NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE OLYMPIAD START SCIENCE OLYMPIAD AT YOUR SCHOOL!

WHAT IS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD? An international nonprofit organization dedicated to: Improving the quality of science education. Increasing student interesting in science and science careers. Providing recognition of teachers and students for achievements in science education. Students prepare to test their design for the Bridge Building competition.

WHAT DO TEAMS DO? Practice throughout the year in after school programs to prepare for invitational, regional, state, and national tournaments. Science Olympiad teams are similar to school sport teams in that they “practice” to compete in tournaments. Science Olympiad teams compete against teams in their own regions and successful teams move on to compete against the best teams in the state. Individual and team medals and trophies are presented at all levels of competition.

TOURNAMENTS Science Olympiad tournaments always occur on Saturdays and have 23 events that students may compete in that cover the various science disciplines of biology, chemistry, physics, earth/environmental science, engineering and technology. There are currently 11 Regional Tournaments held across the State of North Carolina.

A BALANCED APPROACH Events require: Content Knowledge Process Skills Laboratory Techniques Problem Solving Abilities Critical Thinking Creativity Application Time Management Teamwork

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD GOALS: Capture and retain students’ interest and enthusiasm for science and technology Motivate students to expand their knowledge and competence in science and technology and increase their insight into the investigative process by enabling them to “do” science through hands-on and inquiry-based exploration. Provide recognition for outstanding achievement for both students and teachers Increase community involvement in schools Jay M. Robinson Middle School, Charlotte, NC Coaches, Principal, Team Captains 2007 NC State Champions 2007 Runner-Up National Champions

NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE OLYMPIAD Students prepare to fly their balsa wood and rice paper airplanes.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Any charter school, home school group, private school or public school is eligible. Home school groups must be identified in an attendance area. Contact the State Office if you are a home school group and interested in joining to be sure you qualify for membership. NOTE: Home schooled students may NOT participate on teams that are associated with organized schools that are private or public. Home schooled students must form their own teams. Membership is open to all schools and is in no way affected by race, religion, sex, or ethnic origin.

LEVELS OF COMPETITION Division A - Grades 2-6 (NEW) Division B - Grades 6-9 Division C - Grades 9-12

REGIONAL COMPETITIONS

NC SCIENCE OLYMPIAD ACTIVITIES New Team Institutes - June Summer Camps (Grades 5-9) - July NC Coaches Institute - October Regional Tournaments - January - March Elementary Tournaments - April State Tournament - April National Tournament - May UNC Greensboro Division C Awards Ceremony

GETTING STARTED Gather Information Get Administration’s support Seek staff and parent support Recruit Team(s) Begin getting familiar with events and gathering materials and resources Attend New Team Institute and/or Coaches Institute Develop after school program Compete at a Regional The smiles of 9 th Grade Winners.

POSSIBLE TIMELINE August – Get support of Administration – Recruit students, parents, coaches – Register team(s) online and pay fees – Hold initial meeting September – Receive Coaches Manual – Recruit event coaches – Meetings to Familiarize Students with Events – Students select Events

POSSIBLE TIMELINE October – Attend NC Coaches Institute – Event Coaches set practice schedules – Begin Practicing November – January – Practice – Design T-Shirts – Development of Portfolios – Purchase Building Materials – Use website/internet/Wright CenterwebsiteWright Center – Check Regional Website constantlyRegional Website

POSSIBLE TIMELINE January - March – Intense Practice – Arrange travel/chaperones – Compete at Regionals – Make travel arrangements for State March - April – Prepare and make final adjustments for States – Check State WebsiteState Website – Compete at States May – National Tournament – Summer Opportunities for Students

TOURNAMENT DAY EXAMPLE SCHEDULE EXAMPLE SCORING

EVENT RULES EXAMPLE RULES “SCIENCE WORD”

FUNDRAISING Don’t Ask, Don’t Receive Recruit parents to head up fundraising efforts Conduct fundraising early to purchase supplies and materials need for practice Involve team in activities Involve community in supporting team Storm the Castle

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