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AIU Academic Competitions Roundup
AIU Academic Competitions Roundup
By Amanda Ritchie
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU) has a long history of hosting academic competitions that give students a chance to be creative, work collaboratively and apply their knowledge of concepts in math, history, science and English Language Arts. Prior registration is required for each event, and spots fill up quickly. Fees are subject to change.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Eco Challenge: Grades 6-12
Held in the fall on separate dates for middle and high school, the Eco Challenge allows students to investigate environmental issues through scientific observation activities as they explore the conservatory. High school students get to interview Phipps Botany in Action fellows about their exotic research throughout the world. Fee: $5 per student
CalcuSolve: Grades 5-12
CalcuSolve has been testing students’ mathematics problem-solving skills for more than 40 years. It annually attracts an average of about 900 students who compete individually and as part of four-person teams in one of four divisions: Grades 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12. Held virtually for several years, it returned to an onsite format at Duquesne University in February 2023. Fee: $10 per team
Science Bowl: Grades 4-8
Hosted at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the annual event dates back more than 22 years and brings together students from dozens of districts in Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Schools may register up to three teams of four to work together to complete hands-on activities, express their creativity and meet peers from other schools – all while exploring the museum’s exhibits. Fee: $12 per student
Wild Investigations at the Pittsburgh Zoo: Grades 3-6
In partnership with the Pittsburgh Zoo, Wild Investigations kicked off in 2018, inviting schools to enroll up to 16 students in grades 3-6 to learn about creatures great and small through a scavenger hunt challenge. An average of 340 students attend per year. Fee: $16 per student
History Bowl: Grades 4-8
In partnership with the Heinz History Center, students participate in teams of four, working together to find answers, think and write creatively and practice problem solving as they explore the History Center’s exhibits. Fee: $7 per student
Read more from this issue: Fall 2023
