Science Olympiad members met in 9213 on Jan. 14 under the watchful eye of Mrs. Mary Joan Martin, Science, to kick off yet another meeting. The meeting was held to discuss the upcoming competition this weekend on Jan. 18. at Northridge.

“At competitions, we do events which are based on various aspects of science. It involves taking tests and building things. The aspects range from physics to chemistry to rocks to bugs to planes. It is highly competitive but also relaxing and loosey-goosey at the same time,” Austin Kunis (11) said.

Students differ in their range of specialties at competitions and have been sharpening their skills at meetings every day after school. The kids also practice on weekends often in preparation for competitions.

“I compete in Entomology, Astronomy, Compound Machines, Magnetic Levitation and Technical Problem Solving. Some of us take harder events and others take the “fun” ones that people might be interested in like building a train that floats,” Tyler Mitchuson (12) said.

Lots of work, time and dedication go into the club, and this year the students are as motivated as ever.

“I am very proud of these students. They give a great deal of their time and effort to this club. I am proud that they give back. They will also be working with our three middle schools to help them try to make the State competition. The Northridge competition will be challenging because we are losing many students who are involved in other activities, such as Jazz Band and the [Business Professionals of America] competition. The rest of the team will have to fill up the empty spaces at the invitational,” Mrs. Martin said.

Last year, members joined two weeks before Regionals and still qualified to make the Regional team, so members are always welcome. For more information, please contact Mrs. Martin or visit her in C121.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Beakers and graduated cylinders line the science table. These are sometimes used in club activities.