What is a Science Olympiad?
A Science Olympiad consists of different hands-on events where students take an active role in exploring science topics related to the school’s science curriculum. The events can be scheduled to occur as half-day up to three-day competitions.
The program helps students of all abilities succeed in science by making science fun and exciting. It is designed for students in grades 4 through 6; however, it can be adapted to include lower grade levels.
Each event, either competitive or non-competitive in design, meets the current National Science Standards, as well as the Science Standards set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
What is ESSOP
The purpose of the SSP Elementary School Science Olympiad Program (ESSOP) is to excite, inspire, challenge, and foster the fun side of science for all elementary students of all abilities.
The ESSOP provides information, manuals, training, and grant money for teachers and administrators to promote Science Olympiad programs in their schools or districts.
Grants up to $3,000 per school will be awarded for equipment and materials related to the Olympiad.
GRANT INSTRUCTIONS
Submission Deadline: December 20, 2018
Grant amounts will be awarded based on:
- Number of students who participate
- Types of equipment and materials needed
- Number of days devoted to Olympiad activities
- Central Elementary School
- Heritage Elementary School
- St. Monica’s Catholic Academy
Attending one of these schools’ olympiads allows interested parties to see, first-hand, actual events of a Science Olympiad and to get ideas to help implement an olympiad of your own. The dates, times and how to register to attend one of the participating school’s science olympiad’s will be available after January 1, 2019.
When planning the development of an Elementary Science Olympiad Program, the following details should be noted. The mission of the SSP is to award grants for a program in which all students, across grade levels, participate. The ESSOP Program is not meant to provide a competitive event for an elite few top science students, but to help promote science education for all students of all abilities within your school.
The SSP-ESSOP, now in its 13th year, is striving to continue its expansion throughout the Southwestern Pennsylvania Region. It is the hope of the ESSOP committee members that the Elementary School Science Olympiad Program is one that will be developed in your school building/district.