Science Olympiad
Exploring the World of Science
Science Olympiad or "SO" is a 501(c)(3) organization that puts on team-based STEM competitions for elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and DC. Tournaments are offered at regional, state and national levels.
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets; schools form teams of students who can win awards in individual events, which combine to form an overall team score that can qualify the school for a higher level of tournament. Instead of events like the high jump and hurdles, though, a Science Olympiad tournament consists of events in a wide variety of STEM topics – everything from forensics to cryptography to antenna design. Some events entail demonstrating knowledge by taking a test, while others involve performing hands-on labs, or even designing and constructing a device.
THE BASICS
SO Tournaments as Academic Track Meets
A team of up to 15 students from a school competes in a variety of science events. Schools may field more than one team.
Multiple Divisions
at Tournaments
Students compete in divisions based on grade. Grades 3-5 are Division A, Grades 5-8 are Division B, and Grades 9-12 are Division C.
23 Events in
Each Division
Students compete in pairs in events drawn from biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, scientific inquiry, and engineering topics.
Individual and Team Awards
Students win medals in their events, with the overall team scores determining whether the school progresses to the next tournament.
"Modern science is a team sport..."
"Experience Science Olympiad" from Science Olympiad TV
"Science Olympiad is awesome!"
National Tournament highlights from the UW-Madison College of Engineering