Student Services Staff

Science Olympiad is a high school team competition that tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Team members compete against other high schools at selected invitational tournaments as well as regional, state, and national competitions. A team consists of 15 members that compete in 23 different events. Some events may invovle tests, lab work, building skills, or any combination thereof.

Teamwork, group planning, and cooperation are critical for success in the competitions. The emphasis is on learning, participation, having fun, and developing team spirit. Ohio has been part of the National Science Olympiad program for more than 25 years, and state participation ranks in the top six of the 48 states currently involved.

CJ Coaches

Mr. Brad Kassner, Science Teacher 461.3740 x471 | email | Rm. 213

Ms. Andrea Varney, Science Teacher 461.3740 x415 | email

Honors Project

Science Olympiad can fulfill the honors project requirement for the honors science classes. Students will need to complete a portfolio that summarizes knowledge gained and work done for the Science Olympiad Team, as well as maintain a Science Olympiad Journal.

Fees

Participants are required to pay a $35 participation fee for supplies and t-shirt.

2011-12 Events

Anatomy and Phys (respiratory, excretory, digestive)
Disease Detectives (food borne illness)
Forestry
Microbe Mission
Water Quality
Astronomy
Dynamic Planet (earth's fresh water)
Remote Sensing (human impact)
Rocks and Minerals
Optics
Sounds of Music
Thermodynamics
Chem Lab
Forensics
Protein Modeling
Gravity Vehicle
Helicopters
Robot Arm
Towers
Experimental Design
Fermi Questions
Technical Problem Solving
Wite it Do it

All of these descriptions are available at http://soinc.org/2012_div_c_events

How Do We Choose Teams?

Open tryouts are held on September 6, 7 and 8 before school at 7:15 a.m. in room 233. Please let Mr. Kassner know if you cannot make one of these dates. The tryout will consist of a comprehensive science test as well as an informal essay. We will aim to keep 35 members for our team.

How Often Do We Practice?

We will practice two times a week from October through March, mostly in the mornings. All members are required to appear at all practices, so please plan accordingly!

Daily Practice Schedule (Approximately 1 HR, 15 MINs)

Team meeting to set schedule and announcements
Individual journal and planning time
Individual event meetings to research or practice skills
End of practice prayer

When Do We Compete?

All of our competitions happen on Saturdays starting in January. We will compete in a minimum of five events, with one event being an overnight stay for the Solon Invitational. Playing a winter sport is not recommended!

Competition Schedule

Jan. 7, 2012 - Northmont Invitational

Jan 28, 2012 - Wright State University Invitational

Feb. 4, 2012 - Solon Invitational

March 3, 2012 - West Liberty Salem Invitational

March 17, 2012 - Piqua Regional

April 28, 2012 - Ohio State Championships

Science Olympiad Expectations

Working as a team to achieve team goals is a priority. Being a team player is an essential characteristic for each participant.

Team goals can sometimes outweigh individual goals.

Members will be required to study and compete in at least four events.

We encourage team members to wear the team t-shirts at all meetings. Similar dress is strongly advised until the t-shirts are available. Team t-shirts are a requirement for all competitions.

Consistent work habits outweigh personal genius.

Portfolio Expectations

Students will be required to maintain a PowerPoint portfolio of related Science Olympiad work. This portfolio will be checked periodically throughout the season as a means to assess growth. THe final portfolio may be used in a presentation to the Science Olympiad coaches.

Journal Expectations

Students will also be required to maintain a written journal of practice sessions. The journal will desribe thoughts and feelings as well as relevant actions and reserach. This journal may be checked without prior notification, so it must be up to date!