1. Mentor Middle Schools Science Olympiad Program

2. What is Science Olympiad?
National program in which students learn science through active, hands-on participation, with an emphasis on problem solving and team building skills.
Some events require knowledge of science facts and concepts, while others rely on scientific processes, skills, or applications, so students with varying abilities and skills can participate.
The team spirit and good sportsmanship that students develop will be beneficial throughout their lives.

3. GENERAL INFORMATION Competition Team Size:
15 students will compete in the 23 events
6th through 9th graders, maximum of 5 ninth graders
Additional students may be allowed as alternates and for trial events
Each school may have multiple teams. Only 1 team per school will compete at Regional and State Competitions
Combined meeting on Monday, September 26, 2011, 7PM
Student Contact Information Forms due tonight or asap
Student Interest Forms due on October 14, 2011
Turn in Pay-to-Participate form and dues by November 11, 2011
Look for s from coaches to start in the next few weeks.

4. TENTATIVE COMPETITION DATES
Saturday, January 14 at Kenston
Saturday, February 4 at Solon
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Mentor
Saturday, February 25 at Case Western Reserve (Regional)
(Maybe) Saturday, March 3 at West-Liberty/Salem
(Maybe) Saturday, April 28 at Ohio State University (State)

5. 5 Categories – 23 Events Life, Personal & Social Science Earth & Space
Physical Science & Chemistry
Technology & Engineering
Inquiry & Nature of Science

6. Life, Personal & Social Science
Anatomy (Respiratory, Digestive)
Micro Mission
Disease Detectives (Food Borne Illness)
Water Quality
Forestry

7. Earth & Space Dynamic Planet (Earth’s Fresh Waters) Road Scholar
Meteorology (Climate)
Reach For The Stars
Rocks & Minerals

8. Physical Science & Chemistry
Storm The Castle
Optics
Science Crime Busters
Keep The Heat
Food Science

9. Technology & Engineering
Bottle Rocket
Towers
Mission Possible
Mousetrap Vehicle

10. Inquiry & Nature of Science
Compute This
Experimental Design
Awesome Aquifers
Write It Do It

11. Who are the Coaches?
Coaches are parents or other adults who volunteer to hold practices to teach students the rules and scientific concepts for their respective events, along with problem-solving and team-building skills.
Coaches will hold practices 1-4 times a month (depending on the event).
Coaches do not have to be scientists, but they should enjoy working with students.
Coaches should plan on coaching students from all three middle schools. Building events will have a main coach and assistant coaches from each middle school.

12. What do parents need to do?
Volunteer opportunities range from one hour tasks to several hours or longer (see attached list).
Adults are especially needed to coach or to help out on the days of the tournament.
Parents/guardians also need to make sure students attend practices and exhibit good sportsmanship and teamwork at practices and at the competition.  

13. Volunteer Opportunities
Event Coaches
Tournament Volunteers
Transportation, Room coordinator, Test monitor
Supplies Coordinator
Lab Coats, Binders, Goggles, Impound items, etc.
Food Coordinator
Kids are always hungry at meets
Fund Raisers – for T-shirts, event supplies, training materials, etc.
Publicity / Spirit – Take pictures, make signs, update display cases, recognition for students.

14. Before you commit…
You will be taking time beyond the regular school day to prepare and study for your events.
Some time will be spent on your own and some will be with the coaches.
Practice nights vary depending on the events selected.
The competitions are on Saturdays.
The more events you train for and the wider the variety, the easier it is to place you in events.
Pay-to-Play fee ($150 / $50)

15. How do I get more information?
Memorial Middle School:
Alisann Crough, (440)
Ridge Middle School:
Oanh Loi-Powell, (440)
Shore Middle School:
Ashlee King,
State website:
National SO website: