Science Olympiad

The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. One of the ways the organization accomplishes its goals is by offering Science Olympiad tournaments.

Science Olympiad tournaments are exciting, hands-on, rigorous academic competitions for middle and high school students that consist of a series of individual and team events which students prepare for during the year. Coaches get a list of the events their team needs to compete in for the year. The students select their top choices, which are taken into account when matching students with events. Individual winners in each event are awarded Olympic-style medals for first, second and third places, but teamwork is very important. Only teams earn the right to advance to the state tournament. Teams consist of up to 15 students.

The Science Olympiad program began in Eden Prairie at Central Middle School in the 2003-04 school year with the support of EPCGT through a $500 mini-grant. The program was introduced at the high school in 2005-06.

Competition starts at the regional tournament. The top 30 teams from the regional tournaments around the state compete at the state tournament held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Championship trophies are awarded to teams compiling the most total points during the state competition. The top team (or 2 teams if enough teams register) in the state advances to the national tournament held in May.

The following are some examples of competition events:

• Astronomy – teams identify constellations and solve astronomy problems
• Bridge Building – teams design, build and test the lightest bridge to carry a maximum load
• Chemistry Lab – teams demonstrate chemistry lab skills related to selected topics
• Circuit Lab – students compete in activities involving knowledge of direct current (dc) electrical circuits
• Compute This – teams solve a problem that requires quantitative data capture from the public Internet and the electronic organization and presentation of data in a graphical format
• Designer Genes – students solve problems using their knowledge of genetics
• Disease Detective – students apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem
• Don’t Bug Me – students demonstrate knowledge of taxonomic keys, habitats, life history and geographic distribution
• Ecology – students answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptation by examining different ecosystems
• Meteorology – the use of process skills as applied to meteorology
• Robot Ramble – students design and build a robot capable of performing certain tasks
• Water Quality – students demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of aquatic ecology, water resource management, water treatment practices and aquatic chemical processes
• Wheeled Vehicle – teams design and construct a “vehicle” that uses a non-metallic, elastic solid as its sole means of propulsion
• Wright Stuff – teams design and build a propeller-driven aerodynamic device for greatest time aloft

Open house activities are also held during the day of the national tournament, consisting of science and mathematics demonstrations, activities and career counseling sessions.