About Ohio Science Olympiad
Whether you are starting a new program, or already have one established, these resources are designed to aid you in preparing your team for the Science Olympiad season. Ohio Science Olympiad prides itself on offering high-quality competitions that support standards set forth by the Science Olympiad National Office. We wish you the best of luck throughout your season and are grateful for your time, knowledge, and passion always!
Ohio Science Olympiad (OHSO) is a statewide program dedicated to improving the interest of all students in the ever-changing world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). OHSO is one of the most successful in the nation, annually ranking as one of the top ten largest programs in the United States. Ohio teams consistently place in the top 15 at the National Tournament out of 120 teams.
The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs supports the statewide Ohio Science Olympiad program and hosts the State Tournament on The Ohio State University's campus.
In grades 6-12 Science Olympiad functions much like a track team; requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each academic year, school-based teams can register 15 students who will cross-train within their preferred discipline. The 23 events that make up a SO competition rotate to reflect the continuous evolution within the field STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Each event is unique; however, events are categorized by the following:
Life, Personal, and Social Science
Earth and Space Science
Physical Science and Chemistry
Technology and Engineering
Inquiry and Nature of Science
You can view the list of events and posted rules (typically available early September) for the current Science Olympiad (SO) season here. Be sure to refer to the Scoresheets for each event when preparing students for success. Throughout the season, any updates or clarifications to the posted rules will be found on the Rules Clarifications page of the National SO website.
Ohio Science Olympiad (Competitive):
Division B for students in grades 6-9
Division C for students in grades 9-12
Ohio Science Olympiad (Non-Competitive):
Division A, Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO), for students in grades K-6
If you're new to SO, review guides for getting started, a breakdown of industry lingo, and more information about National Science Olympiad here. If you're familiar with the program, jump to the Start a Team page on the National website for your next steps!
Policies
Science Olympiad has a variety of policies that apply to the national organization as well as its 50 state chapters. The following link includes resources to help students, parents, coaches, and supervisors understand the National SO Policies.
Code of Ethics & General Rules
Please refer to the National Code of Ethics & General Rules for the most current information. Please note you will also find the ‘Science Olympiad Pledges’ and ‘Code of Conduct’ on this page.
Tournaments
The season begins with learning the new events and rules, building devices, doing trial runs, creating study sheets, and more. Invitational Tournaments are hosted locally in various locations throughout Ohio, and neighboring states. These competitions allow students to put their practice and work to the test in a low-pressure environment meant for learning. The first competition that all OHSO members will take part in is their respective Regional Tournament. Qualifying teams from each region advance to the OHSO State Tournament on The Ohio State University Campus; from which the top two qualifying teams in both divisions advance to the National SO Tournament. Click on one of the following tournament types to learn more.
FAQs
If you have questions, you’re not alone. That’s why there is a comprehensive Frequently Ask Questions page. Some tournaments may post a FAQs page for their respective attendees, check specific tournament pages for applicable FAQs.
Trial Events
To support the rotation of events each year, Trial Events have evolved as a process to bring new, creative concepts, to full-fledged events. Refer to specific tournament pages to find which, if any, Trial Events will be run.
OHSO State Office
If any questions/concerns arise throughout the season, don’t hesitate to reach out. OHSO has yet to come across a problem it can’t solve.
Mariah Lesar
Education Programs Senior Specialist
Ohio Science Olympiad State Director
lesar.2@osu.edu
