Tulare County Science Olympiad begins March 3

Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic competitions consisting of a series of individual and team events. These events encompass the science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. There is also a balance between science facts, processes, skills and applications. Locally, hundreds of students compete in the annual regional competitions. The Science Olympiad is divided into three divisions: Division A (grades 3-6); Division B (grades 6-9); and Division C (grades 9-12).

The Divisions B and C Competition (for middle and high school students) will be held Saturday, March 3, on the Mission Oak High School campus in Tulare. Over 400 students will compete on 19 middle and 16 high school teams. Students from sixth through 12th grades will be building bridges, launching rockets and gilders, piloting robotic vehicles, solving crimes, designing experiments and participating in a variety of engaging scientific explorations. The Division B and C events begin with opening ceremonies at 8:15 a.m. in the Mission Oak quad. Competitions will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the awards ceremony scheduled for approximately 3:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Individual and team awards are presented, with the top four schools advancing to the Norcal State Science competition.

Division A (for elementary school students) will be held on Saturday, April 28 at Mission Oak High School in Tulare. Students from third through sixth grades will be building circuits, testing the elasticity of “gunk,” dropping eggs to see if they survive, launching catapults and participating in funfilled science activities. The Division A event begins with individual competitions at 9 a.m. Individual and team awards will be presented at approximately 1:15 p.m. in the gymnasium.

“Science olympiad competitions demand a great deal of preparation,” says Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. “We appreciate the coaches and parents who help prepare students for these events.”

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers.

For more information, contact Robert Herman, public information officer, at 733-6606.