MMS Science Olympiad - For Parents

Introduction to Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad builds more than science knowledge. It strengthens teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving — skills that prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond. Students learn how to think critically, manage time effectively, and perform under pressure — all while having fun and forming lasting friendships.

Memorial Middle School competes in Division B (for middle school students). Our team typically fields two competitive teams of 15 students each, with additional alternates helping prepare and support during the season.

Students in grades 6–9 are eligible to join. Each team member selects three to four events to study and prepare for throughout the year. While not every student competes in every event they study, each contributes meaningfully to the team’s overall preparation and depth — ensuring Memorial remains competitive across all 23 events.

We are proud of our returning team members who mentor and inspire new competitors each season, continuing Memorial’s tradition of excellence.

Our Season

Memorial’s Science Olympiad season includes:

Practice Sessions (October - April) – weekly practice sessions to learn event material
Invitational Tournaments (Dec - Feb) – practice competitions to refine skills and teamwork.
Regional Tournament (March) – the qualifying event for States
State Tournament (April) – top teams compete for a chance to advance to Nationals
Nationals Tournament (May) – where the top two teams of Ohio compete for the National title

Check out the 2025-26 Competition Dates for more specifics.

All tournaments are held on Saturdays, and each is a full-day commitment filled with testing, build-events, and awards.

At Regionals, Memorial competes to place among the top six teams to advance to the State Tournament. Only one Memorial team (15 competitors plus a few alternates) can move on to States, and the top two State teams qualify for Nationals.

Parental Involvement

Coaching

Coaching: Every year, we are looking to fill several event coaching positions. If you have knowledge in a science field that may cover one of our events, we would love to have your expertise. Many of our events are not coached by science experts, however, so if you enjoy working with kids and are willing to learn alongside the, we can use your help! The average time commitment is ~1.5 hours per week (wwhich includes 30 min prep time + 1 hour practice).

Volunteering: Throughout the year, we need several parent volunteers at our competitions.

All parent coaches and volunteers need to be fingerprinted as per district regulations. Information on how to get fingerprinted can be found here.

Science Olympiad Swag

Memorial Middle School Science Olympiad team T-Shirts and apparel will be made available for purchase. Students are encouraged to purchase a shirt to wear to competitions. Additional apparel is available for purchase (for students, families, friends) in support of our team.

Students create logo ideas each year and the final design is voted upon. This year, our t-shirt design was created by our 2nd-year returning Science Olympian: Ellie Schwickerath!

Who to contact

For questions, absences, or more information, please contact Mr. Brian Sweigart (sweigart@mentorschools.org) and Mr. Scott Schwickerath (schwickerath@mentorschools.org).

FAQ

My student is interested in Science Olympiad. How do they sign up?

Science Olympiad is open to any 6th-9th graders. Practices begin in October, and pay-to-play fees are due in December. If your student is interested in joining Science Olympiad, they must register before November 1.

Contact Brian Sweigart (sweigart@mentorschools.org) and Scott Schwickerath (schwickerath@mentorschools.org) for more information.

Does it cost money to participate?

Science Olympiad is a pay-to-play activity. The fee required by the district is $150 (or $50 if you already have already paid a pay-to-play fee this year). Fees will be due in December.

What's the difference between advisors, captains, and coaches?

It's a big team, so there are a lot of roles! Let's break it down:

Advisors

Our advisors are responsible for the entire team. They help coordinate practice sessions, competitions, and volunteers. They ensure students perform with integrity by adhering to the official rules and behaving with manners.

This year's Advisors are:

Mr. Brian Sweigart sweigart@mentorschools.org

Mr. Scott Schwickerath schwickerath@mentorschools.org

Team Captains

Our co-captains are returning students who help mentor fellow Science Olympians for success. Team Captains are elected by students each year. Captains assist with various tasks, such as building comradery, leading by example, ensuring students have proper materials/equipment, and more. They're a great resource for your student.

This year's co-captains are:

Maria Schwickerath 106885@students.mentorschools.org

Mason Wills 109644@students.mentorschools.org

Coaches

Our Coaches are volunteers who help students learn the event material. We have one dedicated coach per event. Sometimes, students will coach sessions (but there is always a fingerprinted adult present in the room in those cases!). Not all coaches have expertise in the event subject; students are expected to take ownership of their learning from researching, studying, practicing, and building.

This year's coaches are: Coach List

My student will be absent during practice. Who do I contact?

Please report any practice absences to their Event Coach, which can be found here.

My student will not be available during the dates of a competition. Who do I contact?

If your child is unavailable for a competition, please notify our Science Olympiad Advisors:

Mr. Brian Sweigart sweigart@mentorschools.org

Mr. Scott Schwickerath schwickerath@mentorschools.org

How can I help support the Science Olympiad team?

Throughout the year, we need event coaches (who host weekly practices with students) and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities range from chaperoning students during competitions to donating food/drinks. Links will be shared via email with specifics.

Coaches and volunteers must be fingerprinted by the Mentor Public Schools prior to volunteering. Information on how to get fingerprinted can be found here.

How do I stay up to date on Science Olympiad stuff?

This website will be updated monthly by our Science Olympiad team. Otherwise, our advisors, Mr. Sweigart and Mr. Schwickerath, will email students and parents with regular updates.

If you are interested in learning more about Science Olympiad (on the national level), sign up for their newsletter here.