After a three-year break, the Elementary Science Olympiad has returned with a vengeance. Two hundred and seventy students from 3rd grade through 5th grade gathered at Chattanooga State to take part in 24 STEM-related activities.
One of the highlights of the event was the egg drop task, where Jameson Cavanagh, an Olympiad competitor in fourth grade, and his partner Brennan Yann successfully completed the challenge without breaking their egg. Cavanagh explained that one of the tasks involved building a device out of specific materials to protect an egg.
Other competitors, such as Samara Brigner and Lainey Stalans, focused on different activities like sky quest, which tested their knowledge of constellations. Brigner mentioned that they learned about the strength of different materials, with paper and Styrofoam being effective choices. 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 pivotal 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 her joy at 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.
Overall, it was clear that this year’s Elementary Science Olympiad was a resounding success. The students were engaged and excited about learning new things while having fun with their peers. The event showcased just how important it is for young people to develop an interest in STEM fields early on – it could be the key to unlocking their full potential for future success!
