Physial Science

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

INTRODUCTION

The Science Olympiad is a national, non-profit, tax exempt organization, devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participating in Science Olympiad Tournaments, incorporating science Olympiad into classroom curriculum and attending teacher training institutes.

CONTENT

The first recorded Science Olympiad was held on Saturday, November 23, 1974 at St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina. Dr. Donald Barnes and Dr. David Wetmore were the originators of this event. It was a day-long affair, with competitions and demonstrations for high school student in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. There were four event periods during this day and each event period had one fun event (like beaker race or paper airplane), one demonstration (like glass bowling and holography), and one serious event (like periodic table quiz or science bowl).

Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school: Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD FOUNDATION (SOF)

Science Olympiad foundation (SOF) is a non-profit organization established by leading academicians, scientists and media personalities with the aim of promoting science, mathematics and computer education. It has been striving for over a decade to promote scientific attitude through innovative activities and use of IT in learning process that involves school students across the country.

Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) based to New Delhi (India), which promotes science, introductory computer education, Mathematics and English in India and other places like Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Nepal, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, UAE and Durban. Every year, it organizes four Olympiads in each of these places, namely the National Cyber Olympiad (NCO), the National Science Olympiad (NSO), the International Mathematics Olympiads (IMO) and the International English Olympiad (IEO).

National Cyber Olympiad (NCO)

The first of its kind in the country, the National Cyber Olympiad is now a global search competition that aims at identifying and nurturing cyber talent amongst the youngsters. It is a much about inspiring the younger generation to enhance their knowledge and comprehension of issues related to computers and IT as about testing their aptitude in these streams.

National Science Olympiad (NSC)

The National Science Olympiad is organized every year to motivate students to strive for better and deeper understanding of scientific facts and data and to enhance their reasoning, analytical and problem solving skills. All students from class first on wards are invited to participate in this unique contest that tests their knowledge, applications and power of reasoning.

International Mathematics Olympiad

The IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad) is a mean to identify and encourage the mathematical creativity of children in schools across India and abroad.

International English Olympiad

The IEO (International English Olympiad) is an English language examination conducted in India.

BENEFITS OF SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

Increased in-depth knowledge and understanding of science concepts and general knowledge.

§ An increase in ability to apply scientific knowledge.

§ Greater breadth of knowledge in areas previously unexplored.

§ Exhibit significantly enhanced laboratory skills.

§ Experience science as real scientist would.

§ Use and apply the scientific method with meaning.

§ Begin to see the inter relatedness of the sciences.

Improved problem-solving skills

§ Application of problem solving skills as a long term endeavor.

§ Education in the importance of trial and error.

§ Emphasis on experiences rather than memorization.

Hands-on training in:

§ Collaborative and/or creative thinking.

§ Applying critical thinking skills to real-time situations.

§ Constant experimentation to solve problem at hand.

§ Creative application of new ideas.

§ Time management and team work.

CONCLUSION

Science Olympiad functions like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice through the year. Team work is required skill in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances.

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