Wednesday, April 18, 2001
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Wednesday, April 18, 2001 |
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Young scientists demonstrate knowledge at Science Olympiad More than 300 elementary school students are expected to take part in the seventh annual Fayette County Elementary Science Olympiad. The event, set for April 21 at Fayette County High School, will give students in the third, fourth and fifth grades an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in different areas of science. Similar to the Science Olympiad competitions at the middle and high school levels, the elementary Olympiad provides an additional vehicle for students to learn about science and develop an interest in the discipline. Many students have been practicing for the competition since December. Students compete in 24 different events such as bridge building, mystery powders, aerodynamics, egg drop and wildlife safari. Competitors know the events they will be competing in prior to the contest so that they can practice. Some events require students to make and test items while others entail identifying something specific or answering a science-related question. Students work in teams of two to complete projects and deduce answers. "One of the nice things for me about this contest is that we try to have different events that tap into the strengths of our students. Some are better at memorizing while others excel at building things, so we have built in areas that reflect those different strengths," said Sharon Boyer, science coordinator for the Fayette County School System. In addition to the known events, each school team must compete in one unknown event, which is designed by students from another school. This part of the competition gives students the opportunity to take turns being the teacher so that they can learn from each other. "This puts everyone on an equal playing field. With a combination of the known and unknown, we have a greater percentage of students winning ribbons," explained Boyer. Each elementary school in Fayette will send 24 representatives to compete in the Olympiad. Ribbons will be given to students who place first through sixth in all events at each grade level. All competitors will receive certificates for their participation in the competition.
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