<p>I'm kinda considering joining it this year, because apparently it doesn't require too much extra work. I heard you can either build something to enter at competitions, or take a test- is the test written, or is it like a group competition? And if you enter a project, does it have to be something you build or can it be another science-fair-like project? I'm entering science fair this year anyway and I'm doing something with algae, so I was wondering if I could use the same project.</p>
<p>There are three types of events: Study events, which are the tests, and they are generally written. There are do events, where you do something like an experiment, and then there are build events, which is where you build something.</p>
<p>And the build things can’t just be a science fair project, you actually have to build some for a specific event.</p>
<p>I’m copy-pasting a post I made in another thread similar to this one, with a few updates. Hope you find this useful, and I highly recommend Science Olympiad although it isn’t as academically rigorous as some other national competitions, it’s a great experience and it’s really fun.</p>
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<p>Basically, there are 23 events where are listed [here[/url</a>]. The events include “study events” (e.g. Anatomy, Astronomy, Forestry), “lab events” (e.g. chemistry lab, wind power, protein modeling), and “building events” (e.g. helicopters, mousetrap vehicle, towers). Competing teams are a maximum of 15 people with a limit of 7 seniors. Usually each student is assigned 2-5 events, and most events allow a maximum of 2 people to compete in the event (protein modeling and experimental design allow teams of 3). </p>
<p>Preparation strategies can vary based on the event. Study events are not nearly as competitive as International Science Olympiads, including IBO/USABO. However, it’s a good idea to get a textbook on the event topic and read some of it. Some events allow binders, note sheets, or even laptops to the competitions, which will take a bit of time to assemble. Much of SO is about working cooperatively, so try to study and practice a lot with your event partner. Lab events are the same, but will require more practicing and less studying. Building events are very collaborative. Start by building a device that is in compliance with the rules, then test it and improve it. I’d reccomend taking a look at <a href=“http://www.scioly.org%5B/url%5D”>www.scioly.org](<a href=“http://soinc.org/2011_div_c_events]here[/url”>http://soinc.org/2011_div_c_events)</a>, a student forum with specific event help.</p>
<p>There are four categories of competition: invitationals, regionals, states, and nationals. Invitational competitions are hosted by schools unaffiliated with Science Olympiad Inc. They’re sort of like practice tournaments and are run earlier in the school year (usually around Jan or Feb). They’re completely optional, but some can get quite competitive. Regional competitions are small, yet official tournaments which decide the teams that go to states. Some small or uncompetitive states do not have regionals because there aren’t enough teams. The state competition decides which teams go to nationals. In big SO states (NY, PA, OH, IL, CA) the state tournament is extremely competitive and takes a lot of work to get a medal. The top 1 or 2 schools goes to the national tournament. I believe CA has 2 state competitions because it is so big. Obviously nationals has very tough competition. It is hosted at a different university every year; last year it was at University of Illinois, next year it is in Miami.</p>
<p>At a tournament, a school’s placement is determined by adding up the individual event placings. Lower scores are higher placings. Medals are given out to the top 4-6 people in each event, depending on the competition. There are various strategies to doing well at competitions which I won’t get into right now, but you’ll find tons of tips online if you look around.</p>
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<p>Good luck!</p>