Science students looking to expand their horizons and earn a deeper understanding of a variety of subjects are invited to participate in the Science Olympiad group. The group meets after school on Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in room 2306. The club is sponsored by Matthew Parker, but has occasional assistance from other teachers, including Denise Briner and John Murphy. 

Meetings are usually comprised of practicing for competitions, which consist of 23 different science-related activities. These subjects include engineering, building, chemistry lab projects and answering word problems related to various topics. After meetings, students are welcome to stay later, preparing for various events or seeking additional help from different teachers.

Competitions are two to three times a year. There is an invitational around winter break, a regional competition around February and, if the team qualifies, a state competition over spring break. 

“The goal is to make science more applicable to the real world, not just memorization of topics,” Parker said.

Students don’t have to have any previous experience or requirements, just ‘an eagerness to go above and beyond normal classwork.’ 

“Anybody is welcome to join, preferably at the beginning of the year,” Parker said. “Mostly AP students join, but that’s not a requirement.”

Currently, the group has seven members, which ‘makes it difficult when trying to compete in 23 events with a small number of students.’

For information on joining the club or other questions, contact Mr. Parker at [email protected] or stop by room 2306.