Media Advisory: Wake Forest University & Winston-Salem/Forsyth County schools host Science Olympiad tournament on March 2
Who and What: Approximately 200-250 local middle and high school students will compete in the regional Science Olympiad tournament – a track meet-like event for students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Nine high school and eight middle school teams (with up to 15 students each) from Alleghany, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry, Wilkes and Yadkin Counties will compete in 46 different science-related events, including:
- Bottle Rocket (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) – Students build and launch a bottle rocket made out of a two-liter soda bottle;
- Forensics (8:30 – 9:45 a.m.) – Teams attempt to solve a crime scenario based on available evidence;
- Elastic Launched Glider (8:30 a.m. – 3 :00 p.m.) – Students will launch gliders they have designed and built.
- Shock Value (10:00 – 11:00 a.m.) –Students will complete hands on tasks and answer questions about electricity and magnetism; and
- Designer Genes (12:15 – 1:30 p.m.) – Teams will work together to solve problems about genetics and biotechnology.
More than 40 volunteers from Wake Forest University and the Winston-Salem community have helped organize the event and will award individual and team medals at the end of the day. The top middle and high school teams move on to compete in the state competition.
When: Saturday, Mar. 2, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Atkins Academic and Technology High School
3605 Old Greensboro Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Why: According to a 2012-2013 PayScale analysis of college majors with the most earning potential, the top 10 were STEM-related.
Competitions like Science Olympiad make science interesting. They expose students to many different scientific disciplines and reward students for doing well in an area that is not always publicly celebrated – despite an increasing national and political focus.
Carole Browne, Science Olympiad regional director and Wake Forest biology professor says, “It’s really important for us to encourage students and young adults to be interested in science. It doesn’t generally get the kind of attention that those who are gifted in the arts or athletics might get. Science Olympiad allows students to get the recognition they deserve and make them feel valued for their strengths.”
A complete schedule of events is available. Please contact the news office to make arrangements.
About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.
Categories: Campus Life, University Announcements
Media Contact
Wake Forest News
media@wfu.edu
336.758.5237
