Science Olympiad

Thu, 10/13/2016 - 9:36am

In our first year of Science Olympiad's we are looking for a few more team members and any adults who can help support us.  We have a group of teachers who are going to help support our students, but we also need more help from our community.  This is a very intense competition and will be a wonderful experience for our students.  If you are interested in supporting our team with help in purchasing materials or working with the students, please contact Mr. Bond his email address is david_bond@hcpss.org.  For more information, visit https://marylandscienceolympiad.org.

This year LEMS will be attempting to participate in the Maryland Science Olympiads. 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.