Workshops

Many Science Olympiad coaches credit their team success to workshops and professional development activities provided by state and national Science Olympiad professionals. Educators are given detailed information on all the latest Science Olympiad events, as well as handouts, CDs and takeaways. Sessions are staffed by experienced state and national Event Supervisors who provide context on what is expected of students in each rigorous event. In many cases, educators can earn credit hours or certificates.

Please see your state Science Olympiad site for a complete listing of all professional development opportunities in your area, as this is only a partial schedule. Dates are updated as soon as the information is posted! See our sessions at upcoming NSTA Conferences by browsing below:

2021-2022 Science Olympiad State Workshops & Presentations 

Current Science Olympiad Workshop Offerings

Science Olympiad Summer Institute

July 11-16, 2021, held virtually! To learn more visit the Science Olympiad Summer Institute webpage.

2020-2021 Science Olympiad National Workshop Wednesday Presentations

  • April 14, 2021 - Spring into Summer with Science Olympiad!
  • March 10, 2021 - Preparing Students for Virtual Tournaments 
  • February 17, 2021 - Building FUN into Your Science Olympiad Virtual Team Meeting 
  • February 3, 2021 - Starting an Elementary Science Olympiad Program
  • November 18, 2020 - Lessons Learned from a Remote Science Olympiad Tournament 
  • November 11, 2020 - Test Writing for 2021 Season Tournaments 
  • October 28, 2020 - Virtual Mentoring for Science Olympiad
  • October 14, 2020 - Fundraising for your Science Olympiad Team 
  • September 30, 2020 - How to Run a Mini SO Competition 
  • September 16, 2020 - How to Run a Satellite SO Competition 
  • September 9, 2020 - Avogadro Platform Demonstration 
  • August 18, 2020 - Scilympiad Platform Demonstration 

Professional Workshops & Conferences - Science Olympiad Sessions

NSTA National Conference in Boston, MA - Thursday, April 2, 2020, 8:00 - 9:00am, Westin Boston Seafront, Lewis Room - "Using Science Olympiad STEM Classroom Materials to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

AAPT Winter Meeting, Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando, FL - Monday, January 20, 2020, 2:15-3:00pm. PST1CO2 Poster Session - "NASA and the National Science Olympiad Universe of Learning Astronomy Program": There are opportunities to become involved with the NASA UoL and NSO STEM Literacy Network. Events address NGSS scientific practices, crosscutting concepts and core disciplinary ideas from every scientific discipline, including physics and astronomy. Participation at the post-secondary level by Science Olympiad alumni have resulted in opportunities for hosting an invitational, writing an invitational, regional or state event test, becoming an event supervisor, or contributing questions to the national test bank or mentoring teams preparing for competition in space science events. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator 

AAPT Winter Meeting, Caribe Royal Resort in Orlando, FL - Monday, January 20, 2020, 9:15-10:00pm. PST2CO6 Poster Session - "Utilizing National Science Olympiad Alumni Undergraduates for NSO STEM Outreach": Each year more than 230,000 middle and high school students begin competition by preparing for 23 unique events in each division that include all scientific disciplines, construction and engineering. Many participants enter engineering and science professions as a result of their involvement with NSO events. Thousands of NSO alumni, many who have medaled at the state and national levels, continue their Science Olympiad experience by becoming involved in mentoring teams, supervising invitationals, writing tests for invitational, regional, state and national competitions, and presenting at coaches' clinics. NSO alumni want to provide others the same experience they enjoyed so encourage SO alumni at your institution to participate! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Seattle, WA - Thursday, December 12, 2019, 8:00-9:00am, Washington State Convention Center, Room 211 - "Modeling Stellar Evolution and Supernovas Using NASA Images, Data and STEM Analysis Tools": Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determine the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Seattle, WA - Thursday, December 12, 2019, 3:30-4:30pm, Washington State Convention Center, Room 211 - "Using Science Olympiad STEM Classroom Materials to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Seattle, WA - Saturday, December 14, 2019, 8:00-9:00am, Washington State Convention Center, Room 211 - "A Unique Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM": A multidisciplinary open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events and supernovas. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Cincinnati, OH - Thursday, November 14, 2019, 8:00-9:00am, Duke Energy Convention Center, Room 252 - "Modeling Stellar Evolution and Supernovas Using NASA Images, Data and STEM Analysis Tools": Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determine the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Cincinnati, OH - Friday, November 15, 2019, 11:00am-12:00pm, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buckeye A - "Using Science Olympiad STEM Classroom Materials to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Cincinnati, OH - Friday, November 15, 2019, 12:30pm-1:30pm, Duke Energy Convention Center - "A Unique Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM": A multidisciplinary open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events and supernovas. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Salt Lake City, UT - Thursday, October 24, 2019, 2:00-3:00pm, Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 250E - "Modeling Stellar Evolution and Supernovas Using NASA Images, Data and STEM Analysis Tools": Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determine the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Salt Lake City, UT - Friday, October 25, 2019, 11:00-12:00pm, Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 255B - "A Unique Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM": A multidisciplinary open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events and supernovas. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Salt Lake City, UT - Saturday, October 26, 2019, 8:00-9:00am, Salt Palace Convention Center, Room 251C - "Using Science Olympiad STEM Classroom Materials to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA STEM Forum and EXPO in San Francisco, CA - Thursday, July 25, 2019, 11:00 to 12:00noon, Moscone Center West, Room 3016 - "Using Science Olympiad STEM Classroom Materials to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Reno, Nevada - Thursday, October 11, 2018, 2:00-3:00pm, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room D6 - "Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels to Images Using Art & Science": Produce a photon intensity image of a supernova remnant using NASA X-ray data; convert the image into public release image with this STEAM activity. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Reno, Nevada - Friday, October 12, 2018, 9:30-10:30am, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room F3 - "Designing Project-Based Learning to Build on Failure While Engaging All Learners": Learn how to design, or modify, Project-Based Learning activities so that failure can be a teachable moment and engage all learners using a framework from Science Olympiad.  - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad 

NSTA Regional Workshop in Reno, Nevada - Friday, October 12, 2018, 12:30-1:30pm, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room C2 - "Modeling Stellar Evolution and Supernovas Using NASA Images, Data and STEM Analysis Tools": Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determine the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Reno, Nevada - Friday, October 12, 2018, 2:00-3:00pm, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room F9 - "Expanding Your Science Classroom Through Science Olympiad": Learn how Science Olympiad participation can be used to expand your science instruction through partnerships. - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad 

NSTA Regional Workshop in Reno, Nevada - Saturday, October 13, 2018, 11:00-12:00pm, Reno Sparks Convention Center, Room A8 - "A Unique Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM": A multidisciplinary open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events and supernovas. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in National Harbor, Maryland - Friday, November 16, 2018, 8:00-9:00am, Gaylord Convention Center, Room Annapolis 3 - "A Unique Ice Core Investigation that Integrates the Three Dimensions of NGSS & STEM": A multidisciplinary open-ended investigation that incorporates absolute and relative dating, anomalies, historical context, volcanoes, solar proton events, energy cycles, Earth systems, terrestrial events and supernovas. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in National Harbor, Maryland - Friday, November 16, 2018, 11:00am-12:00pm, Gaylord Convention Center, Room Chesapeake F - "Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels to Images Using Art & Science": Produce a photon intensity image of a supernova remnant using NASA X-ray data; convert the image into public release image with this STEAM activity. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in National Harbor, Maryland - Friday, November 16, 2018, 12:30-1:30pm, Gaylord Convention Center, Room Chesapeake I - "Modeling Stellar Evolution and Supernovas Using NASA Images, Data and STEM Analysis Tools": Model stellar evolution processes using NASA images, plotting H-R diagram transitions, and determine the chemistry and physics of supernovas using NASA STEM image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina - Friday, November 30, 2018, 2:00-3:00pm, Charlotte Convention Center 209B/210B - "Using Project-Based Learning to 'AMP-UP' Science Instruction": Learn how Project-Based Learning can be used to enhance science instruction and personalize learning while generating powerful learning experiences using a framework from Science Olympiad.  - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad 

NSTA Regional Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina - Friday, November 30, 2018, 9:30-10:30am, Charlotte Convention Center Ballroom A - "Using Science Olympiad STEM classroom materials to address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content": National Science Olympiad competitions include events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula to actively engage students with STEM activities and projects. - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina - Saturday, December 1, 2018, 8:00-9:00am, Charlotte Convention Center 218A/B - "Analyzing X-Ray Pulses from Stellar Cores with NASA Data and STEM Tools": Identify elements in the spectra of supernova remnants to determine the properties of collapsed and exploded stars using NASA X-Ray data and image analysis tools. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina - Saturday, December 1, 2018, 11:00am-12:00pm, Charlotte Convention Center 202A/B  - "Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels to Images Using Art & Science": Produce a photon intensity image of a supernova remnant using NASA X-ray data; convert the image into public release image with this STEAM activity. Science Olympiad-relevant! - Presented by Donna L. Young, NASA/Science Olympiad Universe of Learning STEM Coordinator

NSTA Regional Workshop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Thursday, November 9, 2017, 12:30-1:30pm, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Regency B - "Designing and Evaluating Project-Based Activities to Foster 3-D Learning: Learn how to create and evaluate Project-Based Learning activities that address the three dimensions of the NGSS using a framework from Science Olympiad" - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad 

NSTA Regional Workshop in New Orleans, Louisiana - Friday, December 1, 2017, 11:00am-12:00noon, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Rm. 386. "Designing and Evaluating Hands-On Activities to Engage All Learners: Learn how to create and evaluate hands-on activities that engage all learners using a framework from Science Olympiad" - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad 

Texas Instruments 2018 International Conference - San Antonio, Texas

Saturday, March 3, 2018, 8:30-10:00am, Convention Center, Room 007A, Session 145, Hands-on workshop, "Integrating Math and Science Using Texas Instruments and Science Olympiad" - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad

NSTA National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia - March 15-18, 2018

Thursday, March 15, 2018, 12:30-1:30pm, Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center, Grand Ballroom B, "Achieving 3-D Through Hands-On Activities: Lessons from Science Olympiad" - Presented by Dr. John Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad. Explore and evaluate hands-on activities addressing the three dimensions of the NGSS using examples from Science Olympiad. 

NSTA National Convention in Los Angeles - March 30-April 2, 2017

Friday, March 31, 8:00-9:00am, "Decoding Starlight - From Photons to Pixels to Images, Using Math and Art," Los Angeles Convention Center, Kentia Hall J, presented by Pam Perry, Lewiston HS and Donna Young, NASA and Science Olympiad Educator. This session will spotlight a STEM activity using NASA data that produces a scientific photon intensity image of a supernova remnant and a more artistic version for public release. Science Olympiad-Relevant! Grades 7-12.

Friday, March 31, 9:30-10:30am, "Back to School in Science Olympiad Style", JW Marriott Los Angeles at LA Live, Diamond Ballroom Salon 9, presented by Dr. Kelly Price-Colley, Forsyth County Schools/Georgia Science Olympiad and Dr. John F. Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad. Don't start another school year with the same boring scientific processes lessons. Kick it off with Write It Do It, Metric Mastery, Experimental Design, Grasp A Graph, and so much more. Both formative and instructional, these Problem Based Learning events will activate your back to school like never before. Grades 5-12.

Friday, March 31, 11:00am-12:00noon, "CESI-Sponsored Session: Write It Do It: Jazzing Up Literacy with Science Olympiad", Los Angeles Convention Center, West Hall B-2, presented by Dr. Kelly Price-Colley, Forsyth County Schools/Georgia Science Olympiad and Dr. John F. Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad. Not another boring writing prompt! Write It Do It has been a competitive Science Olympiad event for many years. Find out how to use this instructional strategy in your day-to-day lessons for increasing your students' technical reading and writing skills. Grades K-6.

Friday, March 31, 5:00-6:00pm, "Analyzing Supernova Remnants Using Spectroscopy, NASA Data and STEM," Los Angeles Convention Center, Kentia Hall K, presented by Pam Perry, Lewiston HS and Donna Young, NASA and Science Olympiad Educator. Identify elements in the spectra of supernova remnants to determine the properties of collapsed and exploded start using NASA X-ray archived data and analysis tools. Science Olympiad-Relevant! Grades 9-12.

Saturday, April 1, 2:00-3:00pm, "Stellar Evolution - From Star Formation to Catastrophic Destruction," Los Angeles Convention Center, Kentia Hall P, presented by Pam Perry, Lewiston HS and Donna Young, NASA and Science Olympiad Educator. This session will cover model star formation, evolution and destruction using image from NASA missions, including stellar nurseries, protostars, supernovas, white dwarfs, neutron stars, pulsars, supergiants and black holes. Science Olympiad-Relevant! Grades 7-12. 

Saturday, April 1, 3:30-4:30pm, "Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative Kick Starter," JW Marriott Los Angeles at LA Live, Platinum Ballroom Salon J, presented by Dr. John F. Loehr, Director of STEM Education, Science Olympiad. Do you wonder how to engage underserved populations/districts with K-12 STEM outreach? Science Olympiad has a solution for you. We will share the success of the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative and obtain resources for applying the grant funds to fuel your own program. Grades 3-12.

NSTA Regional Convention in Portland, OR - November 10-12, 2016

Thursday, November 10, 2016, 8:00-9:00, "Using the National Science Olympiad & STEM to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content", Convention Center E141, presented by Donna L. Young, Science Olympiad + NASA STEM Outreach Coordinator. Learn more about Science Olympiad regional, state and national competition STEM events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula that actively engage students and meet NGSS criteria.

NSTA Regional Convention in Columbus, OH - December 1-3, 2016

Thursday, December 1, 2016, 3:30-4:30pm, "Using the National Science Olympiad & STEM to Address NGSS Cross-Cutting Concepts and Content", Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio Center B/C, presented by Donna L. Young, Science Olympiad + NASA STEM Outreach Coordinator. Learn more about Science Olympiad regional, state and national competition STEM events and supporting resources that are easily incorporated into existing curricula that actively engage students and meet NGSS criteria.

Friday, December 2, 2016, 3:30-4:30pm, "Science Olympiad Coaches Clinic - Astronomy & Reach for the Stars Events," Greater Columbus Convention Center, B242/243, presented by Donna L. Young, Science Olympiad National Event Supervisor for Astronomy and Science Olympiad + NASA STEM Outreach Coordinator, Science Olympiad coaches will be provided with information on strategies, extensive resources and content for regional, state and national competitions and provided unique resources designed specifically for the space science events. 

Thursday, March 31, 2016, 8:00am to 9:00am, "Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative Kick Starter," Omni Nashville Hotel, Music Row 3, presented by Dr. Kelly Price-Colley, Georgia Science Olympiad/Forsyth County Schools, and Jenny Kopach of Science Olympiad. Do you wonder how to engage underserved populations/districts with K-12 STEM outreach? Attend this session to learn more about the success of the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative and meet teachers who have participated in the program. Funding and organizational tips will be shared!

Friday, April 1, 2016, 11:00am to 12:00pm, "CESI Session: Calling all K-5 STEM Competitors," Music City Center, 105A, presented by Dr. Kelly Price-Colley, Georgia Science Olympiad/Forsyth County Schools. Learn about the variety of K-5 STEM Challenges, like Science Olympiad, ExploraVision, DuPont Essay Challenge and more!

Friday, April 1, 2016, 12:30pm to 1:30pm "Engage and Excite with Elementary Science Olympiad," Music City Center 105B, presented by Dr. Kelly Price, Georgia Science Olympiad/Forsyth County Schools, and Jenny Kopach of Science Olympiad. Join us for a fun-filled hands-on workshop about ESO and learn how Science Olympiad can serve as a structure for family science nights, school science days, after-school clubs and a community-engaging STEM competition. 

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 8:00am to 9:00am, "Beyond the Fair: Carnivals, Olympiads and STEAM Clubs, Oh My!," Music City Center 105B, presented by Florida educators Betsy Penn, Karissa Davidson and Lindsey Wohlrab. Check out how schools are integrating science carnivals, STEM clubs and Science Olympiads into the curriculum instead of the classic science fair.

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 8:00am to 9:00am, "Science Olympiad Coaches Clinic: Astronomy and Reach for the Stars Events," presented by Donna Young, NASA's Chandra X-Ray Center. Science Olympiad coaches will be provided information on strategies, extensive resources and content for regional, state and national competitions by the National Astronomy Event Supervisor.

Thursday, March 12, 2015, 12:30pm to 1:30pm, "Engage and Excite with Elementary Science Olympiad," McCormick Place, W192c, presented by Dr. Kelly Price, Georgia Science Olympiad/Forsyth County Schools, and Jenny Kopach of Science Olympiad. Join us for a fun-filled hands-on workshop about ESO and learn how Science Olympiad can serve as a structure for family science nights, school science days, after-school clubs and a community-engaging STEM competition. 

Friday, March 13, 2015, 4:00pm to 5:30pm, "Coaching Science Olympiad With Success and Connecting to the Classroom: Elastic Launched Gliders," McCormick Place, W192b, presented by Joe Simmons, Ward's Science and Illinois Science Olympiad State Director. Participants will design, build and fly an Elastic Launched Glider from the Ward's Science Olympiad Kit Series, then take it home to students! Register here.

Saturday, March 14, 2015, 2:00pm to 3:00pm, "Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative Kick Starter," McCormick Place S401bc, presented by Dr. Kelly Price, Georgia Science Olympiad/Forsyth County Schools, and Jenny Kopach of Science Olympiad. Do you wonder how to engage underserved populations/districts with K-12 STEM outreach? Attend this session to learn more about the success of the Science Olympiad Urban Schools Initiative and meet teachers from Chicago Public Schools who have participated in the program. Funding and organizational tips will be shared!