What is Science Olympiad?
Minnesota Science Olympiad is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has a mission to promote STEM education for students in Minnesota K-12 schools by engaging communities in the thrill, excitement and challenge of science, technology, engineering and math competition. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.
​
There are three divisions, an elementary school (Division A), a junior high/middle school (Division B) and a senior high/high school (Division C). This year, over 6000 schools across the United States competed in Science Olympiad. The official National Science Olympiad website can be viewed at http://www.soinc.org.
Schools compete with a team of up to 15 students. A school may have multiple teams (but multiple coaches are required). For Divisions B & C, there are two major tournaments: regionals and the state tournament. The top 30 teams from the regional tournaments around the state compete at the state tournament. Both the middle and high school state tournaments will be held at Bethel University in Arden Hills. The top team in the state advances to Nationals held in May.
Click here to see the qualifications for teams to participate in the Science Olympiad.
The Minnesota Science Olympiad is supported by Bethel University, the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University - Moorhead, Flint Hills Resources, Minnesota Professional Engineers Foundation, and many volunteers.
​
Awards
First, second, and third-place medals will be given for each event at both the regional and state competitions. In addition, championship trophies will be awarded to the teams compiling the most total points during the state competition. The winning team from each division at the State competition will be invited to the National Science Olympiad held in May at a different university each year.
Registration
Start the process by completing the online registration process. You will receive an email for you to use as the invoice for the registration fee. For Division A, the team fee is $50 per team. For Divisions B & C, the registration fee of $150 for the first team (15 students per school) covers both the national and state fees. The fee registers your team with the National Science Olympiad allowing you to advance to the state and national tournaments, covers the cost of awards, rule books, and helps cover costs for the Science Olympiad. You may enroll additional teams for $100 per team. There will be at least four regional competitions which will select schools for the State Olympiad at each division. Each school competing will be asked to coordinate an event at the regional tournament. Please indicate on your team's registration form which subject(s) you teach to help us assign you a region tournament event in your area of expertise.
