Science Olympiad Events
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of events in each division ( Division A is elementary, Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, the events focus on topics across a wide range of scientific disciplines such as genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology encouraging 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 and work toward a shared goal.
Our local event will only showcase a handful of the events that a regional Science Olympiad will offer. These will include all 4 different event types: Core Knowledge through test taking, Lab or Hands-on, Building (in advance with design and data logs), and Hybrid (a combo of 2 or more types). Each caters to different student strengths, styles, and skills.
Look below to see what events will be at the 2023 Chico Science Olympiad!
Our local event will only showcase a handful of the events that a regional Science Olympiad will offer. These will include all 4 different event types: Core Knowledge through test taking, Lab or Hands-on, Building (in advance with design and data logs), and Hybrid (a combo of 2 or more types). Each caters to different student strengths, styles, and skills.
Look below to see what events will be at the 2023 Chico Science Olympiad!
2023 Science Olympiad Events
Divison A
CATAPULT LONG JUMP
Using a pre-made (or available at the event) or school-made catapult device (that is surrendered at the beginning of the morning) students will collect data using different angles of release and different masses to come closest to a target. The target distance will be given at the beginning of the event, with an object with a certain mass that will be identified and used only at the event. CODE BREAKERS Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. DISEASE DETECTIVES Participants will use investigative skills and background knowledge to answer questions related to the scientific study of disease, injury, health and environmental issues to interpret the effect on animal or human populations. Categories include; heredity, environmental change, nutrients, body systems, and fossils. FAST FACTS Teams will fill in a grid of terms that begin with a given letter to match given science categories. WRITE IT DO IT One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from this description. FLIGHT Prior to the tournament, teams will design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered aircraft (such as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) to achieve maximum time aloft. MAKING AND USING A KEY Given a variety of objects, students will make and develop a dichotomous key, then use a different, previously constructed dichotomous key to identify an unknown object. MYSTERY ARCHITECTURE Teams must design, build, and test a freestanding structure that will support a solid object. Materials and design parameters will be identified at the event. Household materials will be used and the design requirements will determine success. |
Divison B/C
FAST FACTS
Teams will fill in a grid of terms that begin with a given letter to match given science categories. WRITE IT DO IT One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from this description. CAN'T JUDGE A POWDER Students will test and characterize one pure substance and then, based only on data they collect, answer a series of questions about that substance. Students will not be asked to identify the substance. Emphasis of this event is on the quality of data collected, answering questions about the substance and providing data to support their answers. ROCKS AND MINERALS Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Please see the attached rocks and minerals list to see the parameters that should be studied. ROLLER COASTER Prior to the competition, teams design, build, and test a marble run style Roller Coaster track to guide a ball/sphere that uses gravitational potential energy as its sole means of propulsion to travel as close as possible to a target time. FLIGHT Prior to the tournament, teams will design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered aircraft (such as an airplane, glider, or helicopter) to achieve maximum time aloft. CRIME BUSTERS Given a scenario, a collection of evidence, and possible suspects, students will perform a series of tests that along with other evidence will be used to solve a crime. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Respiratory, Digestive, and Immune systems. |
Official rules and instructions will be sent to coaches after they complete the team registration.
Examples of Challenges:
Code Busters
Fast Facts
Roller Coaster
Write it, Do it