IRMO, SC - 24 students representing the Irmo Middle School Science Team competed and finished seventh overall in the state at the 2017 South Carolina Science Olympiad held at Newberry College on February 18.
William Green, seventh grade science teacher and team sponsor for Irmo Middle, described the Science Olympiad as the “Super Bowl” for these students. “They dedicate many hours of time in preparation for this day, and competition day is all about them,” Green said. “Our students walk away with a feeling of accomplishment and camaraderie. They thrive in this setting that provides them the opportunity to demonstrate their science skills and ability to solve problems in a variety of events.”
Students competed in 21 different events across all the science disciplines. Events included written tests, experimental design challenges, engineering and building events. The Science Olympiad competition fosters teamwork and collaboration through academically challenging events. The event offers interscholastic academic competition in biology, earth science, physics, problem solving and technology.
“The Science Olympiad was challenging, but fun,” said Irmo Middle sixth grader Joshua Dean who was competing for the first time. Sixth grader Lauren Chapple added, “I enjoyed learning something new that maybe you wouldn’t have learned about at school. The Science Olympiad really made me think.”
Irmo Middle School principal Robert Jackson was very impressed with how well students competed at the state level. “I am so proud of our students and staff who participated in the South Carolina Science Olympiad,” Jackson said. “Their dedication and commitment to deeper learning and authentic engagement ensure that our students are moving towards college and career readiness!”
The 2017 South Carolina Science Olympiad competition for high schools will take place on March 25 at Newberry College. For more information, visit www.newberry.edu/scscienceolympiad.
