Grand Valley celebrates 25th year hosting Science Olympiad

Middle and high school students from more than 80 schools in Kent and Ottawa counties are preparing to show off their science and mathematics skills at the Region 12 Michigan Science Olympiad, hosted by Grand Valley State University.

March 21 marks the 25th year Grand Valley has played host to the regional tournament, which consists of 46 events in biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, computers and technology. This year’s celebration theme is “A Look Back in Time,” and students can enjoy “retro” events such as Egg Drop, It’s About Time, and Paper Airplanes among others.

Science Olympiad takes place Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m, on Grand Valley’s Allendale Campus. The headquarters is located in room 192 in the Fieldhouse. The awards ceremony is from 4:30 p.m.- 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend open events. Media coverage is encouraged. A special commemorative science celebration will take place from 3:15 p.m.-4:15 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena.

“The tournament is pure excitement for middle and high school students,” said Margo Dill, tournament co-director. “The students work diligently for months for this one day of competition. They are eager to compete and truly excited to be on a college campus.”

Winners advance to the state tournament held at Michigan State University on May 2.

For a complete list of events, event locations, and participating schools, contact Grand Valley’s Regional Math and Science Center at (616) 331-2267 or visit www.gvsu.edu/rmsc .