Students from across South Dakota participated in the Science Olympiad held at the University of South Dakota on Apr. 17, competing in 23 science, technology, engineering and mathematics events on campus and at Vermillion High School gym.
The event is an important opportunity for young people to develop teamwork, problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience in STEM fields. The competition also encourages interest in scientific careers among middle and high school students.
“These 23 events cover topics from across the STEM spectrum,” said James Tracy, Ph.D., state director of the South Dakota Science Olympiad and lecturer in USD’s Department of Physics. Tracy explained that events are divided into knowledge-based tests like human anatomy, laboratory skill challenges such as Crime Busters where students solve a crime using investigative techniques, and engineering tasks like Mission Possible where teams build Rube Goldberg machines. “These events cover three key areas,” Tracy said. “One is knowledge based… Other events test laboratory skills… In the third type of event, the students build a contraption or device.”
Faculty members like Catalin Georgescu served as judges for various competitions including Boomilever, which tests balsa wood truss structures built by participants before the event. Georgescu described judging as “a lot of fun.” Cheryl Schaeffer from Yankton Middle School noted her teams’ long-standing involvement: “Yankton has been involved with Science Olympiad for 42 years,” she said. She added that many former participants have gone on to become engineers and doctors.
Student Abby Viereck shared her preparation methods: “I prepared by studying the rules, using the website that Science Olympiad gives us and just deep diving into all the topics,” Viereck said. Her favorite was Crime Busters due to its lab work focus.
USD’s commitment to STEM education is supported by departments such as Sustainability and Environment within its College of Arts and Sciences according to its official website. The department promotes cultural well-being through student action both on campus and along local waterways according to its official website, operates mainly out of Akeley-Lawrence Science Center according to its official website, inspires positive change strategies according to its official website, offers unique undergraduate and graduate sustainability degrees regionally according to its official website, and extends influence through partnerships like Missouri River Institute according to its official website.
Tracy concluded with reflections on his favorite part: “The awards ceremony is my favorite part of serving as state director… It’s very warm, exciting and satisfying to know these students have worked hard.” Future plans include possibly adding a K–6 division alongside current grade levels.
