In recent years, young scientists and engineers from East Idaho gathered on the campus of Idaho State University to compete in the Eastern Idaho Science Olympiad. This event, hosted by ISU’s Department of Physics, brought together five teams of sixth through ninth-grade students from local middle schools.
The purpose of the Science Olympiad was to provide these young scientists with an opportunity to test their knowledge outside of a classroom setting while having fun. Steve Shropshire, a professor of physics at Idaho State University, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and practical application of scientific concepts.
Individual awards were given to the top three participants in each STEM-related event such as forensics, epidemiology, experimental design, and more. However, teams were also recognized based on their collective scores. Pocatello Community Charter School emerged as the overall winner, receiving a trophy and a $200 cash award from the Pocatello Kiwanis Club to support science education. Hawthorne Middle School and Grace Lutheran Middle School secured second and third place respectively, each earning a trophy and monetary prize.
The success of the Eastern Idaho Science Olympiad would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers from various departments at Idaho State University, as well as support from organizations like the Pocatello Kiwanis Club and Idaho National Laboratory. Shropshire expressed gratitude towards all volunteers for their commitment to promoting STEM education among young students.
For those interested in learning more about this event or ISU’s Department of Physics, they can contact Steve Shropshire at shrostev@isu.edu or visit isu.edu/physics. The Science Olympiad served as a platform for local youth to showcase their interest and talent in STEM fields while highlighting the importance of hands-on learning experiences.
In conclusion, it was an honorable event that brought together young scientists from East Idaho who had an opportunity to test their knowledge outside a classroom setting while having fun. The success of this event would not have been possible without the dedication and support from various departments at ISU and other organizations in promoting STEM education among young students.
