Science Olympiad is still in desperate need of coaches.

The students are ready to work hard but without guidance, some are not even sure where to start. It requires very little time and experience. The students are required to do all the work themselves, they just need guidance, possibly a schedule that they can stick to and some events would benefit from activities to help them learn.

I have been a coach for the past two years and it is very rewarding and exciting to see how well the students work and compete. The workshops are held after school from 3:00 pm -4:30 pm, and possibly weekends if it is needed to accommodate schedules.

The students put a lot of work in, as they are on a minimum of three events. As a coach, one day a week is all that is required per event. Possibly some time preparing if need be.

The team has done very well ,in the past, and placed 6th in the state tournament this past year (out of 42 teams). They are fierce competitors and highly motivated. They just need coaches.

If you have asked for information or wanted to volunteer but have not yet been contacted I apologize. I have had some parents and students inform me that they have not received all my emails. If you have the time to contribute to our team it would be greatly appreciated. I guarantee you will enjoy it and find the experience very rewarding.

Thank you in advance.

Here is a list of the events that need coaches as well as a brief description (additional info can be found at soinc.org under B/C events—we are division B):

Bottle Rocket: Prior to competition teams construct up to two rockets designed to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time while carrying a raw egg that survives impact.

Food Science: Students will answer questions about the chemistry of food and food grains and build a simple calorimeter to determine the energy content of food.

Hovercraft: Prior to competition competitors may construct a self-propelled air-levitated vehicle with up to two battery powered motors that turn one propeller each to levitate and move the vehicle down a track. Competitors must be tested on their knowledge of classic mechanics and related topics.

Road Scholar: Teams will answer interpretive questions that may use one or more state highway maps, USGS topographic maps, internet-generated maps, a road atlas or satellite/aerial images.

Towers: Prior to competition teams will design and build a Tower meeting requirements specified in the rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency.

Wind Power: Prior to competition teams may build a blade assembly that consists of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor attached to a CD (compact disc), which will be used to capture wind power. Teams must also be tested on their knowledge regarding alternative energy.

Wright Stuff: prior to competition the team designs, constructs and tests a free flight rubber-powered monoplanes to achieve maximum time aloft.

Write It Do It: One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, then the other student will attempt to construct the object from this description.

If you feel you would like to help in any of these areas please contact me and we can get you started. The diocese does require background checks for volunteers, so if you are already cleared to volunteer that’s even better. If not, Miss Dyna can get that going.

Thank you

Kristy Massey-Crews

Science Olympiad Coach

klm103@students.uwf.edu

850-776-0517