What is Dynamic Planet?
Dynamic Planet is an Earth science event with a topic that rotates each season. Teams study processes, vocabulary, maps, and data figures, then answer questions that reward understanding — not just memorizing random facts.
2026–2027 topic: Earth’s Fresh Waters
For the 2026–2027 season (listed as 2027 on SOINC), Dynamic Planet focuses on Earth’s Fresh Waters — lakes, rivers, groundwater, watersheds, the water cycle, and related Earth-system processes. (The prior 2025–2026 / 2026 season topic was oceanography.) Always check the current Division B/C rules manual for the official content outline and any updates.
What’s usually included
This year’s focus
- Freshwater systems: surface water & groundwater
- Watersheds, streams, lakes, and wetlands
- Water cycle, budgets, and human impacts
- Maps, hydrographs, cross-sections, and data figures
How to prepare
- Turn each rules bullet into a one-page note
- Build a diagram pack you can redraw from memory
- Keep a “confusable pairs” list for similar topics
- Do mixed practice sets weekly, not only rereading
If you can redraw a process from memory, you usually understand it well enough for multi-step questions. Review your diagram pack before every tournament.
Rules, wiki & practice
Official rules
Current Dynamic Planet topic and expectations.
SOINC Dynamic Planet →Rules manuals
Full manuals for your season and division.
SOINC →Scioly wiki
Topic guides, resources, and study approaches.
Wiki: Dynamic Planet →Test exchange
Past tests for timed content practice.
Scioly tests →SciOly Tutor videos
Earth systems explainers and study strategy.
YouTube →