About Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad comes in many shapes and sizes to fit your needs. At the K-6 level, try an Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) program, which can come in the form of a competitive tournament, a hands-on science Fun Day or an expert-filled Science Olympiad Fun Night. In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set, but some school clubs have more than 75 members, allowing for an apprentice and mentoring system.

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages 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 together and work toward a shared goal.

Teamwork is a required skill in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances. In Elevated Bridge, an engineering whiz and a kid from wood shop can become gold medalists. Similarly, a talented builder and a student with a good science vocabulary can excel in Write It Do It, one of Science Olympiad's most popular events.

The culmination of nearly 300 Regional and State tournaments (and about 165 practice Invitationals!) is the Science Olympiad National Tournament, held at a different university each year. This rotating system gives students the opportunity to visit new parts of the country and tour colleges they might consider for their undergraduate studies, and provides a memorable experience that lasts a lifetime.  

  • National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Student Contest & Activities Approved for 2021-2022
  • Combined Federal Campaign and Independent Charities of America "Best in America" Award Winner 2021
  • Combined Federal Campaign America's Best Charities Federation Membership - approved January 2022
  • View a copy of the Science Olympiad National Brochure
  • View a copy of the Science Olympiad 2018-2019 Annual Report
  • Million Women Mentors Excellence In Partner Innovation Award
  • National Governors Association Center For Best Practices report inclusion: "Innovation America: Building a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Agenda" 
  • "Champions in Education" Award Winner for Best K-12 Volunteer Activity in the Midwest 
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers Building the Future Award Winner