Science Olympiad is a national K-12 STEM competition that functions like an academic track meet, bringing together teams of up to 15 students to compete in 23 distinct events.

These events span a vast range of disciplines, including biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, and engineering, and are designed to challenge students well beyond the standard classroom curriculum. 

Students engage in three primary types of competition: 

1) rigorous content-based exams

2) hands-on lab experiments, and 

3) engineering "build" challenges 

For educators, the program serves as a powerful vehicle for meeting Next Generation Science Standards through student-led inquiry and teamwork. 

As a coach, you facilitate this exploration, helping students specialize in areas they are passionate about. The state competition in South Dakota is held at the University of South Dakota each March. The program provides students with invaluable exposure to higher education and diverse STEM career pathways.

Included here are some resources that should help you get your new Science Olympiad Team off the ground!