Oakland University’s department of Pre-College Programs in partnership with the Department of Chemistry and Michigan Science Olympiad will host our second annual Science Olympiad event on the campus of Oakland University, March 16, 2013

What Is Science Olympiad?

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. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, training workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state and national tournaments. Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of team events, which students prepare for during the year. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science concepts, process skills and science applications. In addition, during the day there are open house activities that consist of science and mathematics demonstrations, activities and career counseling sessions conducted by professors and scientists at the host institution occurring concurrently with the events.

Many states and regions have organized physics, biology or chemistry competitions, but few have combined all disciplines in one large Science Olympiad. The excitement of many students from all science areas competing and cheering one another on to greater learning caused one school district to coin the phrase "intellete". When they searched for a place to house their newly won Science Olympiad State Championship trophy, the only location available was outside the principal's office in the "athlete" showcase, so they convinced the school board to build an "intellete" showcase. One of the goals of the Science Olympiad is to elevate science education and learning to a level of enthusiasm and support that is normally reserved only for varsity sports programs.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

·    Each team receives a Science Olympiad Rules Manual - developed by the six Rules Committees which meet, plan and write year-round; aligned to the National Education Science Standards

·    Each team receives eligibility to participate and advance in Local, Invitational, Regional, State and National Tournaments

·    Each team is provided access to resources on the national Science Olympiad web site, including Power Point presentations, sample tests, videos, surveys and the Frequently Asked Questions forum

·    Each team is provided the opportunity to win Scholarships (over $2,500,000 has been awarded to National winners)

·    Each sanctioned Science Olympiad tournament is granted access to the one million dollar Science Olympiad Chapter and Club Liability Policy

·    Each state receives first, second and third place medals and trophies from Science Olympiad

·    Each state organization receives training and materials throughout the year and at the annual three-day State Directors and Event Supervisors Meeting (room, board and materials courtesy of Science Olympiad)

·    Each state organization receives marketing materials such as brochures, grant templates, press articles, administrative materials and DVDs

·    Each state organization receives public relations, grant-writing assistance, director communication, national policy writing and sponsor reports

·    Each state organization and its members benefit from Science Olympiad National Partnerships and Sponsors, which provide workshop presenters, free equipment (such as probes and calculators), dedicated web sites, educational resources, DVDs, books, school visits, access to grant programs, free trips and awards, national publicity, in-kind support, event supervision and regional funding