Please click here for the results of the Preliminary Round – CHAOS 2008.
Foreword
In line with MOE's plan to encourage and develop critical and creative thinking in our pupils,
the Gifted Education Branch, together with the Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore,
is organising this Internet-based science quiz - CHAOS 2008.
This competition provides the opportunity for pupils to work on challenging open-ended science problems.
The nature of the problems set will require pupils to engage in high-intensity research work, utilise
higher-order thinking and critical analysis, and employ creative thinking in the development of their
solutions. All this serves to extend the science curriculum beyond the classroom and instill
confidence in applying scientific ideas in tackling real-life issues.
The problems set for this year show the great degree of inter-connectedness between the various Science
disciplines and Mathematics. We hope that pupils will learn to appreciate the value of integrating
their knowledge from different subject disciplines in seeking solutions to problems in science.
Finally, we would like to wish every participant all the best in this competition, and hope that it will
be a fruitful learning experience for everyone.
The Organising
Committee of CHAOS
2008
Aim
CHAOS is an internet-based Science contest, which focuses on utilising creative and
critical thinking skills in problem solving.
Objectives
- to provide the opportunity for pupils to apply creative and heuristic problem-solving skills
to real-world case studies using an interdisciplinary approach
- to develop in pupils research and independent learning skills, and the value of teamwork
Programme Description
The contest is open to all secondary schools in Singapore. Two challenging problems
will be posted on the Internet. Schools will be notified of the contest and the procedure to download the
problem statements.
There are 2 rounds in this competition:
- Preliminary Round
Pupils will work on the problems and submit their proposed solutions via e-mail by the assigned
deadline. Their proposals will be evaluated by a panel of judges from NUS. The top
6 entries
will be selected for presentation at the final round.
- Final Round
The top
6 entries will do a presentation before a panel of judges.
Assessment Criteria
| Preliminary round |
| Accuracy, depth and scope of analysis |
50% |
| Sound application of scientific principles |
50% |
| Final Round |
| Quality of presentation |
50% |
| Ability to handle Q & A |
50% |
The final ranking will be based on marks scored for the preliminary
and final rounds. The presentation for the Finals has to be done by the whole team.
All participants will receive certificates of participation. Prizes will be awarded to all
finalists. The best solution to each problem, with comments by the judges, will also be posted
on the Internet.
Target Group
- A student is eligible if he or she is currently enrolled in a secondary school.
- Students are required to work in teams of 4.
- Each team can only submit one entry.
- Each school can submit up to a maximum of 2 entries.
- A student cannot be a member of more than one team.
Teachers can give assistance by motivating and guiding pupils to work out the solutions.
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