The Science Olympiad was founded in 1983 to increase student interest in science. Since 1983, the Olympiad movement has grown to all 50 states and Canada. A team of up to 15 students (there is both a junior high school competition and a senior high competition) compete in a series of individual and team events that encourage learning in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, problem-solving, and technology.
While some events in the Science Olympiad require scientific knowledge, others rely on science processes, skills, or applications. Every student, whether in a technology class, a general science classes, or advanced classes competes within their areas of interest. All events involve teamwork, group planning, and cooperation. The emphasis is on advanced learning in science through active, hands-on, group participation. And, hey - - it’s FUN!
The Idaho Science Olympiad competition will be held at BSU on May 2nd 2026. This will be a Saturday!! Saint Joseph’s school has fielded up to 7 teams of 15 students and has taken one of the top 3 places in state for the last 24 years. The school has represented Idaho at the National Competition for 17 of those 24 years.
This year's National Competition will be held at University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, Ca, on May 22nd-23rd . Should we win at state, we will be eligible to attend the national competition which will be held after our 8th grade graduation on May 20th, 2026
I am very proud to be part of St. Joe’s winning streak and hope that we continue to be competitive. Students who choose this option must be willing to opt for 3 events to compete. One of the events must be from build-it events, one from the lab events and one from research. Please bear in mind that most of the work leading up to the Olympiad is done after school and on weekends, so be sure to check spring commitments before agreeing to participate in this incredible activity.
Events for 2026- Please check out www.soinc.org for information on everything Science Olympiad!!
Anatomy/Physiology R
Disease Detectives R
Entomology R
Heredity R
Water Quality H
Codebusters H
Experimental Design L
Metric Mastery H
Write It/Do It L
Dynamic Planet R
Meteorology R
Remote Sensing L
Rocks and Minerals R
Solar System R
Boomilever B
Helicopter B
Mission Possible B
Scrambler B
Circuit Lab H
Crime Busters L
Hovercraft B
Machines H
Potions and Poisons L
B = Build
L = Lab
R = Research
H = Hybrid
** students will need to opt for 3 events
** recommend that students choose a lab (or hybrid), a build and a research.
** only one build and one lab will be allowed for each student
** students may choose more than one research event
Extras:
** If anyone is interested in designing the back of the Science Olympiad T shirts, here are the parameters:
a. Must be on unlined paper and drawn in pencil
b. Must have St. Joe's and 2026 somewhere in the design.
c. Must be submitted by Friday, February 6th, 2026
Please visit soinc.org to view this year's Olympiad events. Rules can also be found there. Rules can also be found in the Science Olympiad Google Classroom