Science Bowl and Computer Science Placement: Difference between pages

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Since 2001, the Indiana State University has hosted the Indiana Regional of the DOE National Middle School Science Bowl each year. Currently, this is coordinated between the departments of Mathematical Sciences, and Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology. The competition normally takes place on the last Saturday in February in Root Hall on ISU's campus. The event is staffed mostly by ISU faculty and students, and receives financial support from ISU's College of Arts and Sciences.
This page contains information about placement for computer science courses. For incoming students who have some previous computer science coursework, this page contains information about placing into the appropriate first CS course at ISU.


=Contact=
For transfer students, evaluating transfer credit is separate from the placement process. Transfer credit is given based on the syllabus and course description of the course taken elsewhere, and this transfer credit can satisfy prerequisites to allow you to register for later CS courses. You still need to take the CS placement so that we know if you are really ready for the later courses; if not, then you will have some catching up to do and should talk with your advisor to plan how to do this.
Mr. Derrick Bowman, [mailto:Derrick.Bowman@indstate.edu Derrick.Bowman@indstate.edu], senior instructor of mathematics at ISU, is the coordinator for the event. Dr. Jeff Kinne, [mailto:jkinne@cs.indstate.edu jkinne@cs.indstate.edu], professor of computer science at ISU, is co-coordinator. Dr. Henjin Chi, professor emeritus of mathematics at ISU, was the founder of the event.


'''Volunteers - [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xhx1JUrrGg9Ke5dmA0ae8EDJD_1ASDOCH3IraVy96b4/edit?usp=sharing start here (FAQ)]'''
= Course Prerequisite Knowledge/Skills =


'''Teams - information on parking, lunch, etc. is below. The schedule of matches is here - [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1fZGm8Hoiunyxx1p77haPAwu-I43YV1usxJRePlmLyYk/edit?usp=sharing 2026 Schedule and Results.] We will have copies of a printout of the schedule, etc. for everyone. We will have a printout of the rules and score sheets for coaches.'''
==ECT 130 Introduction to Electronics and Computer Technology==
This course has no prerequisites.  The main goals are to (a) give students practical understanding of computing to become well-informed citizens and professionals in the computing age, (b) have students become familiar with using the Linux operating system, installing and using a programming language, and beginning to program in Python.


=Competition Format=
==CS 151 Introduction to Computer Science==
Teams compete from different schools. A team is 4 or 5 middle school students, with 4 competing at any given time. The moderator reads "toss up" questions from different categories of math and science (see the link to sample questions below), and the first person to ring in gets a chance to answer. When a toss-up question is answered correctly, the team gets 4 points and a chance at a "bonus" question that the team discusses as a team. Bonus questions are worth 10 points. See the link below to the official rules for more details.
This course also does not have a prerequisite, but it is more focused and faster paced than ECT 130. CS 151 is a full semester of programming in Python. It is recommended to take both ECT 130 and CS 151 your first semester if you have room in your schedule. If you do not, then you should take ECT 130 your first term, and then CS 151 your second term.  


All teams compete in a round robin fashion during the morning. After lunch, the top 8 teams (based on results from the round robin rounds) compete in a double-elimination tournament to determine the winner of the region. Teams that are eliminated can stay to watch other matches or compete in "fun rounds" after they are eliminated.
Why should you take CS 151 sooner than later? As the first course with a lot of programming, it helps you confirm whether CS is the major you want (versus IT or something else), and it also gets you the programming skills needed to apply for internships in CS.


=Date and Time=
==CS 201 Programming Structures==
The regional competition is normally the last or second-to-last Saturday in February. The date is normally approved and announced in the summer for the following year. The contest normally begins around 8-9am, with teams arriving at least 15 minutes early to check-in on site. The final match of the contest is normally around 4:30pm.
The prerequisite for CS 201 is a C or better in CS 151. The following are the most important prerequisite skills and knowledge gained in CS 151 that are important to be ready for CS 201.
* ''Competent'' programmer in Python, including use of modules and appropriate use of Python containers (lists, dictionaries, tuples)
* ''Competent'' user of your own computer (installing programs, etc.)
* Ability to use the Linux terminal and the CS server
Note that Python is a prerequisite for CS 201, so transfer students with credit for CS 151 but without experience in Python should work independently to get up to speed with Python ''before'' the term starts.


For 2025, the contest will be on Saturday Feb 8, with team check-in at 8:30am and the last match of the day concluding by around 4:30. Team check-in will be in room A-011 in the basement of Root Hall.
For transfer students who have transfer credit for CS 151, you will be able to register for CS 201. To determine whether you are really ready, we also have a placement test for CS 201. Ask your advisor to arrange for you to take this test.


=Location=
==CS 302 Data Structures and Algorithms==
The contest takes place in the basement classrooms in Root Hall on ISU's campus. The address is 424 N. 7th Street, Terre Haute, Indiana 47809. Team check-in is in room A-011 in the basement. See [http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=202482877780754297710.0004ad7bf1654f4d6c424&ie=UTF8&ll=39.471589,-87.407055&spn=0.001202,0.012038&t=m&source=embed this google map] for the location of Root Hall. Note that all parking lots at ISU are free on the weekend (with the exception of gated or metered lots, none of which are very close to Root Hall). There are parking lots close to the department off of 7th, 8th, and 9th streets. For more on visiting ISU, see the [https://indianastate.edu/map interactive map] or [https://indianastate.edu/sites/default/files/2024-12/university-map.pdf printable map].
C or better in CS 201 and CS 203. Prerequisite skills and knowledge -  
* CS 201 prerequisite skills/knowledge
* ''Proficient'' programmer in Python, including object-oriented programming and experience developing (and debugging and testing) larger programs independently
* Understanding of basic data structures (array, linked list, trees) and sorting/searching
* Algebra - rules of exponents, roots, logarithms / exponential
* Discrete math - rules of logic, set operations, proof by contradiction, proof by induction, basic properties and definitions of graphs, asymptotic notation and rules


=Detailed Schedule and Results=
==CS 500 Programming Fundamentals==
The schedule of matches for the 2025 contest is linked below. The top 8 teams will continue competing after lunch in a double elimination tournament, with the last match around 4 or 4:30pm. Teams that are eliminated often stick around for a bit to have some "fun round" matches against parents or each other - rooms that no longer have matches in them will be left open for a period of time for this.
This course does not have a prerequisite but assumes students have done programming in /some/ language and have a good background in math. The most important skills and knowledge to be ready to take CS 500 are the following.
* ''Competent programmer'' in some programming language
* Able to troubleshoot and learn a programming language on one's own using online resources
* /Some/ understanding of basic data structures (arrays, linked lists, binary search trees, hash tables, etc.)
Note that the course reviews basic data structures, but at a pace appropriate for graduate students (fairly quick).


The results and schedule from recent years are in the following -
==CS 501 Programming for Data Science==
 
CS 501 is similar to CS 500 in its prerequisite skills/knowledge.
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1hoAyUOOM6QY2Nqv_aWm-qoZqxgp0QsCR6K1R3j80QRc/edit?usp=sharing 2025 Schedule and Results]
* ''Competent'' programmer in some programming language
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rYXptWcJyCAoQGpCY51nEhqJjjnk5YF3D9baet_UoZk/edit#gid=588263783 2024 Schedule and Results]
* Able to troubleshoot and learn a programming language on one's own using online resources
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u6LeObav0dnKB-7FVmSRPv5_DrfktcNb-GiL92YM_YE/edit?usp=sharing 2023 Schedule and Results]
* /Some/ understanding of basic data structures (arrays, linked lists, binary search trees, hash tables, etc.)
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JadvBO0JA_uEEOC4xHuJqpOUByrrKPb9STnTNYgDCbc/edit?usp=sharing 2022 Schedule and Results]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10JReQM6gW6--mYU2QPLz7jBonFgcbr733RkuTRuCs70/edit?usp=sharing 2021 Schedule and Results]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1b0co6xDtdlSJrMOCSbpJAYdwxDsdJ-p-4GB8W7hIULk/edit?usp=sharing 2020 Schedule and Results]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1m345BKzFW8aEBuho5XyODuYvbixLki1JLO_s2wTaZT4/edit?usp=sharing 2019 Schedule and Results]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eKG_I-QeiJhe1qIUnOBW1OvrqGjV3tYbF8EO9TvF0h0/edit?usp=sharing 2018 Schedule and Results]
* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tc_raqlgBEUgazfidwg3MELa28zQeixGn5SlrPvq6G4/edit?usp=sharing 2017 Schedule and Results]
 
=National Competition=
The winning team from each regional contest, including the Indiana Regional, is invited to participate in the national contest in Washington, D.C. The Department of Energy pays for the trip for each winning team (team members and coach) to travel to Washington, D.C. The national event is normally during the last week of April or first week in May, from a Thursday to Monday.
 
=Eligibility=
The middle school regional contest is for middle school students only (grades 6, 7, 8). A separate competition for high school students takes place in Indianapolis; see [https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Regional-Competitions/High-School-Regionals/ High School Regionals] for details. Teams must be approved by the school principal. The Indiana Regional normally takes teams from Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
 
=Refreshments and Lunch=
Lunch will be in the Sycamore Dining Hall (401 Chestnut St. and labeled on the google map). Each team coach is given a meal card with sufficient funds for 7 meals (5 team members plus two coaches) at the Sycamore Dining Hall (dining hall serving brunch, buffet style). Family members can join teams and pay for their own meals (about $12-13 per person).
 
Light refreshments (Square Donuts, fruit, cookies, drinks) are provided in the morning and afternoon for all who are present.
 
=Registration=
See the official information about the Indiana Regional at the DOE at the link below for information about registering. Registration normally opens sometime in October.
 
=Registration Fee=
Coaches should ensure the team registration fee is paid. This can be brought the day of the contest or mailed ahead of time. If paying by check, please make the check out to Indiana State University with Science Bowl in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to
 
<blockquote>
ECET Department, attn Science Bowl<br>
Indiana State University<br>
650 Cherry St.<br>
Terre Haute IN, 47809<br>
</blockquote>
 
If you need a receipt for payment please let us know at the contest.
 
=Rules for Spectators=
The following are NOT ALLOWED during competition.
 
* Electronic devices
* Pictures/video (you can take pictures/video before or after matches)
* Writing
* Talking/whispering
* Ringing phone
* Entering room during match<br>
''You may only enter the room during halftime or in between matches.''
* The team coach ONLY may keep score on the DOE scoresheet.
 
The team members ONLY may challenge during the contest, BEFORE the next question.
 
The national DOE NSB office has also asked us to more closely monitor who is present at the regional events. It should only be those who are competing, their coaches, and families. We have the right to 1) ask to see a photo ID from everyone, ages 19 and over, who attends the regional and 2) request the name, city, and state of everyone, ages 18 and younger.
 
=Resources=
* Official information at DOE website -  [https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Regional-Competitions/Middle-School-Regionals Middle School Regionals],[https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Regional-Competitions/Resources Rules], [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rhpi0lBeD1U-6nD2zvlBA DOE Science Youtube] (includes videos of championship match), [https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Regional-Competitions/Resources/MS-Sample-Questions Sample questions]
* Material to study: [http://www.physics4kids.com/ physics4kids], [http://www.cosmos4kids.com/ cosmos4kids], [http://www.biology4kids.com/ biology4kids], [http://www.chem4kids.com/ chem4kids], [http://www.geography4kids.com/ geography4kids], [http://mathguy.us/MathHandbooks.php mathguy]
* Math Counts - [https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/school-handbook school handbook], [https://www.mathcounts.org/programs/competition-series/past-competitions past competitions], [https://www.mathcounts.org/resources/problem-archive problem of the week]
* DOE Middle School Science Bowl info at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Middle_School_Science_Bowl wikipedia]
* Short Science Videos - [https://www.youtube.com/user/pbsdigitalstudios PBS Digital Studios]
* [http://cs.indstate.edu/%7Ejkinne/kids/scienceBowlTimer.html Timer/scoring web app] that we use ([http://cs.indstate.edu/~jkinne/kids/scienceBowlTimer_2021.html modified for 2021 regionals]), or '''[https://cs.indstate.edu/~jkinne/kids/scienceBowlTimer_new.html Timer/scoring for 2026]'''
* [https://buzzin.live/ A free online buzzer website]
* [http://buzzersystems.com/deluxe/index.htm Buzzer system] that we use
* [https://cs.indstate.edu/info/files/scoresheet_big2.pdf Score sheets] that coaches may fill in during a match
* Volunteers - first look at some sample questions linked above, read Rules linked just above, watch some of the national finals for middle school (linked above), and then check [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xhx1JUrrGg9Ke5dmA0ae8EDJD_1ASDOCH3IraVy96b4/edit?usp=sharing FAQ for Judges/Volunteers].  See also the DOE NSB information for volunteers: [https://science.osti.gov/wdts/nsb/Volunteers NSB Volunteers].
 
=Historical Results=
The winning teams at the Indiana Middle School Regional have been as follows, in bold. 2nd through 5th place are also given for years that we still have this data. For all years except 2021 and 2022, there is a tie for 5th place due to the double elimination format that is normally used. If a school is listed twice in a year, then this is for two of their teams. For the winning team, if we know what their final place was at nationals that is listed in (). Our regional winner has won the national competition in 2013, 2007, 2006, and 2005.
 
* 2025: '''Creekside Middle School''' (top 24 at nationals), Sycamore, Meyzeek, Creekside, Sycamore, Woodrow Wilson
* 2024: '''Sycamore School''' (tied for 7th at nationals), Sycamore, Creekside, Clague, Mason, Creekside
* 2023: '''Sycamore School''' (tied for 5th at nationals, Clague, Sycamore, Creekside, Woodrow Wilson, Creekside
* 2022: '''Sycamore School''' (top 9 at nationals), Creekside, Clague, Creekside, Cranbrook
* 2021: '''Sycamore School''', Mason, Creekside, Clague, Creekside
* 2020: '''Sycamore School''' (top 32 at nationals), Sycamore, Clague, Mason, Greenhills, Honey Creek
* 2019: '''Sycamore School''', Sycamore, Honey Creek, Creekside, Woodrow Wilson, St. Patrick
* 2018: '''Creekside Middle School''' (tied for 7th at nationals), Sycamore, Creekside, Honey Creek, Woodrow Wilson, Honey Creek
* 2017: '''Sycamore School''' (tied for 7th at nationals), Creekside, Creekside, Sycamore, Honey Creek, Greenhills
* 2016: '''Sycamore School (second place at nationals)'''
* 2015: '''Sycamore School''' (tied for 7th at nationals)
* 2014: '''Sycamore School'''
* 2013: '''Creekside Middle School (first place at nationals)'''
* 2012: '''Creekside Middle School'''
* 2011: '''Sycamore School'''
* 2010: '''Klondike Middle School'''
* 2009: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
* 2008: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
* 2007: '''Honey Creek Middle School (first place at nationals)'''
* 2006: '''Honey Creek Middle School (first place at nationals)'''
* 2005: '''Honey Creek Middle School (first place at nationals)'''
* 2004: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
* 2003: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
* 2002: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
* 2001: '''Honey Creek Middle School'''
 
Note: tshirt colors that have been used in recent years - [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2026.jpg jade dome], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2025.jpg yellow], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2024.jpg purple], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2023.png red/maroon], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2022.png orange], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2021.png grey], [https://cs.indstate.edu/files/tshirt_2020.png navy].

Revision as of 17:48, 22 May 2026

This page contains information about placement for computer science courses. For incoming students who have some previous computer science coursework, this page contains information about placing into the appropriate first CS course at ISU.

For transfer students, evaluating transfer credit is separate from the placement process. Transfer credit is given based on the syllabus and course description of the course taken elsewhere, and this transfer credit can satisfy prerequisites to allow you to register for later CS courses. You still need to take the CS placement so that we know if you are really ready for the later courses; if not, then you will have some catching up to do and should talk with your advisor to plan how to do this.

Course Prerequisite Knowledge/Skills

ECT 130 Introduction to Electronics and Computer Technology

This course has no prerequisites. The main goals are to (a) give students practical understanding of computing to become well-informed citizens and professionals in the computing age, (b) have students become familiar with using the Linux operating system, installing and using a programming language, and beginning to program in Python.

CS 151 Introduction to Computer Science

This course also does not have a prerequisite, but it is more focused and faster paced than ECT 130. CS 151 is a full semester of programming in Python. It is recommended to take both ECT 130 and CS 151 your first semester if you have room in your schedule. If you do not, then you should take ECT 130 your first term, and then CS 151 your second term.

Why should you take CS 151 sooner than later? As the first course with a lot of programming, it helps you confirm whether CS is the major you want (versus IT or something else), and it also gets you the programming skills needed to apply for internships in CS.

CS 201 Programming Structures

The prerequisite for CS 201 is a C or better in CS 151. The following are the most important prerequisite skills and knowledge gained in CS 151 that are important to be ready for CS 201.

  • Competent programmer in Python, including use of modules and appropriate use of Python containers (lists, dictionaries, tuples)
  • Competent user of your own computer (installing programs, etc.)
  • Ability to use the Linux terminal and the CS server

Note that Python is a prerequisite for CS 201, so transfer students with credit for CS 151 but without experience in Python should work independently to get up to speed with Python before the term starts.

For transfer students who have transfer credit for CS 151, you will be able to register for CS 201. To determine whether you are really ready, we also have a placement test for CS 201. Ask your advisor to arrange for you to take this test.

CS 302 Data Structures and Algorithms

C or better in CS 201 and CS 203. Prerequisite skills and knowledge -

  • CS 201 prerequisite skills/knowledge
  • Proficient programmer in Python, including object-oriented programming and experience developing (and debugging and testing) larger programs independently
  • Understanding of basic data structures (array, linked list, trees) and sorting/searching
  • Algebra - rules of exponents, roots, logarithms / exponential
  • Discrete math - rules of logic, set operations, proof by contradiction, proof by induction, basic properties and definitions of graphs, asymptotic notation and rules

CS 500 Programming Fundamentals

This course does not have a prerequisite but assumes students have done programming in /some/ language and have a good background in math. The most important skills and knowledge to be ready to take CS 500 are the following.

  • Competent programmer in some programming language
  • Able to troubleshoot and learn a programming language on one's own using online resources
  • /Some/ understanding of basic data structures (arrays, linked lists, binary search trees, hash tables, etc.)

Note that the course reviews basic data structures, but at a pace appropriate for graduate students (fairly quick).

CS 501 Programming for Data Science

CS 501 is similar to CS 500 in its prerequisite skills/knowledge.

  • Competent programmer in some programming language
  • Able to troubleshoot and learn a programming language on one's own using online resources
  • /Some/ understanding of basic data structures (arrays, linked lists, binary search trees, hash tables, etc.)
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