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.