Students to compete in Science Olympiad

More than 1,500 local students will be challenged by constructing roller coasters, launching rockets, solving crimes, building robots, and much more during Grand Valley State University's 32nd annual Region 12 Science Olympiad tournament.

The competition, presented by Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center (RMSC), will take place Saturday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. in the Fieldhouse arena on the Allendale Campus.

Students from 45 middle schools and 25 high schools across West Michigan will showcase their knowledge in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology during various contests.

Winners of this year’s competition will advance to the state tournament April 30.

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education by increasing student interest in the field, while 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. Currently, approximately 70 teams sign up to compete each year.

For 26 years, Grand Valley's Regional Math and Science Center has provided educational resources and programs to K-12 students and educators across Michigan. The RMSC collaborates with approximately 6,000 students and more than 600 teachers in approximately 42 school districts within Kent, Ottawa and Montcalm counties each year.

For more information about the Science Olympiad Tournament, contact Chelsea Ridge, RMSC math program coordinator, at (616) 331-3172, or visit the RMSC website.