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Science Olympiad is an annual competition between teams of students from different schools in the United States. Competitions between students in Division A (grades K-6) are locally organized.[1]
The following is a list of events hosted by the Washtenaw county intermediate school district:[2]
Aerodynamics[edit]
Teams design, construct, and fly at least two paper airplanes. Two initial flights are measured for distance. Two final flights are measured for flight time.
Feathered Friends[edit]
Participants are tested on bird identification skills and basic bird science. Bird vocalizations, habitat, behavior, specimen identification, and field guide comprehension are included as part of this hands-on, multimedia event.
Circuit Wizardry[edit]
Participants are tested on basic electrical circuit concepts, components, schematic reading and understanding, and ability to design and build a simple circuit from a functional description.
Code Busters[edit]
Teams are tested on their ability to decode encrypted messages using historical and modern ciphers, tentatively including the Atbash, Caesar, Aristocrat, Vigenère, Tap Code, Dancing Man, and Pig Pen ciphers.
Geology Rocks![edit]
Participants are tested on their knowledge of basic geologic processes, mineral properties, and rock characteristics through hands-on activities and short questions.
iCompute[edit]
Participants are tested on the following:
- Knowledge of basic computer concepts, including hardware and software
- Understanding of how computers solve problems
- Ability to create a simple program using a graphical interface
iRobot[edit]
Participants are tested on the following:
- Knowledge of basic computing and robot automation concepts including software.
- Understanding of how computers and robots solve problems.
- Ability to identify the correct color code sequence to have Ozobot complete an objective.
Mystery Architecture[edit]
The goal is to use the given materials to build the tallest free-standing tower that can hold a tennis ball on top until the measurements are recorded.
On Target[edit]
Each team builds exactly 6 missiles, utilizing precision straws as the missile body. Missiles are constructed during the time of the event, using only materials provided by WESO. Missiles are launched indoors at a fixed target, with each participant on a team getting an opportunity to launch. The accuracy of the missile (distance from target) on a team’s three best launches is used to determine the team score, with the shortest total distance from target being considered the winner.
Pasta Bridges[edit]
Participants build a bridge using the materials supplied to support a cup (in the middle of the bridge) with as many small weights as possible.
Pentathlon[edit]
Five physical skills are combined with math questions in an obstacle course/relay race event. Each team must have five participants. The team score integrates both the timed physical activities and the accuracy of answers to questions.
Photon Phun[edit]
Teams of 2-3 students use mirrors to aim a light beam at stationary targets in a darkened room. Teams also answer written questions on the behavior and properties of light.
Potions[edit]
Each team answers questions about basic chemistry concepts and complete simple chemistry experiments, while exercising basic lab skills and safety procedures.
Read It/Build It[edit]
All teams are given an identical set of objects and instructions. Teams attempt to build a “picture” from the objects based on the given instructions. The team with the most pieces placed correctly wins. This event tests each team’s ability to understand and follow written or graphical instructions.
The Human Machine[edit]
Teams are tested on their knowledge and understanding of basic human anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on the organ system focus announced for the year. The event involves rotating stations where teams are asked questions addressing their knowledge using traditional question formats as well as practical assessments.
The Plot Thickens[edit]
Working with data is fundamental to being a scientist. In The Plot Thickens! students are asked to analyze, interpret, and create visualizations of data.
Zip-It[edit]
Given a few household materials, each team constructs a cable car capable of safely carrying a ping-pong ball down a zip line. The objective is to achieve a target run time which is revealed on the day of the event. There is a short written portion testing the physics concepts of the zip line, including an average velocity calculation.