For 27 years the National Science Olympiad has lead the revolution in science education, bringing standards-based engagement in authentic Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Oklahoma has been involved in Science Olympiad for eight years through involvement of schools and students in Putnam City Schools.
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.
Complete descriptions of all of this years events are located on the National Science Olympiad website- www.soinc.org.
Interested in forming a Science Olympiad team? Need more information? Go to www.oksciolympiad.org or Contact Bob Melton, Director of the Oklahoma Science Olympiad. The OSTA Fall Conference will feature a presentation about the Oklahoma Science Olympiad and several Olympiad Coaches will be on hand to answer you questions and help you field a team for this year’s Science Olympiad.