Practice Tests
To help you get a feel for the format of the South Plains Math & Science Competition, here are some example practice tests and engineering challenges from past contests.
Math Tests
Middle School Comp Math - Test 1, Test 2, Test 3
6th Grade Math - not available
7th Grade Math - not available
8th Grade Math - not available
Algebra II - Test 1
High School Comp Math - Test 1
Science Tests
6th Grade Science - not available
7th Grade Science - not available
8th Grade Science - not available
A & P - not available
Chemistry - Test 1
Physics - Test 1
IPC - not available
Engineering Challenges
Challenge #1
Design and assemble a windmill to lift a wooden spool from the floor to table height. Provide detailed drawings of the lifting device from different perspectives as well as a parts list. You can use cardboard, wooden skewers, duct tape, chipboard, string, plastic beads, drinking straws and craft sticks.
Evaluation criteria:
- Does it lift the spool?
- How well was the design process documented?
- How innovative is the design?
Challenge #2
Design and build a flotation device for a bowling ball. Provide detailed drawings of the flotation device from different perspectives as well as a parts list. You can use cardboard, styrofoam, plastic sheets and duct tape.
Evaluation criteria:
- Does the device float a bowling ball for one minute?
- How well was the design process documented?
- How innovative is the design?
Challenge #3
Design and construct a contraption that automatically sorts ping-pong balls, golf balls, and marbles into three separate bins. Provide detailed drawings of the sorting device from different perspectives as well as a parts list. You can use poster board, rubber bands, duct tape and popsicle sticks.
Evaluation criteria:
- How effective is the device at sorting?
- How well was the design process documented
- How innovative is the design?
T-STEM Center, Box 43103, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409-3103
806.742.3451