Science Olympiad Event Selection

Important Information about Science Olympiad Participation

Participation in Science Olympiad is a rewarding but time-intensive commitment. Each event requires individual study and preparation outside of regular team meetings. To succeed, you will need to dedicate time to researching, practicing, and mastering the material for your chosen events.

Some events may require the purchase of building materials, and it will be the responsibility of the participant to obtain these materials. If you have any questions about what materials to purchase, please ask Ms. Parry.

Additionally, please be aware that the Science Olympiad competition will take place on March 8th. Before signing up, ensure that you are available on this date to participate. Only 15 students will be selected for the final competition team, so make sure you’re fully committed before signing up.

Please Read Before Signing Up for Science Olympiad Events

Before selecting your events, carefully read through the event descriptions to ensure you understand what each event involves. When signing up, you will need to choose:

•3 events you really want to do

•2 events you are willing to do

•1 event you really do not want to do

Keep in mind that only 2 individuals can compete in each event, and only 15 students will be selected for the final Science Olympiad team. Please consider your selections carefully to ensure you are choosing events that align with your strengths and interests.

Core Knowledge Event Descriptions:

Anatomy & Physiology C

This event tests participants on the anatomy and physiology of the human body, focusing on the integumentary, skeletal, and muscular systems. Students will need to demonstrate knowledge through lab practicals and written tests.

Astronomy C

Teams will explore stellar evolution, focusing on star formation and exoplanets. Participants must use knowledge of stellar classification, spectroscopy, and orbital mechanics to solve problems and analyze data during the event.

Codebusters C

Students solve cryptographic puzzles using various ciphers, such as Caesar, Vigenère, and RSA encryption. The event tests participants’ problem-solving abilities and their understanding of cryptography.

Disease Detectives C

This event focuses on epidemiology, where students use their investigative skills to study disease, injury, and disability in populations. The event involves analyzing data, understanding public health concepts, and proposing strategies for disease prevention and control.

Dynamic Planet C

Teams explore Earth’s processes related to glaciers, focusing on their formation, movement, and impact on landscapes. Participants will apply knowledge of geophysical data interpretation and glacial hazards.

Ecology C

Participants answer questions regarding ecological principles, adaptations, and human impacts on ecosystems, focusing on North American biomes. The event includes data analysis, hypothesis formation, and ecological modeling.

Entomology C

This event involves identifying insects and understanding their ecological roles, life cycles, and anatomy. Participants will also use or construct dichotomous keys to classify various insects and answer questions about their economic and environmental impacts.

Fossils C

This event involves identifying and understanding fossils, their formation, and their use in understanding Earth’s history. Students answer questions about geologic time, evolutionary history, and the processes that preserve organisms as fossils.

Geologic Mapping C

Students will use topographic and geologic maps to solve tasks related to Earth’s structure, rock formations, and subsurface geologic processes. The event requires understanding geologic data, deformation forces, and environmental changes over time

Lab & Hands On Event Descriptions:

Chemistry Lab C

This event challenges participants to complete lab-based tasks involving equilibrium and chemical reactions. Competitors will conduct experiments, interpret data, and answer theoretical questions about chemistry.

Experimental Design C

Teams design and conduct an experiment on-site, analyzing variables and collecting data to answer a given scientific question. They are judged on their ability to create a structured experimental process and draw conclusions based on their findings.

Forensics C

Students perform a series of tests to solve a crime, analyzing physical evidence such as fibers, fingerprints, and chemicals. They apply scientific principles to make deductions and reach a conclusion.

Materials Science C

Teams explore the properties and applications of ceramic materials, including their crystalline structures, mechanical properties, and electrical behavior. Students will participate in lab-based activities and analyze the performance of materials through testing.

Write It Do It C

In this event, one team member writes a detailed description of an object, while the other member attempts to recreate the object using only the written instructions. The event tests communication and teamwork.

Build Events Descriptions:

Air Trajectory C

In this event, teams design and build a device that uses the energy from a falling mass to launch a projectile toward a target. The device must be adjustable for varying distances, and teams are scored on the accuracy of their launches.

Bungee Drop C

Teams design an elastic cord to complete two drops, aiming to get a mass as close as possible to a target without touching it. Teams are ranked based on how close their drop gets, and extra points can be earned through a bonus drop.

Electric Vehicle C

Teams build and test a vehicle that runs on electric power, with the goal of traveling a specified distance as quickly as possible while stopping close to a designated target. The event emphasizes engineering, physics, and the use of electric power.

Helicopter C

Teams construct and optimize rubber-powered helicopters to achieve maximum time aloft. Helicopters must meet specific design criteria and fit into measurement boxes for the competition.

Robot Tour C

Participants program a robot to autonomously navigate a track while completing tasks. The event tests programming skills and problem-solving abilities as teams must develop code that enables their robot to follow commands and avoid obstacles.

Tower C

Teams design and build a lightweight, strong tower that can hold a specified weight. The structure is judged based on its efficiency, which is determined by the ratio of weight held to the tower’s mass.

Hyrbid Event Descriptions:

Microbe Mission C

Participants answer questions and solve problems related to microbes, their life cycles, and their roles in environments. The event also includes analyzing microbial growth, understanding antibiotics, and studying microbial genetics and interactions.

Optics C

Teams will position mirrors to direct a laser beam toward a target and answer questions about the principles of light, such as reflection, refraction, and color theory. Participants will also be tested on the structure of the human eye and various optical devices.

Wind Power C

In this event, students design and build a wind turbine that converts wind energy into electrical power. They are scored based on the efficiency of their device and will also complete a written test on wind energy concepts.