For the past 29 years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to nearly 6,400 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad’s ever-changing event lineup provides a variety of career choices and exposure to practicing scientists and mentors. In the words of a Science Olympiad alumnus: “I consider Science Olympiad the most important and influential activity I participated in during my middle school and high school career.”
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders 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 Elevated Bridge, an engineering whiz and a kid from wood shop can become gold medalists. Similarly, a talented builder and a student with a good science vocabulary can excel in Write It Do It, one of Science Olympiad’s most popular events.
- 2013 Event Chart and 2013 Short Event Descriptions
- Division B and Division C Event Pages – Loaded with info for 2013
- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Video and Story from 2012 National Tournament
Interested in forming a Science Olympiad team? Need more information? Contact Bob Melton, Director of the Oklahoma Science Olympiad and go to the Oklahoma Science Olympiad website and the National Science Olympiad website.