Interested in food science or forensics? What about meteorology, robotics, or electric cars? If science is your thing, The University of Akron campus is the place to be on Saturday, March 11, when nearly 600 students from six area counties will compete in the day-long Spectrum Akron Regional Science Olympiad.
The event is hosted by the university’s Akron Global Polymer Academy and funded by a gift from Spectrum. The Science Olympiad is a national competition for middle school and high school students to test their knowledge and skills in 46 contests of science, technology, engineering, and math. The Science Olympiad is full of many exciting events which are available for public viewing.
“Science and its related disciplines are increasingly essential to future careers, as well as the economic viability and competitiveness of the United States,” says John Fellenstein, content specialist in UA’s Akron Global Polymer Academy. “For nearly two decades, the University has been pleased for the opportunity to host this event, and as a former science teacher, I always enjoy the enthusiasm of the participants – and awakening within them a real interest in pursuing these critical subjects.”
On the day of the Olympiad, beginning at 8 a.m., students from nearly 40 different area schools will converge on the UA campus, prepared to take part in fun and challenging contests such as Mission Possible, Wright Stuff, Disease Detectives, Wind Power, and Reach for the Stars. For most students, however, preparing for the Olympiad began months ago with the building of a device or the designing of a project that will face off against competitors throughout the day.
Students who take a top-six finish in an individual event earn a medal, and teams that finish in the top six earn trophies (and their coaches receive plaques). Top-performing schools also earn a berth to the state tournament in Columbus.
Science Olympiad is a large undertaking, and the day would not be a success without the help and critical involvement of hundreds of volunteers who organize individual events, write and grade tests, and judge the contests.
Spectrum’s contribution to the Science Olympiad allows UA to run a first class event for the students and volunteers, allowing tournament directors to waive entry fees for schools. 2017 marks the 5th year of the company’s support for the Akron Regional Science Olympiad.
For more information and the day's event schedule, visit the Spectrum Akron Regional Science Olympiad website.