Exploring the World of Science

September 10, 2007

Dear Science Olympiad Coaches or Potential Science Olympiad Coaches:

As we start the new school year, it is time to start organizing the Science Olympiad Program for this year. Science Olympiad is a wonderful motivational program that gives students an opportunity to really experience the science process. It is the only program mentioned in the National Science Standards as an example of a program that exemplifies excellent science education. We invite every middle, junior high, and high school in Utah to participate in this event. Since some of you have never taken part in Science Olympiad, we are providing a coaches training clinic to help you get started organizing a team. This is a one day clinic held in Ogden at Weber State University in the Lind Lecture Hall - rm 229, on Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 9:00am - 1:00pm (approximate) with pizza lunch provided. At this clinic we will review the new (and old) events and share tips and strategies. We do not charge a fee for the coaches clinic and this is an excellent opportunity to network with other educators who are coaching Science Olympiad teams. PLEASE let us know what topics/events you would like to have discussed at the clinic in October. You are welcome to attend without registering a team, however there is a $10 fee if you want a 2007/2008 manual (without registering a team).

This year's state tournament will be held on Saturday March 29, 2008 at WSU, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Ohlhorst and the Center for Science and Mathematics Education. Jodie Kempton is one of the staff who will be helping with this program.

Enclosed is a registration form. The registration fee for each team is $120. Participation this year for B Division teams will initially be limited to one team per school. There will be a late fee of $10 charged for any team mailing in a registration after December 15, 2007. At the coaches clinic we will discuss our policy regarding multiple teams from one school.

We also encourage you to visit the national web site at http://soinc.org and our Science Olympiad web site at: http://weber.edu/sciencecenter/scienceolympiad/Olympiadpage.htm. We will try to update this site as often as possible with notes from the coaches clinics, rule clarifications etc.

The 2007 Science Olympiad went very well. In order for Weber State University to continue this tradition of excellence, we need your help. As with everything else, the cost of this event has increased and we need to raise $7000 in order to conduct this competition (this does not include money to send the winning team to nationals). If each team could identify a $200 donor, we would be assured of continuing this program. Last year we were successful, with

just a few attempts, in getting some impressive contributions. If you will share this information with others, I am confident that we can raise more money and better utilize Science Olympiad activities to improve science literacy in Utah. Last year one of our sponsors was the office of the State Science Advisor and one of the items funded through this office was help with transportation costs for schools coming from great distances. We anticipate having some money ($100-300) available again for those of you traveling great distances. Additionally, we have $100-$200 scholarships available for new teams (this being your first or second year).

As I do each year I will remind you that WE ARE IN URGENT NEED OF A FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE!!! In fundraising it is the personal touch that matters, so please think about whom you know that might be interested in supporting this activity. We have seen the impact Science Olympiad has made in the lives of our students and would like as many students as possible to be involved in this excellent program.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Jodie or me at 801-626-6160 or e-mail me at sohlhorst@weber.edu. We look forward to a great year and meeting you at the coach’s clinic.

I also want to make you aware of the Science and Engineering Fair to be held this year on March 17-20, for more information visit the web site: http://weber.edu/sciencefair or call Dawn Gatherum at 801-626-6175.

Sincerely,

Sharon Ohlhorst, State Director for Science Olympiad

Director, Center for Science and Mathematics Education

Weber State University

2509 University Circle

Ogden, UT 84408-2509

801-626-6160

http://weber.edu/sciencecenter