Grand Valley to host Science Olympiad

A full day of events that stretch students' scientific, technical and creative skills will take place on Saturday, March 29, when Grand Valley State University hosts the Region 12 Science Olympiad tournament. Media are encouraged to attend.

Teams from more than 80 schools in Kent and Ottawa counties will compete in their choice of 53 events. Students are divided into two groups - division B includes grades 6-9, while division C is for grades 9-12. Winners will advance to the state tournament at Michigan State University on April 26.

Among the new events this year is Wind Power, which focuses attention on alternative energy while it challenges students to build a propeller system from a set of rudimentary objects and compete to generate the greatest voltage. It is one of the many events open to the public for viewing.

The 8:30 a.m. welcome in the Fieldhouse Arena will be followed by events in several buildings on campus, including Padnos, Henry, Kirkhof, Cook-DeWitt and Mackinac. The awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena. For maps, a full list of teams, events and other details, visit www.gvsu.edu/mso-r12 , or call the GVSU Regional Math and Science Center at (616) 331-2267.