Hello, I am thinking of starting either Science Bowl or Science Olympiad at my school. In your opinion, which one is more worthwhile? Other considerations include time demands, difficulty, level of critical thinking, etc.
Do you know about how many people will be interested? For Science Bowl, you only need 4-5 people. For Olympiad, you need somewhere around 15-20, though our school competes with a lot fewer (but only wins individual medals, not overall).
Science Bowl is knowledge and quick thinking. Science Olympiad has a number of building events in addition to the knowledge events. My impression is that the questions for Science Olympiad are less difficult in general.
you can only really succeed in science olympiad at a state or national level if you have a crap ton of resources and organization, like, 10+ dedicated tutors and several hours of research every day. if your school has that already, then go for it
My school does not have many resources in regards to extracurriculars. So would you say I should start Science Bowl instead of Olympiad?
Also, I am not sure how many people would be interested but my guess is MAYBE 10-15. Just a rough estimate.
My child did Science Bowl at the magnet school he attends. The local technology companies donate employees and resources. They help host the state level tournament, as a attempt to spread STEM awareness and much of the trip expenses to DC-( Science Bowl Natl tourney is conducted by the US Deptt of Energy-Office of Science & Tech) were paid by the foundation? (OST may have paid too I am unsure on this) funded by the very same technology companies. No cost to parents.
The science teacher at the school moderated the quizzes, for2-4 hours twice a week. She even accompanied the kids to DC
They had two teams, one at the Jr High level and one at the High school level
They practice between Sep-Feb, twice a week 2-3 hours each day
The Regional state championships are held end of Feb early March
Trip to DC if they win Regionals happens around April
Check out the OST website, reach out to them, ask Qs. Get a teacher to ask Qs, get your Principal’s attention. The Deptt of Energy is committed and responsive. Its a GREAT EC. They take the kids on tours to the Smithsonian etc. Its safe and enriching.
There is usually 8-10 kids during practice weeks and the strongest 5 are sent to Regionals and Natls. Each kid is strong in “one area” of science or math
Good Luck
science olympiad is a bit a of a sham because schools with huge amouns of resources (ie 20+ students and 10+ tutors) tend to dominate, so yeah i’d say do science bowl 