Benefits of Competing in Science Olympiad – what teachers tell us
For Students
It gives the students a chance to be part of a group and excel
Gain knowledge and skills that they would not otherwise
Students are so motivated by Science Olympiad
Receive recognition
Experience science beyond the routine classroom
FUN
Develop creative thinking, communication, cooperation, problem solving, leadership and teamwork skills
Develop skills with scientific principles
Gives students a feeling of accomplishment
Make friends
Learning new skills, developing new interests and finding success
A place to show academic talents
Hands-on learning
Participate as a group
May lead to a career in science
Participate in various areas/fields of science
Glimpse awaiting opportunities in the field of engineering and sciences
College campus experience
For Coaches
“It also provides personal renewal for me. Working with kids who really want to learn gives me the renewed excitement for teaching.”
“We do it for the kids. We want smart kids to receive as much recognition as athletic kids, and Science Olympiad is a great way for them to earn recognition. This is a great way for kids to experience science beyond the routine classroom and to explore areas that they may not be exposed to through the state core curriculum. Most of all, it is FUN for the kids.”
“To promote science, creative thinking, designing/building.”
“I had a student yesterday make the comment that he was just realizing that doing really well at something was fun! He is a very bright young man who works significantly below his capabilities. I’m hoping that this will give him a new vision of himself. This is a great program for helping kids grow in many different ways.”
“The students showed interest and initiative that I don’t always see.”
“It’s very rewarding for us and for the kids to see all their hard work and training come together.”
“‘Seeing’ students apply their knowledge!!”
“The students learn real life application of science.”
“I like seeing the look on their faces when they earn and receive a medal.”
“It provides an outlet for my students who enjoy science to extend their studies and experiences with other future scientists.”
“Students enjoy the hands-on learning and participating as a group. Encouraging students to participate in Science Olympiad fosters enthusiasm for science and may lead to a career in science.”
“We are in a small rural town hours away from the nearest University. I do it to expose my students to the university atmosphere on a university campus. Without question this is the best experience I can give my students exposure to upper level education. The Science Olympiad at Weber State is always well organized and a positive experience. The event coordinators have always treated my students with respect and have recognized the potential my students possess. We always leave feeling great about ourselves and optimistic in our futures as engineers and scientists.”
“The students really enjoy it. They have a lot of fun and learn in the process. Anytime that I can see students excited about learning, especially when part of it is on their own, I want to continue helping them by providing the opportunity.”
“I like my students to be able to show how much they have learned. Another big reason is I like the way students learn to work together in a team. I have seen students become much more socially adept because they had to communicate and cooperate with others on their team.”
“I learn much by doing Science Olympiad and can use the activities in my regular classroom.”
“Science Olympiad provides emerging students interested in science an opportunity to participate in various areas/fields of science. It gives students an understanding of the necessity to master math and a grasp of awaiting opportunities in the field of engineering and sciences. Science Olympiad brings students together in a common cause. It promotes team work and leadership skills. The example of older student scholars on younger teammates is tremendous and not experienced in other areas of the curriculum.”