What Is Science Olympiad?

Science Olympiad is a fun team academic competition. Teams of up to 15 students compete in 23 different events from all areas of science. There are knowledge events in subjects such as Meteorology, Astronomy, and Anatomy or building events such as Robots, Towers, or Airplanes. There are laboratory events also such as Forensics or Chem Lab. There is something for everyone! Each year, events are updated to reflect the ever-changing nature of the latest advances in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers, astronomy, engineering and technology. There are normally two team members in each event competing together and each students selects 2-4 events. ExCEL has both middle school and high school division teams. Dates for 2008: The Regional tournament will be held at Clark College on March 8, 2008. The State tournament will be held on April 5th at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. The 2008 National Science Olympiad will be held May 30-31 at George Washington University in Washington D.C.

Much like a football or soccer team, Science Olympiad teams prepare throughout the year for tournaments. Some have paid coaches, some have volunteers, most practice every week, some practice every day. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to participate. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on, group participation. Through the Olympiad, students, teachers, coaches, principals, business leaders and parents bond together and work toward a shared goal. Teamwork is a required skill in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances. In Bridge Building, an engineering whiz and a kid from wood shop can become gold medalists. Similarly, a talented builder and a student with a good scientific vocabulary can excel in Write It, Do It. Science Olympiad seeks to shatter the isolated scientist stereotype.

The prestige of winning a medal at a Science Olympiad national tournament is often a springboard to success. Individual medals as well as championship trophies for each division are awarded at tournaments. In addition, cash and tuition scholarships have been given in amounts exceeding $1.5 million.