.
7.3.2
Teams must include the proportion of an item where the whole of the item is not
used, e.g. paint.
7.3.3
The total cost for a team’s Challenge solution must not exceed $75.
7.3.4
Any materials may be used in the construction of the Maths Engineering device,
including any trial devices, within the Challenge limitations. The cost of these
materials must be included on the Cost Form.
7.3.5
Where a Challenge solution includes an audio visual presentation, teams must also
include the cost of all props and costumes shown in that presentation.
7.3.6
Hire, borrow or use of ready-made costumes and props is not allowed. Teams must
create all costumes and props from the list of ‘Allowable Materials’, with the
exception of those items specifically outlined in sections 7.3.7, 7.3.8 and 7.3.9,
below:
7.3.7
Extra items allowed that are exempt from cost and need not appear on the Cost
Form include:
Items provided by the Tournament Director
•
•
One table
Two chairs.
Tools
Tools used for construction of costumes, props or Maths Engineering devices, e.g.
hammer, scissors, paint brushes. Any tools used must be provided by the team.
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Ready-made clothing
All ready-made clothing (or ‘street clothing’) worn must be simple, predominantly
black, worn in the usual manner and must not be used in any way as costumes or
props. This includes:
•
•
•
•
T-shirt, skivvy, shirt, tracksuit top;
shorts, jeans, skirt, tracksuit pants;
socks, stockings, tights.
Footwear (if worn) must be predominantly black or white.
All other clothing worn is considered to be part of the team member’s costume and
must be made from the list of ‘Allowable Materials’ as outlined in the Challenge.
7.3.8
Extra items allowed that are exempt from cost but must appear on Cost Form
include:
Musical Instruments
Software
Audio Visual or Information Technology Devices
Any AV or IT device which benefits the team’s presentation, including, but not
limited to the following:
•
•
•
laptop computer
data projector, slide projector, film strip projector, movie projector,
overhead projector, television, video, DVD player
CD player, tape recorder, MP3/MP4 players.
7.3.9 Extra items allowed that are not exempt from cost and must appear on Cost Form,
include:
Commercially produced audio/visual recordings
Team produced audio/visual recordings
A copy of the Cost Form is provided on page 17.
7.4
Presentation Summary Form
At Regional Finals, teams are required to present a written script to the judges, however at
the State/Territory Finals and the Australasian Pacific Finals, teams are required to
complete a Presentation Summary form.
This form is used to provide a brief summary of the team’s presentation of their Challenge
solution.
A copy of the Presentation Summary Form is provided on page 18.
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7.5
Presentation Skills Form – Sample
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7.6
Presentation Skills Form – Completed Sample
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7.7
Outside Assistance Form – Sample
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7.8
Cost Form – Sample
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7.9
Presentation Summary Form – Sample
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8 Glossary
Allowable Materials
A list of Allowable Materials is included in each Challenge. Please read this list carefully and
ensure the team uses only materials from the list. Sometimes extra materials will be allowed for a
particular Challenge and this will be outlined in the Challenge. Materials used must appear on the
Cost Form.
Applied Technology (AT)
One of the TOM disciplines. The Applied Technology Challenge asks students to explore and
apply technologies. ‘Technology’ being the specific methods, materials and devices used to solve
practical problems.
Audience
The group of parents, friends, siblings and other interested people who assemble to watch the
team’s Long Term Challenge presentation.
Australasian Pacific Final (APF)
The culmination of all the hard work! This is the final event on the annual TOM calendar where the
finalists from each State/Territory and country involved, meet for the final Tournament.
Bonus Points
There are 50 bonus points available to be allocated in recognition of a team endeavouring to fulfil
all of the requirements of the Challenge. Bonus points may be awarded for:
•
All props and costumes made by team members either from the list of allowable materials
(Regional level) or from the materials supplied (State/Territory and Australasian Pacific Finals);
•
All required paperwork completed and supplied to judges;
•
All team members playing a meaningful part/role in the Challenge solution and presentation;
•
Minimum of four team members in the presentation area at all times;
•
Presentation area cleared to the satisfaction of the judges.
Cost Form
The Cost Form must show the total cost of materials used in: the preparation and presentation of
the Challenge solutions including all costumes and props (not exceeding $75 for each challenge)
and any materials used in trials. Hire, borrow or use of ready-made costumes and props is not
allowed. Teams must create everything from the list of ‘Allowable Materials’. Cost includes any
materials used in the construction of the Maths Engineering device.
Where a Challenge solution includes an audio-visual presentation, the cost of all props and
costumes shown must be included also.
Costumes and Props
All costumes and props must be designed and made by the team members from materials listed in
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the given Challenge. All materials used must appear on the Cost Form.
Creative
Imaginative, inventive, beyond the ordinary way of thinking.
Design Plans
Diagrams to illustrate clearly the construction/invention or device. Plans must be clear and
annotated.
Device
The invention or construction created to solve the Maths Engineering Challenge. The creation of
the device will usually rely on principles of mathematics and/or engineering. Specifications and
limitations for this are outlined in the Challenge.
Discipline
The four areas in which the Long Term Challenges are based – Applied Technology, Language
Literature, Maths Engineering and Social Sciences.
Divisions
The two levels in which students may compete – Primary and Secondary.
Facilitator
A teacher or parent or older student who supports the team. They are not permitted to help the
team with the challenge solution or construction of devices or costumes/props. The role of the
facilitator is to facilitate the getting together of the team. Your facilitator must not assist in solving
the Challenge for Tournament Day and should help you to ensure that no one else gives teams
any outside assistance.
Group Thinking Processes
The many processes by which teams brainstorm challenges and seek to problem solve together,
particularly important in solving the Spontaneous Challenge. Examples of some group thinking
tools and techniques are: De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats; DO IT!; and SCAMPER.
Language Literature (LL)
One of the TOM disciplines. The Language Literature Challenge asks students to investigate and
apply common literary devices and language techniques. This may involve existing or original
texts, where texts may be written, spoken or multimodal, and in print or digital forms.
Lock Down
In the State/Territory and Australasian Pacific Finals when teams are to work in a defined area
without outside assistance, for a period of three hours. One adult, usually the facilitator of another
team, will be allocated to supervise each room.
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Long Term Challenge Package (or Six Week Challenge Package)
This set of materials which includes the four Long Term Challenges is made available by
facilitators to teams. This package must not be distributed to teams before the set date.
Manual
This Instruction Manual is available to all registered and paid schools as a download from the TOM
Portal. It is extremely important that all team members have access to this manual and read it
carefully. Facilitators are free to make as many copies as they wish in the year in which the school
is registered.
Maths Engineering (ME)
One of the TOM disciplines. The Maths Engineering Challenge asks students to understand and
apply simple engineering principles and maths concepts. There may be greater or lesser emphasis
or the maths or engineering components.
Outside Assistance
The Challenge can only be worked on by the team members. If Outside Assistance is required
e.g. for safety reasons such as using a power tool, then this must be listed on the Outside
Assistance Form.
Penalties
A number of behaviours may result in penalty points being deducted from a team’s score.
Presentation Skills Form
Up to 20 points will be awarded for each Presentation Skill. To gain the maximum points, skills
must be displayed to a significant level and contribute positively to the presentation.
The Presentation Skills Form relates specifically to the Long Term Challenge solution.
The judges will also allocate up to 10 points for the overall dramatic performance of each team.
Overall dramatic performance is defined as the extent to which the performance had excitement,
flair, creativity or impact that was related to the Challenge solution. Basic stagecraft skills should
be evident in the performance.
Regional Tournament
The first round of the TOM programme in most states/territories. Every registered team is entitled
to present its Challenge solution at venues across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Registration
Your school may register an unlimited number of teams in any of the disciplines. Registration
details are on the TOM Portal.
Response
In the Spontaneous Challenge the team will be asked to present a number of responses (usually
between one and three) to the given challenge. Time is allowed for the team to discuss their
responses and choose their best one (or how many have been asked for) to present to the judges.
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Room Supervisor
A Room Supervisor, usually a facilitator from another team, will be in a team’s preparation room to
ensure safety, but teams cannot ask them for assistance of any kind. This only applies to the
Three Hour Challenges at State/Territory Finals and the Australasian Pacific Final.
Scripts
Each Challenge requires that teams submit one copy of their script to the Long Term Challenge
judges prior to their presentation.
Social Sciences (SS)
One of the TOM disciplines. The Social Sciences Challenge asks students to explore social issues
and aspects of human society. This may include posing moral and ethical questions in a variety of
contexts.
Spirit of TOM
Demonstration of tolerance, co-operation and fair play; abiding by the rules of the programme; selfdisciplined in problem solving; respecting the views and opinions of all team members; and
responding positively to overcome obstacles encountered during the challenge timeline.
Spontaneous
A short, previously unseen, Challenge requiring excellent teamwork and brainstorming skills. No
points are given for presentation but points are allocated for teamwork, thinking processes and the
creativity of the response/s.
(The) Square
A performance area of approximately 3m x 3m is provided in each presentation room/lecture
theatre for the Long Term Challenge.
State/Territory Final
Some, but not all States/Territories, hold a State/Territory Final. This takes the form of a Three
Hour Challenge, where teams go into lock down in the morning for three hours and then present
their solutions in the afternoon session. Successful teams at this round then move on to represent
their State/Territory at the Australasian Pacific Final.
(No) Substitutes
There must be no substitution of team members after the online team nomination has been
submitted. If a team member becomes sick or leaves, the team must continue with only the
original, remaining members.
Team
All Tournament activities are performed as a team. Teams have seven members from across year
levels. Only the seven team members registered on the TOM Portal can work on the Challenge
and present its solution. No substitutions are allowed. To be viable a team must have at least five
members on Tournament Day.
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Team Nomination
Only teams who have nominated online via the TOM Portal by the due date will be eligible to
participate on Tournament Day as no late entries can be accepted.
Three Hour Challenge (see also Lock Down)
Used at State/Territory and Australasian Pacific Finals, teams are allowed three hours to prepare a
solution to a Challenge they are presented with on the day. They will be given a bag of allowable
materials and a dictionary.
Training Challenges
These are long term practice Challenges for registered schools to use. They are available through
the TOM Portal or from the state/territory director once registration fees are paid.
TOM Facilitator Training
In-service course or workshop designed to assist TOM facilitators fit the Tournament concept into
their school.
Violation of the Spirit of TOM
Penalties will apply to any team which violates the Spirit of TOM in any way. Please see Spirit of
TOM in the Glossary.
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9
Timeline 2013
2013
Date
Action / Event
Term 1
1st February
School Registrations Open
28th June
Term 2
14th July
School Registrations Close
Registered schools
via the TOM Portal
access
all
Tournament materials
2014 Challenge Pack Release Date &
Team Nominations Open
Facilitators of registered schools will be able to access the website
(www.tom.edu.au) to download the 2013 Challenges.
Term 3
Term 4
28th July
Team Nominations Close
From 4th August
Team Timetable for Regional Tournament available
23/24 August
Regional Finals
14th September
State Final
Friday 17th October
Opening Ceremony and
Australasian Pacific Final, Melbourne
Saturday 18th October
More Information
To contact your state/territory director please email: [email protected]
For more information please visit our website: www.tom.edu.au
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