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Science Olympiad

Adviser: Christina Brewer

Learn about Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad comes in many shapes and sizes to fit your needs. At the K-6 level, try an Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) program, which can come in the form of a competitive tournament, a hands-on science Fun Day or an expert-filled Science Olympiad Fun Night. In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set, but some school clubs have more than 75 members, allowing for an apprentice and mentoring system.

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.

The culmination of nearly 300 Regional and State tournaments (and about 100 practice Invitationals!) is the Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at a different university each year. This rotating system gives students the opportunity to visit new parts of the country and tour colleges they might consider for their undergraduate studies, and provides a memorable experience that lasts a lifetime.

 

Here are two core resources for your review:

 

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National Geographic Producer and Volcanologist Visit Sixth Graders

Mr. Bengt Anderson, a National Geographic producer and CMS parent, visited in person to speak with our sixth-grade students and connect them with his colleague, volcanologist Dr. Emma Nicholson, who joined via Zoom from New Zealand. Dr. Nicholson, featured in Lake of Fire, shared her experience exploring a remote, uncharted volcano. Students had previously viewed the documentary, which follows a team’s expedition to uncover when and why volcanoes erupt. During the visit, students asked thoughtful questions about lava lakes, how Dr. Nicholson travels to volcanoes, and how ideas for National Geographic films are developed, among other topics. This engaging experience brought the sixth-grade science curriculum to life in a truly memorable way.

Read More about National Geographic Producer and Volcanologist Visit Sixth Graders

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