COSAM News Articles 2024 01 STEM Outreach hosts State Science Olympiad

STEM Outreach hosts State Science Olympiad

Published: 04/02/2024

The STEM Outreach Office in the College of Sciences and Mathematics hosted the State Science Olympiad tournament on Saturday, March 23. The competition brought the top 24 middle and high school teams in the state to compete in a sports-like STEM environment.

Students battled in twenty-three events to take home the first-place trophy. One winning team in each of the two divisions (high school and middle school) qualify for the national competition held at Michigan State University in May.

The State Science Olympiad serves as a platform for middle and high school students to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and teamwork in various scientific disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, engineering and earth science. From college-level exams to hands-on challenges, participants showcased their creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities under the guidance of more than 100 dedicated volunteers.

"We are delighted to welcome the brightest young minds in science to our campus for the State Science Olympiad," said Mary Lou Ewald, director of STEM Outreach and state director for Science Olympiad. "This event aligns perfectly with our office’s mission to foster curiosity, discovery and collaboration in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We look forward to continuing to host this inspiring and memorable competition that will leave a lasting impact on all participants."

Jess Gilpin, assistant director of STEM Outreach, spoke of the impact Science Olympiad has on participants. “This was our first year to involve our Science Olympiad Alumni Society in writing tests and volunteering at the events. This society is a testament to the program’s success in fostering a love for science. Most members are making a career out of STEM, and for many their passion for STEM began with Science Olympiad.”

Auburn University and COSAM Outreach are honored to provide the resources to continue to host and impact future innovators.