Science Olympiad

News & Resources

Team Information & Schedules

What is Science Olympiad?

The Science Olympiad is a national, non-profit, tax exempt organization, devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participation in Science Olympiad tournaments, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attending teacher training institutes. The Science Olympiad is a national, non-profit, tax exempt organization, devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participation in Science Olympiad tournaments, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attending teacher training institutes.

Science Olympiad competitions follow the format of classroom lab tests, popular board games, TV shows, and athletic games. Everyone can find a niche for his or her particular skill in Science Olympiad as each event is designed to take advantage of the wide variety of students' talents. Events are well balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science facts, concepts, processes, skills and science applications.

What are the benefits of Science Olympiad?

A three year Georgia State University study of the impact of Science Olympiad on middle and high school students confirmed significant benefits in the following areas:

Increased in-depth knowledge and understanding of science concepts and general knowledge

• An increase in ability to apply scientific knowledge
• Greater breadth of knowledge in areas previously unexplored
• Exhibit significantly enhanced laboratory skills
• Experience science as real scientists would
• Use and apply the scientific method with meaning
• Begin to see the interrelatedness of the sciences.

Improved problem-solving skills

• Application of problem solving skills as a long term endeavor
• Education in the importance of trial and error
• Emphasis on experiences rather than memorization.

Hands-on training in:

• Collaborative and/or creative thinking
• Applying critical thinking skills to real-time situations
• Constant experimentation to solve problems at hand
• Creative application of new ideas
• Time management and teamwork.

Who can participate in Science Olympiad?

• Any private or public school, charter school or home school in grades 6-12 is eligible to participate.
• Middle School students (grades 6-9) compete in Division B.
• High School students (grades 9 to 12) compete in Division C.
• A team may consist of as many as 15 members.
• There is a maximum of five 9th grade students (Division B) and seven 12 th grade students (Division C) permitted on a team.

Regional Competition

• Participation in a Regional Competition is required for a team to qualify to compete in the NM state finals.
• Qualifying teams (25 per division) will advance to State, with the top State winners in each division advancing to Nationals.
• Team coaches are responsible for contacting their regional director as soon as possible for information regarding the regional competition.
• New Mexico Science Olympiad State Competition restricts participation to one team per school. Some regional competitions allow more than one team per school to participate. There is an additional $25 fee for schools who enter two teams at their regional competition.

State Competition

Teams and Divisions

• There are two New Mexico Science Olympiad divisions: Division B - students grades 6 to 9 and Division C - grades 9 to 12.
• A team may consist of as many as 15 members.
• There is a maximum of five 9th grade students (Division B) and seven 12th grade students (Division C) permitted on a team.

Registration

• The registration fee entitles the member school to enter a team of up to 15 students in their respective Regional Science Olympiad competition and one copy of the 2007 Coaches Manual. Go to State Science Olympiad to register.
• There is an additional fee of $25 for schools who wish to enter two teams at their regional competition.
• Pre-payment is required. School purchase orders may accompany the membership application, but the coaches manuals will not be shipped until full payment is received.
• Payments not received by December 15, 2006 will be assessed a $25 late payment fee.