2025 Elementary Science Olympiad
The Elementary Science Olympiad, an annual event educating Hamilton County youth about STEM, returned this year with a record number of elementary students in attendance.
The Elementary Science Olympiad is a partnership between Hamilton County Schools, Chattanooga State Community College and Tennessee American Water. This year’s event welcomed 448 third- through fifth-grade students from 17 schools.
Elementary students spent weeks preparing to build machines like rockets and roller coasters and studying various science topics to compete in 12 different events.
Students got to launch gummy bears, build roller coaster tracks for golf balls, and learn about ecology, biology, maps, simple machines and more.
"We recognize the vital role of early math and science education in today's evolving world," said Dr. Megan Bragg, assistant professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State. "This event aims to inspire young minds to become tomorrow's innovators and problem-solvers, and our partnership with Hamilton County Schools and Tennessee American Water makes that possible.”
The event is hosted at the Chattanooga State Omniplex, and over two dozen volunteers from the College and Tennessee American Water oversee and judge the science events.
“Our team members, from engineers to environmental specialists, are passionate about their work because they know it makes a difference,” said Grant Evitts, president of Tennessee American Water. “By supporting students through programs like the Elementary Science Olympiad, we hope to encourage students to consider STEM-related careers in our community.”