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February 2008 GW to Host 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament, May 30–31
More than 5,000 middle and high school students, coaches, teachers, and family members from across the country will gather at GW for one of the nation’s premier science competitions—the 2008 Science Olympiad National Tournament—May 30-31. Held at a major university each year, the two-day tournament includes myriad competitions balanced among all areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), including biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering. Events are aligned with the National Science Standards and require knowledge of science concepts, process skills, and science applications. DuPont will serve as primary financial sponsor for the tournament, which brings together students who have won statewide Science Olympiad tournaments in the 46 states in which Science Olympiad has a presence. Some events will be open to spectators. On Jan. 26, the University hosted a one-day Invitational Tournament, which provided emerging Science Olympiad teams with an opportunity to prepare for their regional and state tournaments and the tournament core planning committee with an opportunity to prepare for hosting the National Tournament. Associate Vice President and Dean of Freshmen Frederic Siegel says the campus hosted approximately 1,000 middle and high school students for the invitational. “The enthusiastic response we received from our student participants, their coaches, and our national event supervisors only serves to inspire us for the National Tournament in May,” says Siegel. “The entire GW community can be proud of what we accomplished and will be even prouder when 5,000 students, teachers and parents converge on GW the last week of May.” “The National Science Olympiad engages young minds and empowers students to test scientific theories and develop creative approaches to problem solving,” says GW President Steven Knapp. “We are pleased to host this prestigious national tournament and welcome the participants and coaches to our University.” The Science Olympiad is an international, nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. The organization supports classroom activities, research, training workshops, and intramural, district, regional, state, and national tournaments. “For nearly 25 years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science, technology, engineering, and math education,” says National Science Olympiad President Gerard Putz. “We are honored to bring the Science Olympiad National Tournament to The George Washington University and our nation’s capital. Our goals are to increase student participation in science and science careers and continue to raise academic competition to the same level of recognition and praise normally reserved for athletic competitions in this country.” Director of Mount Vernon Campus Life and Marketing Robert Snyder says planning for the 2008 tournament at GW began in 2005. An 11-member core planning committee, which includes Siegel and Snyder, and various subcommittees are in charge of all aspects of the events, including fundraising and on-campus housing for more than 1,800 of the participants on the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. Snyder says this will be the first time the Science Olympiad has come to Washington, D.C. “We are delighted to partner with DuPont and other sponsors in bringing so many great students and teachers to GW and D.C.,” says Siegel. “Our nation’s future depends on producing great scientists, engineers, and innovators. Science Olympiad is an exciting middle and high school competition, which only serves to excite our best students. We hope that GW stays involved in these efforts well beyond the tournament.” For information on the 2008 Science Olympiad Invitational and National Tournaments or how to volunteer, visit scienceolympiad.gwu.edu, e-mail nso2008@gwu.edu or call (202) 242-1960. The core planning committee is especially interested in hearing from members of the GW community with previous Science Olympiad experience, whether as a competitor, coach, or event supervisor.
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