Science Olympiad is a competition in which students compete in a variety of events. There are three principal event types: Knowledge Events, Building Events, and Process Events. Knowledge Events require students to learn about a certain topics such as forestry, glaciers or genetics. For Building Events, students construct a device prior to the competition that completes a certain task. Some devices are balsa wood airplanes, trebuchets and robots. Process Events test the students' lab skills. They usually have both a lab and test component. One process event is forensics; students are given a variety of compounds found at the scene of a crime and they must work to solve the mystery.

Science Olympiad is a national organization. There are teams in 45 states. Each state holds regional competitions to select teams for the state competition. The top one or two teams from the state competition advance to the national tournemant. This year the national tournament will be held at George Washington University.

Each Science Olympiad team has up to 15 members who work with partners on about 4 events each. Lakeside's Science Olympiad club usually fields two teams. Students of all skill levels and commitment levels are welcome to join. Optional study hall practices are held on one or two Saturday mornings a month.

More information can be found at the state and national websites.

Page updated 3/24/08