The annual Science Olympiad at Stewart Elementary is a highly anticipated two-day event that brings together fourth- and fifth-grade students to participate in various exciting design challenges. The event, spearheaded by April Sites, the school's STEM Facilitator and Personalized Learning Coach, has been a staple since its inception in 2013. This year, the Science Olympiad underwent a few exciting changes, lasting 1.5 days and culminating in an awards ceremony the following day.
The Science Olympiad is a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of STEM education while honing their teamwork and problem-solving skills. It is a tailored version of the national Science Olympiad competition designed to engage and inspire elementary-aged students. The event features a variety of challenges that test students' knowledge, creativity, and dexterity.
A notable highlight of this year's Science Olympiad was the diverse events in which students engaged. The Pentathlon, for instance, uniquely paired science trivia with an obstacle course. At the same time, the Water Rockets challenge provided participants with an opportunity to showcase their engineering skills. Other stimulating challenges, such as Grab a Gram, Siphon It, Thrill Ride, and Electromagnets, were strategically designed to ignite curiosity and promote hands-on learning experiences.
The culminating moment of the Science Olympiad is the awards ceremony, where students are celebrated for their exceptional performance in each event. The top three students in each challenge receive medals. At the same time, the overall top-scoring team is honored with a special prize to further inspire their passion for science. This year, the team comprising Nora Rioja, Cooper Beck, Aubriella Makowski, Nick Beck, and Jackson Ragazzini emerged victorious, showcasing their dedication and skills throughout the competition.
In addition to individual accolades, the Science Olympiad also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and leadership. Each of the 12 event coaches selects one student from their group to receive the MVP award, recognizing them for their exceptional contributions to the team. The MVP recipient is awarded a certificate and a STEM Design toy, highlighting their outstanding qualities and achievements.
Ms. Sites describes the experience, "The Science Olympiad is the most rewarding experience I've had as an educator. It is truly inspiring to watch students engage passionately with STEM challenges, grow in their problem-solving abilities, and collaborate with their peers. It's also a great feeling to work with an amazing staff that helps to promote and implement this event."
The annual Science Olympiad at Stewart Elementary continues to showcase students' talent, creativity, and passion for STEM education. The event not only fosters a love for science and innovation but also instills valuable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and determination. As the legacy of the Science Olympiad at Stewart Elementary continues to grow, it remains a beacon of inspiration for young minds eager to explore the wonders of science and technology.