Future scientists unite at Clark College

For Immediate Release
February 27, 2017

For additional information (media only): 
Hannah Erickson, Communications & Marketing
Telephone: 360-992-2954
Email: herickson@clark.edu 

College hosts regional Science Olympiad on March 4

VANCOUVER, WA – On Saturday, March 4, young science enthusiasts from Vancouver-area schools and as far north as the Quileute Tribal School in La Push, Wash., will convene on the Clark College main campus to compete in the 2017 Southwest Washington Regional Science Olympiad Tournament.

Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization that encourages engagement with science through fun, hands-on activities and events. Science Olympiad is dedicated to improving science education and creating a passion for the sciences through learning.

Teams from the region’s middle and high schools will compete in 48 different activities testing their ability to solve problems, communicate information, and creatively innovate. Students work in teams with coaches to prepare for their activities in the weeks prior to the tournament. A range of scientific disciplines including chemistry, microbiology, astronomy, engineering, and robotics will be represented at the event.

“The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics unit at Clark College is committed to preparing tomorrow’s leaders in science by hosting this year’s regional Science Olympiad,” said Clark College STEM Coordinator Erin Harwood. “We look forward to seeing the creativity and ingenuity that students bring to the event.”

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., science fans of all ages will be entertained by competitions such as “Experimental Design,” “Remote Sensing,” “Bottle Rockets,” and “Microbe Mission” in Clark College’s state-of-the-art, 70,000 square-foot STEM Building, which opened in fall 2016. The Team Cheers and Awards Ceremony will follow in the O’Connell Sports Center at 5 p.m.

Finalists from the regional Olympiad will go on to the state tournament at Highline College in Des Moines, Washington, on April 15.

This event is free and open to the public, though participation is limited to pre-registered contestants. For more information, contact Erin Harwood at eharwood@clark.edu.

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps. If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, contact Clark College’s Disability Support Services Office at 360-992-2314 or 360-991-0901 (VP), or visit Gaiser Hall room 137, as soon as possible.