The Athens City Middle School team took first place in the middle school division at the Science Olympiad held at Lee University
Lee University hosted its 3rd annual Regional Science Olympiad Tournament welcoming 13 teams from 10 schools.
Student representatives from each team competed in 23 events in various areas of science and technology, such as genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology.
“Our goal in hosting the Science Olympiad Regional tournament is to provide students with an opportunity to engage in science and demonstrate their ability to think critically and work together to accomplish a goal,” said Dr. Lori West, associate professor of biology and tournament director. “We hope that through the tournament that they are encouraged and realize that science is fun!”
The Division B middle school tournament teams included Athens City, Girls Preparatory, and Ocoee.
The Division C high school tournament included Concord Christian, Cleveland, Girls Preparatory, McCallie, McMinn County, Ooltewah, and STEM Co-op.
Athens City Middle School, McCallie School, and STEM Co-op came out on top this year and advanced to the Tennessee State Science Olympiad tournament at the University of Tennessee Knoxville on Saturday, March 25.
“I appreciate the monumental effort Lori and her staff complete each year for our budding scientists,” said Ginger Robinson, a teacher at Athens City Middle School. “Science Olympiad has provided our students with the opportunity to experience a real challenge and a chance to attempt hard things. It is interesting to hear the reactions of all the students when they come back from the events. Most of the time the statement starts with, ‘That was awesome!’”
The event included not only the local schools, but close to 100 Lee faculty, staff, and student volunteers who helped to run and evaluate events, as well as set up and tear down.
Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of K-12 science education, increasing student interest in science, creating a technologically-literate workforce, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers. These goals are achieved by participating in Science Olympiad tournaments, incorporating Science Olympiad into classroom curriculum, and attending professional development workshops.
Dr. West, a native of East Tennessee, joined the Lee faculty in the department of natural science and mathematics in 2006. Along with her involvement in Science Olympiad, Dr. West has been actively involved in science education at the secondary and elementary level through several grants funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
For more information about the Science Olympiad, contact Dr. West at lwest@leeuniversity.edu or visit https://www.soinc.org/.