Science Programmes: Creative and Heuristic Applications of Science (CHAOS)

Aim

CHAOS is an internet-based Science competition, which focuses on utilising creative and critical thinking skills in problem solving.

Objective

CHAOS aims:

• to provide the opportunity for pupils to apply creative and heuristic problem-solving skills to real-world case studies using an interdisciplinary approach, and
• to develop in pupils research and independent learning skills, and the value of teamwork.

Programme Description

The competition is open to all pupils in secondary and integrated programme schools in Singapore. Pupils are required to work on challenging and open-ended Science problems that are posted online, and afterwards to submit their solutions online. Schools will be notified of the competition 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 through the Special Programmes Web Portal 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.

  Assessment Criteria

  Areas Evaluated	Weightage
  Accuracy, depth and scope of analysis	50%
  Sound application of scientific principles	50%

• Final Round

  Pupils whose entries are among the top 6 selected entries will do a presentation before a panel of judges at the Final Round.

  Assessment Criteria

  Areas Evaluated	Weightage
  Accuracy, depth and scope of analysis	25%
  Sound application of scientific principles	25%
  Quality of Presentation	25%
  Ability to handle Questions and Answers Session	25%

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.

Rules and Guidelines

• A student is eligible to participate in CHAOS if he or she is currently enrolled from Secondary 1 to Secondary 4 in a secondary school or Year 1 to 4 in a integrated programme school.
• Students are required to work in teams of 4.
• Each team can only submit 1 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.