Welcome to Science Olympiad!
Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition of outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments.
Science Olympiad has been recognized as a model program in the "National Science Standards" by the National Research Council. It has been the subject of numerous science journal articles, newspaper stories, television newscasts and cable programs. It is North America's most prestigious team science and technology competition.
Presidents of the United States and Canada's Prime Minister have applauded the program. In a 2006 White House letter from President George Bush, he said "Science Olympiad brings together bright minds from middle and high schools across the country and help them prepare for opportunities ahead." Business leaders from across North America praise Science Olympiad for its innovation and contribution to improving scientific and technological literacy, as well as for helping to ensure our nations global competitiveness.
Science Olympiad tournaments are a celebration of your team's accomplishments in demonstrating understanding and mastery of science, mathematics and technology concepts that require not only knowledge and problem-solving skills but also the ability to work together as a group.
Dr. Gerard J. Putz
President, Science Olympiad
Sharon M. Putz
Executive Administrator, Science Olympiad
National Website: http://soinc.org/
History of Science Olympiad
at Ridgewood
In the fall of 2000, Ridgewood School entered the Science Olympiad program to enhance the knowledge of the students in science, mathematics, and technology. Everyone learned a lot in the first few years. By the third year, Science Olympiad had grown to be a popular extra-curricular activity among the students. Students were having fun learning, competing and winning. The Ridgewood Science Olympiad teams have made several accomplishments over the years, including 8th in the state in 2003, 10th in the state in 2004 and 8th in the state in 2005. Ridgewood takes great pride in the team's achievements. It takes commitment, dedication and hard work to be a successful team. Science Olympiad is an extra-curricular activity that begins with practice sessions starting in the fall, with tournaments beginning in January and continuing through March or April. With a rigorous schedule, students (and parents) will need to balance priorities of school work and other commitments. Science Olympiad is a rewarding program that provides students with learning that will take them beyond the classroom and prepare them for higher education in science, mathematics, and technology.
