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Mission: Possible as Purdue hosts the Science Olympiad
More than 150 junior high and high school students from throughout Indiana tested their scientific knowledge in the Science Olympiad regional competition on the West Lafayette Campus of Purdue University on February 24. Science Olympiad featured 23 science and technology events that emphasize problem solving, scientific processes, and technology. The event was sponsored by the College of Science and the Purdue Science Olympiad Club.
“The Science Olympiad is a great opportunity to see students participating in exciting and challenging science activities,” says Bill Walker, director for College of Science K-12 Outreach. “Events such as Mission Possible and Robot Ramble are quite popular and fun to watch.”
Mission Possible challenged students to build a device prior to the competition that allows energy transfers to occur in order to complete a task. This year, students lifted a can by pouring marbles into a device that activated a paddlewheel. Robot Ramble required competitors to design and build a robot capable of performing a task on a prescribed playing field.
“The events are designed to stress science concepts, science processes, problem solving skills and applications of technology,” says Mindy Hart, computer science outreach coordinator and supervisor for the Purdue University Science Olympiad Regional competition. “Several events involve hands-on activities.”
This year, the top three teams from the middle school division were: Central Middle School coached by Ed Pulver and Beverly Noel; RJ Baskett Middle School coached by Jacob Felger; and Southwestern Middle School coached by Lesley Mackey. Central Middle School and RJ Baskett Middle School will participate in the state competition in March. The top three teams from the high school division were: Carmel High School coached by Sharen Newman; McCutcheon High School coached by Cheryl McLean; and West Lafayette Senior High School coached by Pete von Werder. McCutcheon High School and West Lafayette Senior High School will participate in the state competition in March.
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