General SO Info

Medina City Schools will host its annual Elementary Science Olympiad Tournament at Medina High School.  This tournament is designed to create hands-on science learning throughout the school year, culminating in an academic competition.  Olympic type medals are awarded for the event winners and winning teams will be recognized.  Participation in the tournament is open to all 3rd through 6th graders both public or private schools.   

Definitions

Science Olympiad (SO): Founded in 1984, Science Olympiad is one of the premier science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to 7,800 teams in all 50 states.   Has three Divisions.

Division A (ESO):  Elementary schools level, local competition only.  

Division B: Middle School level (grades 6-9), may have up to five 9th graders on a team.      Compete at Invitationals, Regional, and if qualify State & National levels.

Division C: High School level (grades 9-12), may have up to seven 12th graders on a team.  Compete at Invitationals, Regional, and if qualify State & National levels.

Science Olympiad team (School team):  15 members compete in the Science Olympiad competition.

Event team (Event partners):  The students who prepare for and compete in the same event together.  Is usually 2 students - per the Event Rules.  A few events (e.g. Experimental Design) allow up to 3 students.

School SO Coach: The adult in charge of the SO team.  They register the team, set the team (who is on the team), & assign the events.

Event Coach: The adult (usually a parent) in charge of the event team; guides the students in preparing for the event, Google and YouTube searches, library trips, and any other preparation needed.

Event Supervisor: The person in charge of running an event at the competition.

Time slot: The assigned times the event will be held.  Events will be run in two or more time slots.  

General Tips

1. Read the Rules!

2. Pay attention to what you are & are not allowed to bring into the event.

3. If the Rules include a list of items - Learn the list.

    a. If Binders or cheat sheets are allowed, included an entry for every item on the list.

4. Scioly.org and Google are very helpful.

5. Practice!  Practice!  Practice!  

    a. Test Events: Use old tests, make new ones

    b. Build Events: Practice timed presentations of all builds

Tips for Parents

1. Read the Rules with your student.

2. Discuss the Rules with them.  Do they need any supplies?  Do they need help with building or research?  

3. Are you willing to help?  Be an Event Coach or a Team Coach.  The students can't do this with adult help.

4. Anyone can help - you don't need a science background.  All you need is to be willing to support the students' desire to field a team.