Young Science Stars to shine at UW-Stout

Tom Giffey |

Are you going to be watching next year’s Olympiad? No, not the big summer sports competition in Rio de Janeiro. We’re talking about the national Science Olympiad, a top academic competition for middle and high school students that will be held next May 18-21 at UW-Stout. Just as the Olympics bring the youth of the world together to run fast and jump far, the Science Olympiad is expected to attract 2,400 students who will think fast and go far in competitive events that test their skills in STEM – that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, FYI.

“It is an incredible honor to host this prestigious tournament at UW-Stout,” said tournament director Forrest Schultz, a UW-Stout chemistry professor. “It is a perfect match with our mission to prepare students for a STEM-intensive global marketplace. We are looking forward to working with our industry partners, students and a broad array of academic programs across campus to make this event a showcase of Wisconsin and UW-Stout.” Olympiad events emphasize applied science, which fits well with UW-Stout’s focus on polytechnic education.

Science Olympiad competitions are akin to track meets, with teams composed of 15 cross-trained students competing in team events that may touch on genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology.

The national Olympiad is expected to draw a total of 7,000 people – including competitors, teachers, parents, and family members – from all 50 states. Before the national competition in May, UW-Stout will host the state tournament April 1-2.

More than 140 Wisconsin schools already take part in Science Olympiad, and that number could grow by next year. The Wisconsin Science Olympiad is working with the 3M Foundation to expand the involvement of high-need schools. The program will offer $1,000 to new school that launch Science Olympiad teams, which will partner with experienced Olympiad coaches as mentors. New teams will have a chance to take part in regional competitions that will lead up to the state and national events.

To learn more about the expansion program, contact UW-Stout’s Shelley Lee at leeshe@uwstout.edu or visit www.scienceolympiad2016.org.