Less than two weeks remain for West Virginia students in grades K-12 to register for the Science Olympiad at Marshall University.
The Science Olympiad, which organizers say is the “nation’s most exciting K-12 science competition,” will take place in West Virginia for the first time Saturday, Feb. 21, on Marshall’s Huntington campus.
Dr. John Winfrey, assistant professor of physics at Marshall who is coordinating the West Virginia event, said that several scholarships will be available for registrants who are unable to pay the fee.
Teams may register until Jan. 30, with registration fees due no later than Feb. 6. Cost per team is $250, with $60 going to the national organization. Registration may be accomplished online either at www.marshall.edu/cos/communityoutreach/scienceolympiad or www.marshall.edu/so.
There will be a free “Coaches and Potential Coaches” Q&A session at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 in room 277 of the Science Building on Marshall’s Huntington campus. All are welcome, Winfrey said.
In most cases, individual schools will form teams of 15 students for the competition. However, in the case of more rural locations, a team of students may represent several schools. There are also opportunities for home-schooled students.
Teams moving to national standing will compete in events chosen from a series of 23 challenges, including those in life and social sciences; earth and space science, physical science and chemistry; technology and engineering; and scientific inquiry. Topics include entomology, fossils, crime science, bridge building and experimental design. A complete list is available online at www.soinc.org/short_event_descriptions.
In the West Virginia state tournament at Marshall, about 15 events will be offered for competition. Trophies and medals will be awarded.
Winners of the West Virginia competition will travel to Lincoln, Nebraska, for the National Tournament in May.
For further information, visit the Science Olympiad website at www.soinc.org or contact Winfrey by e-mail at winfreyj@marshall.edu or by phone at 304-696-2755.
