The Return of the Elementary Science Olympiad: Fostering STEM Interests in Young Minds

After a three-year hiatus, the Elementary Science Olympiad has returned. The event, which took place at Chattanooga State, attracted 270 students from third grade through fifth grade. One of the highlights of the event was the egg drop task, where students had to build a device out of certain materials to protect an egg. Jameson Cavanagh, an Olympiad competitor in fourth grade, partnered with Brennan Yann and successfully completed the task without breaking their egg.

Other competitors focused on different activities like sky quest, which tested their knowledge of constellations. Samara Brigner mentioned that they learned about the strength of different materials, with paper and Styrofoam being effective choices. Lainey Stalans explained her involvement in an activity called ‘name that scientist,’ matching scientists to their inventions.

Megan Bragg, an associate professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State, played a key role in organizing the event. She oversaw stations like ‘bridge-a-roni,’ where students tested pasta pieces to see how much weight they could hold. Bragg emphasized the importance of STEM events in encouraging students to explore math and science further, possibly leading to future career opportunities.

Bragg believed that developing interests at a young age could potentially lead students to pursue careers in STEM fields. She expressed the joy of seeing students engage in the activities and gain educational benefits while having fun. Cavanagh and Yann agreed that the Olympiad was both enjoyable and educational, highlighting the positive impact of participating in such events.

The Elementary Science Olympiad is an excellent opportunity for young learners to showcase their talents and passion for science and technology. With more than 270 participants from third grade through fifth grade attending this year’s event at Chattanooga State, it’s clear that there is a growing interest in STEM-related activities among children today.

Jameson Cavanagh and Brennan Yann were among those who participated in this year’s event and shared their experience building a device to protect an egg from breaking during an egg drop task. While other competitors focused on different tasks like sky quest or name that scientist activity, all participants gained valuable educational benefits while having fun.

Megan Bragg played a key role as an associate professor of chemistry at Chattanooga State by overseeing various stations like bridge-a-roni activity where students tested pasta pieces to determine how much weight they could hold.

STEM events are vital as they encourage young learners to explore math and science further while gaining skills that can lead them towards future career opportunities in STEM fields.

Overall, this year’s Elementary Science Olympiad was both enjoyable and educational for all participants involved. It’s essential for parents and educators alike to encourage children’s interest in STEM-related activities as it can potentially lead them towards fulfilling careers later on in life.