What We Do - Bronx Science Olympiad

What is Science Olympiad?

Science Olympiad is a national STEM competition that challenges students to apply their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve complex problems. It's not just about memorizing facts—it's about critical thinking, teamwork, and hands-on problem solving.

The competition consists of 23 different events covering various scientific disciplines, from biology and chemistry to physics, earth science, and engineering. Each event tests different skills: some are written tests, others are hands-on laboratory experiments, and some require building devices or structures.

Teams compete at regional, state, and national levels, with the top teams advancing to represent their state at the National Science Olympiad Tournament. It's an opportunity for students to showcase their scientific knowledge, creativity, and teamwork skills while competing against the best teams in the country.

What Do We Do?

At Bronx Science Olympiad, we prepare students to excel in all aspects of Science Olympiad competition. Our program is comprehensive and multifaceted, designed to develop both individual expertise and team coordination.

We focus on three main areas: academic preparation, build events, and laboratory skills. Students specialize in specific events based on their interests and strengths, working with subject directors who are experts in their respective fields. This specialization allows us to develop deep knowledge and skills in each area.

Beyond competition preparation, we also emphasize leadership development, community building, and scientific outreach. Our team members learn to mentor younger students, organize events, and share their passion for science with the broader community.

What Do Meetings Look Like?

Team Meetings

Weekly team meetings bring everyone together to discuss upcoming events, share updates, and coordinate team activities. These meetings foster a sense of community and keep everyone informed about team developments.

Subject-Specific Sessions

Students attend specialized sessions led by subject directors in their areas of expertise. These sessions focus on deep content review, problem-solving strategies, and hands-on practice with relevant materials and equipment.

Build Sessions

For engineering and build events, students work in dedicated sessions to design, construct, and test their devices. These sessions emphasize creativity, problem-solving, and iterative improvement.

Laboratory Practice

Lab events require hands-on practice with scientific equipment and procedures. Students practice techniques, learn safety protocols, and develop the skills needed for accurate experimental work.

Study Sessions

Academic events require extensive content knowledge. Students participate in study sessions where they review materials, practice test-taking strategies, and deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.

Mock Competitions

Regular mock competitions simulate real tournament conditions, helping students practice under pressure, identify areas for improvement, and develop competition strategies.

What Do Competitions Look Like?

Regional Competitions

Regional competitions are our first major test of the season. Held in early spring, these competitions bring together teams from across New York City and surrounding areas. Each team competes in all 23 events, with students participating in 3-4 events each.

The competition day is intense and exciting, running from early morning to late afternoon. Students move between different event rooms, taking written tests, performing laboratory experiments, and demonstrating their build devices. The atmosphere is competitive but collegial, with teams supporting each other and sharing in the excitement of scientific discovery.

At the end of the day, teams gather for an awards ceremony where medals are presented for individual events and overall team rankings are announced. The top teams advance to the state competition, representing our region against the best teams from across New York State.

State Competitions

State competitions represent the pinnacle of our competitive season. Here, we face the best teams from across New York State, including powerhouse programs from Long Island, upstate New York, and other regions. The level of competition is significantly higher, requiring our best preparation and performance.

The state competition follows the same format as regionals but with more challenging content and more experienced competitors. Students must demonstrate not only knowledge but also creativity, problem-solving ability, and teamwork under pressure. The stakes are high, as only the top teams advance to the national tournament.

State competitions also provide valuable networking opportunities, allowing our students to meet peers from across the state who share their passion for science. These connections often lead to lasting friendships and future collaborations.

National Aspirations

Our ultimate goal is to represent New York at the National Science Olympiad Tournament. This prestigious competition brings together the top teams from all 50 states, creating an environment of exceptional talent and innovation. Nationals represent the highest level of Science Olympiad competition.

Reaching nationals requires extraordinary dedication, preparation, and performance. Teams must consistently perform at the highest level across all events, demonstrating both depth of knowledge and breadth of skills. The competition tests not just scientific knowledge but also creativity, teamwork, and adaptability.

While we haven't yet reached nationals, we're working steadily toward this goal. Each year, we refine our training methods, strengthen our knowledge base, and enhance our build designs. With continued determination and hard work, we believe this goal is within reach.

Event Categories

Academic Events

Written tests covering specific scientific topics like astronomy, anatomy, chemistry, and more. Students demonstrate their knowledge through multiple-choice questions, short answers, and problem-solving scenarios.

Laboratory Events

Hands-on experiments where students perform scientific procedures, analyze data, and draw conclusions. These events test practical laboratory skills and scientific reasoning.

Build Events

Engineering challenges where students design and construct devices to meet specific criteria. These events test creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills.

Inquiry Events

Open-ended investigations where students design experiments, collect data, and present findings. These events emphasize scientific method and critical thinking.