Wright State will be hosting the 2013 Science Olympiad National Tournament, a prestigious science competition for middle and high school students, on May 17 and 18 at various locations across campus.
The Science Olympiad is "one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to 6,800 teams in 50 states," according to the organization's website. Students will compete in 23 team events covering a variety of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) topics including disease, genetics, chemistry, physics, earth science, rocketry and mechanical engineering.
WSU has pledged to award $2500 scholarships to each event-winning team as well as tuition scholarships to all members of each division's overall winning team, according to a release from Wright State President David Hopkins.
"These talented young people embody the same pioneering spirit of innovation and ingenuity that helped the Wright brothers, for whom our university is named, soar into the skies,” said Hopkins. “We are honored to welcome them to our campus and hope their dreams will take flight.”
The Science Olympiad National Tournament is held annually at a different university in a different state, allowing participating students the opportunity to travel across the country and tour colleges that interest them. Wright State University was chosen for the 2013 Tournament because "it is an epicenter of past Science Olympiad success," said Science Olympiad's Vice President of Marketing Communications Jenny Kopach.
"The region has a strong emphasis in STEM industries and education," Kopach said.
WSU is providing multiple opportunities for those who want to become involved. 10 of the competition events will be open to the public including Gravity Vehicle, Robot Arm and Elastic Launched Gliders. Additionally, there will be live video streams of the opening and awards ceremonies.
