ASU hosts state-wide Science Olympiad

Intellectual olympians gathered at ASU for the 17th annual Georgia State Middle School Science Olympiad, Saturday, March 23, which was held across campus.

The olympiad is a national event that seeks to enhance science education through events that test students’ understanding and application of science. Teams of up to 15 students competed in events that covered all aspects of science typically covered in their school curriculum. Each year the program involves more than 2.5 million students nationwide.

More than 25 schools from across Georgia competed. Events included an egg drop, building a robot, weather analysis and dozens of other scientific and problem solving exercises.

The competition enhances education in several ways.“The beauty of it is two-fold,” said Bill Wellnitz, associate professor of biology at ASU and regional competition organizer. “First, it’s a
team activity that requires cooperation among individuals. Secondly, it involves application of science rather than regurgitation of facts. As a result, it’s a great way of enhancing education in any school,” he said.

In the end, J.C. Booth from Peachtree City came in first place, while Rising Starr Middle School from Fayetteville, Ga., took second place. Both teams advance to the national competition at the University of Delaware in Newark, Del.