How I first heard about Science Olympiad

When my oldest daughter was in 6th grade I heard about a science competition at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio for 4th - 6th graders.  My friend described events that involved throwing paper airplanes long distances through a hoop and hitting a bull's eye with a marshmallow using a rubber band catapult.  I thought it sounded like a lot of fun and something my kids would enjoy.  I searched on the internet for Science Olympiad, found the national site, and discovered that these competitions are for older kids too.  I decided to try and form a team at the school where my kids attended, and asked the principal's permission to form an elementary team for 4th - 6th graders, and a middle school team for 6th - 8th graders.  That fall my husband and I attended a coach's clinic at Ohio State University to learn about this competition.  We were quite overwhelmed with all the events and information we received, and decided to try just a few events the first year.  We had 4 students on our middle school team and 6 on the elementary team.  At our first middle school regional competition, our team placed in the astronomy event, which was quite an accomplishment for a first year team.  After that first year, more students joined the team, and every year we learned more about how to prepare for the events.  If you are thinking of starting a team, just start small, with a handful of students and a few events, and just try it.  Then the next year, add a few more students and events, and keep on learning year after year.  Even though this competition is for students, the coaches have just as much fun learning as they help their students prepare for the competitions.  If you have questions about starting a team, read these tips on the national site http://www.soinc.org/start_a_team or send me a message and I'll help you on your way.   Beware, it is addicting!