On March 8th, Marietta College will once again welcome over 20 teams for the Southeast Ohio Regional Science Olympiad. This annual event will see 15-student teams competing in pairs across various events, with team scores based on the total points accumulated during the competitions. Participants, including students from high schools and middle schools across Southeast Ohio, will be joined by their coaches, parents, and volunteers who help run the event.
For the past 21 years, Marietta College Professors Dennis Kuhl and David Jeffrey have co-directed the event, working tirelessly to ensure it is both memorable and engaging.
“We love hosting Science Olympiad at Marietta College because it highlights our beautiful campus and showcases the high value we place on STEM education,” said Dr. Kuhl, the Rickey Professor of Physics and Chair of the Physics Department. “The students enjoy the experience of ‘coming to college for a day.’ They get to explore new areas of science and technology in a fun and exciting way. It’s inspiring to see their enthusiasm for academic competition and the excitement of winning prizes at the awards ceremony.”
Competition begins bright and early Saturday, with teams arriving at their Thomas Hall homerooms at around 7:00 a.m., where they will prep for the competition. Events will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will be located in Bartlett, Selby, Rickey, Brown, and the DBRC, said Dr. Jeffery, who is the Gilde-Grose Distinguished Professor of Science.
As a regional tournament, the event offers 5 B Division (middle school) and 3 C Division teams the chance to qualify for the State competition. The highest-ranking teams will be recognized for their talent, effort, and skill during the awards assembly, which will take place at 3:30 p.m. in McDonough Auditorium.
Sponsors for the event include WVU Medicine Camden Clark and Appalachian Semiconductor Education and Training (ASCENT) Ecosystem.