Kutztown University will host the 2024 Berks County Science Olympiad Thursday, Jan. 4 (snow date Jan. 5).
This year’s Olympiad will welcome more than 250 high school students from across the county. These talented individuals will compete in a variety of STEM-related events, showcasing their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Fifteen schools will participate, including Antietam Sr. High School, Bayard Rustin High School, Boyertown Area High School, Central York High School, Exeter Township Senior High School, Fleetwood Senior High School, Governor Mifflin Senior High School, Kutztown Area High School, B. Reed Henderson High School, Schuylkill Valley High School, Sun Valley High School, Twin Valley Jr./Sr. High School, West Chester East High School, Wilson High School and Wyomissing Area Jr./Sr. High School.
In its 39th year, the Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of K-12 science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments.
The Olympiad is organized by schools at the junior high and senior high levels. Each school sends one team to compete in a variety of events. High school teachers serve as the coaches, judges and coordinators.
Olympiad competitions are conducted at four levels – invitational, regional, state, and national. The invitational competition is designed to prepare students for regional competition. No teams are eliminated in the local competition.