Science Olympiad celebrates RMSC 25th anniversary

Launching rockets, constructing bridges, solving crimes, and building robots are only a few of the activities that will challenge approximately 1,500 students during Grand Valley State University’s 31st Region 12 Science Olympiad tournament.

The Science Olympiad, presented by Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC), will take place Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Fieldhouse on the Allendale Campus.

Students from 48 middle schools and 25 high schools across West Michigan will showcase their knowledge in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology during the annual competition.

Winners of this year’s contest will advance to the state tournament May 2 at Michigan State University.

This year’s Science Olympiad competition helps mark the 25th anniversary of the Regional Math and Science Center. The RMSC currently provides educational K-12 resources and programs to approximately 6,000 students and more than 600 teachers in approximately 42 school districts within Kent, Ottawa and Montcalm counties each year.

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education by increasing student interest in science and providing recognition for outstanding achievements in science education by both students and teachers.

During Grand Valley’s first Science Olympiad Tournament in 1984, 26 teams competed from schools in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan and Oceana counties. To this day, the tournament, which currently sees approximately 70 participating teams each year, acts as a fun way to bring young students to the university for a fun and educational experience.

For more information about the Science Olympiad Tournament, visit www.gvsu.edu/msor12.