Local students to compete at Science Olympiad regional tournament

January 30, 2017

Students launch a small ball — Students from Manchester High School compete in a Science Olympiad event at Goshen College in 2016.

More than 20 Science Olympiad teams from 15 area middle and high schools will gather on the Goshen College campus to compete in hands-on science events for the annual Science Olympiad regional tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Modeled after the Olympic games, participating schools field teams of 15 students who compete in a variety of science events at the regional and state competitions. Some events require students to build a model bridge, machine or protein that they demonstrate. All events require students to exhibit their knowledge of science in an applied manner. Goshen College students, faculty, staff and members of the local community serve as judges and volunteers.

With more than 200 students participating, four middle school teams and four high school teams will advance to the state tournament. An additional middle school and high school team will advance to a wild card tournament to fill any remaining spots at the state tournament on March 11. This year’s state competition will be held at Indiana University Bloomington on Saturday, March 18. The national tournament will be held May 19-20 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.

The day will begin with registration, at 7:30 a.m., and a welcome ceremony, at 8:30 a.m., both in the Church-Chapel. The participants will then proceed to compete in various events throughout campus. An awards ceremony at 3:45 p.m. in the Church-Chapel will conclude the day. The Science Olympiad opening and awards ceremonies are open to the community, but some competitions are closed to observers. The competitions will take place in Goshen College’s Music Center, Administration Building, Union Building, Wyse Hall and the Science Building.

The teams in Division B (grades six to nine) will come from the following schools: Bethany Christian Schools, Career Academy, Goshen Middle School, LaSalle Intermediate Academy (two teams), Manchester Jr/Sr High School (two teams), Northridge High School (two teams) and The Stanley Clark School (three teams).

Teams in Division C (grades nine to 12) will come from the following schools: Bethany Christian Schools, Columbia City High School, John Adams High School (two teams), LaLumiere School (two teams), LaPorte High School, Manchester Jr/Sr High School, Mishawaka High School (two teams) and Northridge High School (two teams).

The Science Olympiad began in 1983 and involves more than 12,000 schools nationally.

For more information and a schedule of the day’s events, contact David Housman, professor of mathematics, at (574) 535-7405 or visit www.goshen.edu/academics/science-olympiad/.