Throughout the beginning of the school year, you might be a little overwhelmed by the different clubs and activities the high school offers. Today we are going to talk about what kind of club Science Olympiad is. The experience for 9th graders is very different from the rest of the high school as they are on the middle school teams. Even so, the middle school and high school teams are always talking and communicating about their events; many upperclassmen coach middle school events as well as some 9th graders coach events from both teams.
Middle School Team for 9th Graders
Shore and Memorial’s middle school teams are considered Division B teams in Science Olympiad, which means there are some differences in offered events and scientific knowledge compared to the high school’s Division C team. Therefore, if you are a 9th grader currently, you would be taking different tests from those in the grades above you. The middle school teams are still accepting new members so if this makes you want to join send an email to Mr. Sweigart at Memorial or Mr. Beatty at Shore. Shore is always in need of students who want to learn. With the middle school season starting, we have begun teaching events and building devices for our numerous events to help prepare for our first competition on December 14, 2024.
We have events on various topics; no matter what kind of science you want to learn about, there is something for you in the Science Olympiad. There are math events like Optics and Road Scholar (if you want to learn about maps), chemistry events like Potions and Poisons and Crime Busters (if you want to learn about chemicals), as well as events like Towers and Helicopter (if you want to learn how to build things). There are 23 different events and everyone can find their place here; we have all kinds of kids from top-of-the-class mathletes to football players and theater kids. Coached by volunteer professionals, teachers, parents, and students, each event specializes in a different science topic and is formatted as a build, lab, and/or test. Events meet once a week for about an hour each to help students prepare for the five competitions the middle school competes in this year, all of which lead up to the Regional and State tournaments.
“This is something I never thought I would get into but it made my life better and I always look forward to invitational Saturdays,” says 9th grader Kayleigh Hall, MMS media and communications officer.
“Science Olympiad is an excellent place for motivated students to expand their scientific knowledge and ability to learn,” said Emily Sweigart, MMS co-captain.
High School Team for 10th-12th Graders
Mentor High School’s Division C team, advised by Mrs. Pugh and co-advised by Mrs. Polin, is currently comprised of over 30 students in grades 10 through 12. This year, the Division C team will compete in around nine tournaments, with their upcoming competition being the Hawk and Hornet Invitational in Saline, Michigan.
“It’s a lot of fun and it’s nice being able to hang out with your friends while learning new stuff,” says senior Anushree Zimmerman.
MHS has been participating in the nationwide program since Science Olympiad was founded in 1984 and has since advanced to the national level as one of Ohio’s top two teams in 2007, 2009, 2015, and 2017. Last season, the team finished eighth in the state amongst 40 of Ohio’s best teams. Mentor additionally hosts a Science Olympiad invitational every year, with the 25th of which taking place this February. The middle school teams participate in this invitational while the high school team helps with set-up and event supervising.
“Science Olympiad is a really great opportunity to explore different fields and meet people you never thought you would,” says MHS co-captain Kaityln Morris. “There is always a place for everyone and there are so many different people of different backgrounds that you will meet. Also, the reward for hard work is so worth it when we beat Solon.”
