Scioly (Science Olympiad at Riverside Stem Academy)

Please read through all the pages of this website to understand the program before filling this interest form : 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnUJLm3s4BY5C5D_ussV_z3vQZ2Nh4RCvZ35aLkE8sdZEWEQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109304972532863305840 

1. Volunteers coach 2-4 middle schoolers for Science Olympiad, a track-meet style academic competition.

2. You’ll meet with students once a week, choosing from the following time slots: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday: 2:30–3:30 PM or Wednesday: 12:40–1:40 PM

3. Coaches have the option to coach online, in person or hybrid at Riverside STEM Academy located at 4466 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA 92507 

4. Coaching start on 9/15/25 (updated 8/29/25) Monday and end at 4/10/26 Friday.

5. Previous experience with Science Olympiad is not required.  You coach by learning about the event, making lecture materials, planning research and note taking tasks, and giving practice tests to the students. This should requires at least 1 hour of preparation per week. 

6. You can coach an event solo or team up with a fellow coach. This year, we aim to have at least two coaches per event (if possible) in order to reduce coaching work load and potentially more flexibility when schedules change.

 We understand that summer, winter, or spring obligations may affect your coaching schedule. If you need to start a bit later or finish early, just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly. RSA can be flexible if things come up!

Curious about what teaching is really like? Or passionate about inspiring young minds? This is your chance to make a real impact.

As a coach, you’ll design creative lessons on an open-ended topic and guide a small group of middle school students. Few things are more rewarding than watching kids light up while learning!

Beyond the classroom, this experience helps you develop key skills for any teaching-related path — including organization, communication, and leadership. Whether you're considering a future in education or simply love helping others grow, this is a meaningful opportunity to start making a difference.

Nam Vu : 2025 & 2026 Supervisor for Delta SIFY Science Olympiad Coaching program nvu042@ucr.edu 

Micheal Tin : Teaching Assistant at Riverside STEM Academy (RSA) mtin@riversideunified.org  

Science Olympiad Events - slide includes sample test questions / builds from most of the events.

Soinc.org - Official Science Olympiad Website

Scioly.org - Student-run Science Olympiad Wiki. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HakWn4eD-faApgXcu4sS2MjFaoYLB6hp/view?usp=sharing 

• Highlander Invitational competition @UCR

  • There is no set date yet but it occur in January last year.

• Inland Empire Regional tournament 

  •  Saturday, March 14, 2026

• Southern California  State  competition 

  • No set date as of 9/13/25 but it occur on April 12 last year.

You do not need to attend the competitions, but are welcome to do so if you want. Gmail Josh jzonker@riversideunified.org to go with the kids 

Online: Coaches will be given a Google Meet link that will be used each week to meet with students. A teacher at RSA will need to admit you to the meeting and then you will begin your coaching session.

In Person:  Volunteer clearance will be needed. Mr. Zonker or Micheal Tin will work with you to enter Riverside Stem Academy and find the meeting locations

Hybrid : Do mix of both 

Volunteers could coach online if that is convenient. But, we strongly recommend coaching in person because it will help you develop a deeper relationship with the students and give you a more fun experience. Many coaches have done a hybrid in the past if that works best.

Unfortunately no. But we recommend you discuss with volunteers who coach on the same day to see if they can help give you a drive.  OR you can treat your 30 minute walks to RSA as exercise.

*If you have a car and are willing to help give rides for other coaches. Please let us know*

Refer to "In person coaching" page

The address will lead you to a parking lot. You need to walk up stairs / uphill until you see people near the gates of school that will be able to check you in. You will need a driver license to sign in for "science olympiad with Joshua Zonker". 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15QrdHFAxc7hdn9uK_lPT64KyrPxAmmadGniWQbQDi8w/edit?usp=sharing

Note the date of major competitions  so that you can pace your lessons to cover all the material. Sometimes there are special events at school and coaching may be adjusted. This will be communicated to you.

Go to "coaching resource" page

Events will help new coaches decide what events to teach. It includes sample test questions / builds from most of the events. 

If you know someone who is willing to work together with you. Please leave a comment about that in the form you fill out your respective google forms to sign up for coaching. And try to have common availability day and events preference.

If you prefer coaching alone, please do your best to make sure you will available for coaching in winter quarter. We aim to keep coaching days during winter same as fall but if needed, we can try to work out different days/times. 

Yes. Interested volunteers can coach one or more events. **Make sure you have enough time to coach multiple events !**

If your event requires the purchase of physical items or any monetary expense, please gmail Micheal Tin mtin@riversideunified.org because he is the staff at Riverside STEM Academy. 

If you need any materials or worksheets to be printed for your students, please send Josh the file(s) via email at least a day in advance so he can print them

If you have to miss a coaching session, please contact mtin@riversideunified.org so we can provide accommodations for your students. 

Please prepare materials you would want the students to go over on that day and send those too if you are able.