The Grainger College of Engineering

Science Olympiad National Tournament a success!

5/25/2010

During the weekend of May 21 -22, the University of Illinois hosted the Science Olympiad National Tournament (SONT) on campus, featuring champions from state Science Olympiad competitions. Student teams in 46 events spanned the sciences, from chemistry, biology and physics to engineering, computers and astronomy. 

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During the weekend of May 21 -22, the University of Illinois hosted the Science Olympiad National Tournament (SONT) on campus, featuring champions from state Science Olympiad competitions. Student teams in 46 events spanned the sciences, from chemistry, biology and physics to engineering, computers and astronomy. 

 

The competition was sponsored by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor or Research and ISTEM. More than 5,000 people including parents, coaches and students gathered on the University of Illinois campus to witness the culmination of hard work of the Science Olympiads throughout the year from school to regional to state competitions.

On Friday morning, May 21, the College of Engineering provided tours of laboratories and research centers including the Mechanical Engineering Lab, NCSA, Aerospace Research Lab, and Bioinstrumentation Lab. At noon, the Engineering at Illinois hosted a pizza lunch for all participants, families, and coaches.

Mechanical Science and[cr][lf]Engineering volunteers displaying the formula SAE cars during the Majors[cr][lf]Fair.
Mechanical Science and Engineering volunteers displaying the formula SAE cars during the Majors Fair.

Occurring concurrently was a "Majors Fair" which included displays and demonstrations from 23 different departments including all engineering departments and other science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) departments, colleges, and organizations such as, Veterinary Medicine,  Landscape Architecture, and the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences.

On Saturday, teams competed in events such as Protein Modeling, Technical Problem Solving, Disease Detectives, Forensics and Mousetrap Vehicle. With the help of national sponsors and partners, Science Olympiad contestants were rewarded for their hard work and dedication to Science Olympiad.

There were numerous events with prizes, and Lockheed Martin provided a $2,000 cash prize for school with the most spirit in both Division B and Division C. The University of Illinois is granting full tuition waivers for Division C winners and $2,000 waivers for Division B winners! Congratulations to the Division C Science Olympiad National Tournament Champion, Centerville High School and to the Division B Champion, Solon Middle School.  Both Ohio teams successfully defended their titles from the 2009 National Tournament!

Thanks to students, faculty and staff from the College of Engineering for making this event a great success!
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Contact: Susan Linnemeyer, College of Engineering, 217/244-1816.

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, Engineering Communications Office, 217/244-7716, editor.

 

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This story was published May 25, 2010.