Oak Harbor Science Olympiad teams qualify for State Competition
The Oak Harbor high school and junior high Science Olympiad Teams competed at their regional tournament on March 18 at Bowling Green State University.
Both teams placed fifth in their representative division to qualify for the state competition at Ohio State University on Saturday, April 29.
Science Olympiad competitions consist of a series of 22 team events. The events are rotated yearly to reflect the changing nature of biology, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, engineering and technology.
By combining events from all disciplines, the Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Teamwork is a required skill in most scientific careers, and the Science Olympiad encourages group learning by designing events that forge alliances and communication.
Olympiad advisor Lauretta Swint said she believes there is no substitute for the experience of competing and working together academically in a fun setting that goes above and beyond the classroom. Students are challenged to thoroughly read and understand complex event descriptions, manage time and deadlines, and find reputable sources to study. The building events also require applying engineering skills of design, testing, and modifying.
OHHS Principal Cheryl Schell said, “I credit the leadership of Mrs. Swint and the mentoring from our upper-class Rockets on helping our School Science Olympiad teams become a growing and competitive program that is performing at the top in the state of Ohio.”
The top honor for the day went to Maddie Nissen and Alyssa Zetzer who earned first place in the high school “scrambler” event.