Science Olympiad

What is the Science Olympiad?
The Minnesota Science Olympiad is a program devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement. Team competition is patterned after track tournaments with challenging and motivational events ranging from earth science through physics. Events range from hands-on labs to student-built machines, from outdoor events to paper and pencil tests. There is also a balance between events requiring scientific knowledge and understanding, and others requiring process and application skills. Although some events require an individual from one team to compete against other individuals from other schools, most events require teamwork, group planning, and cooperation. The emphasis is on learning, participation, interaction, and team spirit.

Schools compete with a team of up to 15 students. There are two major tournaments: the regional tournament and the state tournament. The top 30 teams from the regional tournaments around the state compete at the State Science Olympiad held at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The top team in the state advances to the National Science Olympiad held in May.

Who can participate?
Every student in grades 9-12 who wants to have FUN WITH SCIENCE is invited to join the team! The "official" team that will represent MA at the competitions must be limited to 15 students. However, the number of students working on each event is unlimited.

Will meetings interfere with my after school sports?
All meetings are held during "flex" time during the school day. Once team members have chosen their events, they will be expected to prepare on their own time either at school or at home.

How much will it cost?
$0.00 !!

Will I travel?
Team members will provide their own transportation to the events. The regional competition is held in early February at Bethel University in St. Paul. The state competition is held in early March at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul.

How can I join?
During in the fall, science teachers will announce the first Science Olympiad Team meeting to their classes. Students just need to show up at the meeting and begin to choose their events.