2019 NCSO Season Highlights Magazine

SEASON

2019 SEASON

HIGHLIGHTS

NORTH CAROLINA SCIENCE OLYMPIAD An exclusive feature on the 2019 tournament season Science Olympiad Journey • How NC Did in NY • State Tournament • Rural Participation Project • Regional Tournaments on the Rise

TABLE OF TABLE OF

CONTENTS 01

Message from the Executive Director

02

06 10 Science Olympiad Journey

05 How NC Did in NY 09

It's all STEM and Games

13

Rural Participation Project

16

Regional Tournaments on the Rise

20

1997 National Tournament

23 North Carolina Hits the Big Time 18

NC Science Olympiad North Carolina Science Olympiad | Campus Box 8211 | Raleigh, NC 27695 (919) 515-9402 | info@sciencenc.com

www.sciencenc.com

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS 2019

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Managing Editor: Valerie Bass Contributing Writers: Kim Gervase, Cara McLauchlan, and Sharon Scott

A REASON TO CELEBRATE

PHOTOGRAPHERS Keith Papke, Eileen Richards, and Debby Singlton. Thank you to the many wonderful volunteer photographers across the state who sent us their photos this season!

NCSO STAFF

Kim Gervase, Executive Director has been three years since NC Science Olympiad It placed a bid to host the 2020 National Science Olympiad

Tournament. Since then, we have been diligently preparing

Executive Director: Kim Gervase Program Coordinator: Sharon Scott Development Officer: Valerie Bass

to welcome the country's brightest young scientists to

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

all the way to Nationals. It's our chance to shine and

Amy Baldwin, President Manager of Community Relations and Customer Events, BASF

North Carolina. Our goal is to celebrate the students who have worked, studied, and spent years planning to make it highlight the state of North Carolina and NC State University.

Bryan Bishop, 2018 Division C - Coach of the Year

Nationals provides us with a rare opportunity to

Melissa Buscher Global Director,Communications & Marketing Program, LORD Corporation

It empowers us to celebrate students from every state the

Mark Byrne Plant Manager, Coroplast Megan DePorter Zeishner Engagement Manager, Engineering HR, Cisco Systems Anne Helm, Secretary/Treasurer Retired, Blue Cross NC Louis Hunt Vice Provost, Office of Enrollment Management & Services, NC State University

demonstrate what makes NC Science Olympiad so special. same way we do right here at home. This is our time in the spotlight, our chance to throw the best National Tournament we possibly can. That is why we need your help! Now, more than ever, we need you to get involved, to volunteer, and make a difference. I hope that you are ready to join us on this challenging journey and help us showcase the very best of North Carolina!

Visit www.scienceolympiad2020.com to learn more about getting involved.

Jason Painter Director, The Science House, NC State University Alisa Wickliff Assistant Director – Center for STEM Education, UNC Charlotte

| 2018 | 1 Season Highlights | 2019 |1

Season Highlights | 2019 | 1

THE ADVENTURE IS THE JOURNEY Kurt Vonnegut once said: "Science is magic that works." The Science Olympiad experience reflects Vonnegut’s idea. Part magic. Part hard work. Part unlimited potential.

These forces combine to create fuel for thought, driving students on academic and professional paths that are extraordinary. Our purpose is to create an enduring passion for scientific inquiry and inspire students to dream, discover and dare to act in ways that will last a lifetime. In our increasingly complex world, the challenges and opportunities in STEM are both vast and exhilarating.

It's the interaction of such talent and perspectives that spawns ingenuity and understanding.

Every year, thousands of North Carolina’s best students participate in Science Olympiad. They come from public, private and home schools and from all points on the economic, cultural and geographic spectrum. Once they participate in Science Olympiad, they are challenged, supported, guided and prepared for a lifetime of scientific inquiry. Read and explore the journey of five current and former NCSO participants and the impact the program has had on their lives.

18,000+

75

35

STUDENTS IN NC PARTICIPATING ANNUALLY

COUNTIES

REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

980+ K-12 TEAMS

2,000+

PARTICIPANTS AT STATE TOURNAMENT

680+

REGISTERED COACHES

"I began participating in NCSO when I was in the 7th grade (2004-2005) at Mill Creek Middle School in Catawba County."

"My specialty was the balsa wood structures events, such as towers, bridges and boomilever."

Won 6th place in Fermi Questions Fermi Questions is an event that asks science-related questions that seek fast, rough estimates of a quantity, which is either difficult or impossible to measure directly.

"I attribute NCSO with lighting a fire in me to pursue a degree and career in structural engineering.

NCSO led me to NC State, which has since provided me with enumerable connections, experiences and friendships, notably my wonderful wife!”

Promoted to Engineer.

Volunteered at NCSO. Tested over 1,300 balsa wood structures.

Graduated from NC State University in Civil Engineering. Became an Analyst at Kimley Horn.

Hired as a Nuclear Generation Intern with Duke Energy at Harris Nuclear Plant and Catawba Nuclear Station.

Graduated High School. Admitted into the Civil Engineering program at NC State.

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Season Highlights | 2019 | 3

"I was the first 3rd grade girl to make the varsity team.”

“I was partnered with a 5th grade boy who was very angry that he had received a 3rd grade girl for his partner. He assumed I couldn’t build because I was a girl. I wanted to prove him wrong so my dad and I went to 321 Blast Off coaches training sessions, bought several rocket kits and tested dozens of rocket designs to create the perfect one.”

“This club is the most important club in my life. It has played such a vital role in my development and I will forever be indebted to this organization. Because of NCSO, I have earned several full-ride scholarships and I have been accepted to multiple universities including Duke, University of Virginia, Eastern Carolina and NC State.

To prepare for my dream of becoming a pediatrician, I’ve shadowed my pediatrician and volunteered for over 200 hours at my local hospital.”

"Hopes to pursue a degree in Biochemistry Public Health and Bio Ethics."

“Science Olympiad has provided me with a platform to shine in the STEM field, allowing me to stand out among thousands of college applicants.”

Placed on the junior varsity team competing in Heredity Food Science and Write It, Do It. Won her very first national medal.

Placed 3rd in Anatomy and helped her team place 9th overall.

“I was used to being on the Varsity team when I was in elementary school, so it took me by surprise when I wasn’t the smartest kid trying out for the middle school team. I channeled my anger into my studying, allowing me to obtain a spot on the Varsity team in 7th grade.”

Placed 1st at States and 2nd at Nationals in the Write It, Do It event.

State Tournament Success Helped her team place 3rd overall in 2017 and 4th in 2018.

“My love for Science Olympiad grew so much over the years that I decided to become a coach for the junior varsity Washam Elementary Rock Star Team.”

Joined the varsity North Mecklenburg High School Science Olympiad team. Won 1st place in Experimental Design, received her 1st scholarship and placed 6th at the State Tournament.

QUOTES FROM OTHER PARTICIPANTS "I simply want to say THANK YOU to the North Carolina Science Olympiad for all that it has done for the hundreds of thousands of kids it has impacted. I often joke that the Olympiad produces more doctors and lawyers than any other organization, but there is a lot of truth in that statement. Their impact has shaped the lives of so many. I am a better person, student and leader because of Science Olympiad."

"Science Olympiad impacted my life in many ways. The program gave me opportunities to explore the intersection of some of my largest motivations — STEM education, mentorship and servant leadership — and it positioned me to be selected as a NC State Park Scholar, a scholarship and leadership development program founded upon the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character."

"I credit Science Olympiad with my choice of college, my major and future career path. My experience with NCSO had a large influence on attending NC State University and studying Biomedical Engineering.

One of my favorite events to compete in was Anatomy and Physiology and it has pushed me into pursuing a career in medicine. After I graduate I hope to attend medical school."

-Conen Morgan

-Rosalynn Phan

-Surya Tumbapura

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SHARE YOUR JOURNEY

NCSO ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Have your Science Olympiad Journey featured in a future issude of the NCSO newsletter.

CONTACT: VALERIE BASS

VABASS@NCSU.EDU

Season Highlights | 2019 | 5

HOW NC DID IN NY The 35th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament took place at Cornell University from May 31st to June 1st. Cornell is situated atop an idyllic hill in Ithaca, New York. Named after the home of Odysseus of the ancient Greek myth the Odyssey, this is an apt name for a town famous for its beauty. Located south of the Finger Lakes with a whopping 120 waterfalls in the area.

IB Middle School, and Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences. The tournament was a great success for North Carolina, three of the four teams placed in the top six in various events including Anatomy & Physiology, Code Busters, Herpetology, and more.

The top prize for Division B and C overall winners went to California; Kennedy Middle School and Troy High School. The National office reported that for the first time in my recollection, EVERY SINGLE event had at least one female medalist!

The town was the perfect backdrop for 5,000 students, coaches, educators, volunteers, and parents to converge for the nation's largest STEM competition.

Representing our state was North To read more about the 2019 National Carolina School of Science and Math, Tournament, please visit soinc.org or William G. Enloe High School, Piedmont. scienceolympiad2019.org.

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NOTHING COULD BE FINER Code Busters The North Carolina School of Science and Math received the top spot for the Code Busters event.

Code Busters asks teams of up to 3 participants to decode encrypted messages, or they may be required to encode messages with certain advanced ciphers.

WILMINGTON ON THE NATIONAL STAGE Anatomy & Physiology Piedmont IB won first place in the Anatomy & Physiology event.

This event tests knowledge of the human body. Topics may include diseases in those systems as well as the general anatomy and function of each system from the cellular to the holistic scale.

Congratulations to Piedmont IB for winning Gold!

Thermodynamics William G. Enloe High School took the top award in Thermodynamics event at Nationals. In this event, teams design and build a device to insulate a beaker of hot water, and take a test on concepts of thermodynamics.

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For the first time in several years, there was a new team from North Carolina at the National Science Olympiad Tournament - Wilmington Academy of Arts & Science.

Wilmington Academy has been climbing up the ranks in North Carolina over the years. Steadily and with much determination, they finally broke in to second place at the 2019 State Tournament. Their success is an example for all Science Olympiad teams to continue to strive for your goals.

Hard work and determination pay off!

For the Wilmington team, it has been a dream come true to attend Nationals. Speaking for the team, Ava Sauer, 8th Grader stated, "Attending National Science Olympiad at Cornell reflected years of hard work, our goals finally come to fruition at the national level. This experience was unparalleled and will leave a lasting impression on every one of us."

Wilmington made the most of their experience by hiking some of the gorgeous trails surrounding Ithaca, dressing to the nines at the closing ceremony, and absorbing all of the information they could on the National Science Olympiad experience. Their story is an inspiration to all aspiring teams hoping to make it to the National Tournament. On behalf of the North Carolina Science Olympiad community, we could not be prouder of your success and the example you have set for our state!

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EXPLORING THE NATIONALS EXPERIENCE A Taste of NC The NC Science Olympiad team participated in the National Tournament STEM Expo. The booth featured a VR experience that provided the viewer with an up close and personal look at a bug's life. The VR demo was a big hit with attendees.

In addition, the NCSO team also held a social media contest. Participants snapped a photo of the booth and were entered to win a gift basket full of NC goodies including Kripsy Kreme, Cheerwine, Burt's Bees, Mt. Olive Pickles and more.

THROWING DOWN THE GAUNTLET It was a traditional passing of the torch. The New York hosts welcomed NCSO's Kim Gervase to the stage. The NY Directors offered Kim gifts and words of wisdom in anticipation of the 2020 National Tournament. That's right, if you haven't heard by now the National Tournament is headed to North Carolina in May of 2020.

In return, Kim passed the BBQ sauce, that is a warm welcome from North Carolina and asked a daunting question... tomato or vinegar based sauce? That's right, every state making it to the 2020 Tournament will have to decide where they fall on the controversial topic. In addition, Kim premiered the 2020 tournament commercial, officially inviting the nation to NC State University. The commercial features Randy Woodson, the Chancellor of NC State University. The video also features a voice over and cameo from the upcoming event's Keynote Speaker Jason Latimer, Curator of Impossible Science. Click here to watch the official commercial.

Kim also announced the launch of the Wonder Challenge.

A year-long social media competition promoting the tournament. Each month features a partnership with a different tournament sponsor and/or partner in North Carolina.

To learn more about the Wonder Challenge and how you can enter see page 24 or visit scienceolympiad2020.com

Season Highlights | 2019 | 8

Mythbusting The Keynote Speaker for the National Tournament was former Mythbusters star Grant Imahara! Mr. Imahara gave an inspirational and fun speech to the excited crowd of attendees.

His speech drew from inspiration from his time on Mythbusters and stressed the importance of asking important questions, the role of science in education and the value of women in STEM.

Impromptu Graduation The Division C team from Montana missed their flight back home. While normally just an inconvenience, this team had SIX graduating seniors who missed their graduation. On short notice and in the airport lobby, North Carolina's own Piedmont IB Middle School helped throw an impromptu graduation ceremony for the Montana team. Though they missed their official ceremony, these seniors were showered with praise and celebrated Science Olympiad style.

IT'S ALL STEM AND GAMES Science is Fun, at least it should be if you are doing it right. That has been our approach for 2019, celebrating the fun in STEM. Over the years, we received feedback that we could do more to make the State tournament opening ceremony more fun.

As a result, NCSO made a few changes to this year's tournament. First, we added a competition for the Parade of Champions, winners received a prize pack. Second, we expanded the STEM Expo to include more partners and a

scavenger hunt to increase student engagement. As a result, TEN attendees went home with prizes. Lastly, we held a competition on the floor of Reynolds after opening ceremonies. Teams competed head-to-head in physical, logic-based, and goofy challenges for glory and prizes, of course.

These changes are a first step in improving the overall State Tournament experience for teams and a commitment to keep NC Science Olympiad fun!

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STATES GIVE STUDENTS MUCH DESERVED SHINE TIME DIVISION B

DIVISION C

1. Piedmont IB Middle School 2. Wilmington Academy of Arts & Sciences 3. Jay M. Robinson Middle School 4. Fred J. Carnage Magnet Middle School 5. Davis Drive Middle School 6. Smith Middle School 7. The Academy at Lincoln 8. Mills Park Middle School 9. West Cary Middle School 10. Randolph Middle School

1. North Carolina School of Science and Math 2. William G. Enloe High School 3. Raleigh Charter High School 4. North Mecklenburg High School 5. East Chapel Hill High School 6. John T. Hoggard High School 7. Ardrey Kell High School 8. Chapel Hill High School 9. Panther Creek High School 10. Isaac Bear Early College High School

COMPLETE LIST OF OVERALL WINNERS

NEW HAPPENINGS NCSO App NCSO has finally gone mobile! The 2019 State Tournament entered the 21st century with the debut of the new NCSO mobile app.

Participants, parents, coaches, and observers could access all tournament information from their mobile devices. The app allowed NCSO to provide a direct line of communication with users, allowing for real time updates and communication.

The app included a feedback survey which will be used to make improvements for next year!

#NCSciOly19 Many NCSO teams love to share their tournament experience on social media. This year, we wanted to help build on that experience by providing hashtag printers. Anyone using #NCSciOly19 on social media platforms automatically had their photo printed in the Reynolds Lobby with the official 2019 State Tournament logo. The printer was one of the most popular items this year with parents, students, and coaches lining up to snag their photo. The printer will be returning next year for both the State and National Tournaments.

Speed Mentoring How do you go from a Science Olympiad competitor to a fullfledged leader in STEM? Ask an expert of course! At this year's tournament NCSO partnered with STEM in the Park to provide competitors with one-on-one mentoring with STEM professionals. Speed mentoring provided competitors with a series of short, focused conversations about specific career and education questions related to all things STEM.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Longtime volunteer and former North Carolina Science Olympiad (NCSO) competitor, Ashwin Ghadiyaram, was recognized for his many contributions at the 2019 State Tournament. Ashwin competed in NCSO throughout middle and high school. Most notably, he served as Team Captain for the NC School of Science and Math's team during the 2015 season. That year, his team made it to the National Tournament in Lincoln, Nebraska.

After graduating high school, Ashwin continued his involvement with NCSO. For the past four years, he has served as Head Alumni Ambassador, State Event Supervisor for Anatomy & Physiology (both Divisions B & C), National Committee Member, and National Event Leader for Anatomy and Physiology (Division B). Ashwin has also pitched in wherever he was needed from cleaning up after tournaments to handing out medals.

So, how does it feel to be recognized for all of his hard work?

"It means a lot. Years ago, as a competitor, my goal was to always put my team of 18 students in the best possible position to perform well," remarked Ashwin. "Today, I get the chance to help not 18, but hundreds of students throughout North Carolina and this has been by far one of the most meaningful life experiences I've ever had."

Congratulations Ashwin! On behalf of the North Carolina Science Olympiad community, we are truly grateful and honored by Ashwin's eleven-year commitment to NCSO.

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2019 STATE TOURNAMENT Novozymes Arlan Peters, Head of Sustainability, at Novozymes spoke on behalf of the company on their sponsorship of the NCSO Ant Picnic Project. The project asked participants to collect and send in ants so that scientist could study enzymes on their legs. The project was of great interest to Novozymes, a global leader in enzymes and microbes for industrial use.

Wolfpack Love

NEVER HOME ALONE Dr. Rob Dunn, this year's Keynote Speaker, presented the findings of the NCSO Ant Picnic project at Friday's Opening Ceremony. The project encouraged Science Olympiad participants to search for new game-changing species of fungi by participating in a fun, hands-on science investigation.

Students across North Carolina were asked to collect ants by hosting a picnic for them.

Why ants? Well, it turns out ants naturally collect microbes on their legs. With teams participating from the mountains to the coast, this enabled exponentially more data to be collected in the team-effort approach of Citizen Science. Dr. Dunn revealed that seven lipases had been identified from the ants students collected. His team at NC State will continue to study the lipases to see if they will have any future benefit to his research.

Dr. Dunn also discussed his recent book, Never Home Alone, which focuses on, "a natural history of the wilderness in our homes, from the microbes in our showers to the crickets in our basements." His presentation focused on the importance of microbes living in our homes and how they benefit our daily life. He also stressed the importance of science education and the significant role Science Olympiad plays in preparing the next generation of scientists. Science Olympiad participants today will soon be tackling the biggest problems of the future from global warming and health care, to the preservation of microbes which make our way of life possible. Learn more about Rob Dunn and his research at www.robdunnlab.com.

A special thank you to Novozymes who generously sponsored the statewide science project.

Season Highlights | 2019 | 12

You may have noticed that this year NC State University had a larger presence at the State Tournament. From colleges tabling at the STEM Expo to Howling Cow ice cream provided

by Parents & Families Services and Undergraduate Admissions. As the home of NCSO, NC State is dedicated to making sure participants have the best tournament experience possible.

Game Time To boost excitement and encourage handson participation, NCSO held an impromptu game on the floor of Reynolds Coliseum after Opening Ceremonies. teams were asked to compete in a fun and high stakes game as onlookers cheered. Winners received a prizepack full of NCSO goodies and more.

Parade Champs The parade of champions got a little bit more fun this year.

To put more pep in the parade, NCSO added a spirit competition. Teams who really brought their team spirit were awarded with a prize pack including a gift card, NCSO and NC State swag. Congrats to Division B Saint Mary's Catholic School and Division C DaVinci's Dragons for their amazing outfits, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Season Highlights | 2018 | 9

RURAL PARTICIPATION PROJECT Access to STEM education is vital to the future success of students. But opportunities to receive that education are limited outside of the major metropolitan areas of North Carolina.

It is for that reason, NC Science Olympiad embarked on creating a new project to support STEM education for rural students and communities.

It provides rural and rookie participants with scholarships to attend NCSO: (1) Coaches' Clinic (2) Regional Tournament (3) State Tournament. Scholarships are available to ALL three divisions, with the exception of the State Tournament. Only teams qualifying for States will be considered. Applications for the upcoming season open in August 2019.

The project launched last year thanks to the support of The Duke Energy Foundation. We are excited to announce that the project was funded again for the 2020 tournament season. So, what does the project do exactly?

The launch of the project was a great success, providing many rural teams with a chance to participate in NCSO. Their stories are indicative of the power of STEM education and the need to fund project's like ours. Here are their stories:

Season Highlights | 2019 | 13

Weathering the Storm Mrs. Lowry-Jones of Robeson County applied for a Regional Tournament Scholarship due to hardship, “our school is a Title I school that was drastically impacted by flooding due to hurricanes. We lost valuable time and worked diligently to make up for loss of learning opportunities in and out of the classroom.”

Making up for that lost time included getting her students involved in extracurricular learning opportunities like Science Olympiad.

But barriers, mentioned above, prevented her from providing those opportunities until she applied for a Rural Participation Project scholarship, “because we were afforded the scholarship, we were able to provide transportation to and from competition, and to ensure that ALL team members were able to participate in the regional tournament.”

Her story is a great example of how the Rural Participation Project helps under-served

"Because we were afforded the scholarship, we were able to provide transportation to and from competition, and to ensure that ALL team members were able to participate in the regional tournament" communities overcome barriers to participate in Science Olympiad. Speaking on her gratitude she stated, “Thank you for helping to inspire our boys and girls to be curious about STEM, Science Olympiad, our need was great and you made a way!!! Thanks for making the impossible happen for our Union Chapel Tigers' Science Olympiad Team! Hats Off!”

18

RURAL PARTICIPATION PROJECT REPORT

RECEIVED NOT RECEIVED

Rookie teams (3 years or less)?

No 35%

Yes 65%

Title 1 School?

Scholarship Impact: "We are a small, rural school in a low income area with nearly 70% of our student population eligible for free and reduced school lunches. Without this scholarship, many of the students who had earned a bid to the state competition would have been forced to give up their field trip due to the financial burden it created for their family."

"I was a first year coach and had no idea what I was doing. We went to regionals and walked away with almost 30 medals!"

N/A 2%

No 35.2%

Yes 62.8%

***Title I refers to schools with at least 75% of student population designated as economically disadvantaged.

"We would have not been able to participate if we had not received the scholarship. We had never been to the event in the past. It was a great event for the students to see other students competing, to feel see what they need to do next time, and to plan for improvement for next year."

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REGIONALS ON THE RISE Engaging local communities to get involved at Regional Tournaments can be quite rewarding. A great example comes from the Lenoir Tournament.

With an interest in serving the community, local broadcaster Suddenlink provided support for the small elementary tournament. Through sponsorship, volunteer assistance, and goodies, Suddenlink helped to make the tournament experience a fun one for participants.

Suddenlink's support created buzz around the small tournament and brought a new level of excitement to the day's events.

Local tournaments benefit from such partnerships and can help regional directors ease costs, help staff events, and recognize competitor achievements.Â

Have questions about forging partnerships with the local business community? Contact Development Officer, Valerie Bass at vabass@ncsu.edu.

Building partnerships is as simple as inviting the local community to participate in the STEM expo. Such engagements benefit both local businesses and participants. By connecting students with real life STEM employers it encourages them to pursue a future in the STEM.

Lights. Camera. Action The biggest Science Olympiad tournament in the East draws quite the crowd. Often with a packed house, the Division B and C Wilmington Tournament entertains like no other. Such demand to see the action has led to live coverage of the tournament available online.

The Wilmington Live Broadcast has become a staple for the tournament. Coverage provided

by New Hanover County Schools students also provides a personal touch and local flare. Just as importantly, it provides parents, grandparents and other loved ones a chance to watch what they have dreaded missing.

Live coverage of the tournament is now something the community has come to rely on. Providing alternative ways to engage with Science Olympiad has no doubt helped the program reach newer audiences.

Providing alternative ways to engage with Science Olympiad has helped the program reach newer audiences.

Drawing on inspiration from the Wilmington Tournament, NC Science Olympiad decided to give live streaming of the the State Tournament a try. The Closing Ceremony was live-streamed on the official NCSO Facebook page for the first time ever. NCSO plans on continuing this service in the future and to use technology to share what makes our program so wonderful with the community at large.

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COMMUNITY PARTNERS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY >

SUMMER CAMP> A

ugust 7, 2018 – NCSO

attended Crosby Summer Camp to entertain campers with fun

Season Highlights | 2018 | 12

hands-on STEM activities.

According to Crosby Summer

G

Old medal experiences are a staple

Camp Director Dan Bulatek, “the

at National Science Olympiad

campers had a wonderful

Tournaments. Top winners can

time. They had fun while learning about STEM. Some campers made more catapults to

expect to receive an exciting real-

showcase what they learned on the last day of camp.” NC Science Olympiad provided

world STEM tour, hands-on training

20 kids with activities including boo bubbles, building activities, and marshmallow

or activity associated with their

catapult. NCSO staff would like to thank Crosby Summer Camp for partnering with us to

event. For example, the National

provide such a wonderful event in the local community.

Disease Detective winners receive an all expenses paid week-long trip to the Center for Disease Control headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

Such engaging opportunities served as inspiration for the pilot program NCSO launched this year. The program sought to provide Gold medal experiences for students in North Carolina. This year at States, several businesses and sponsors generously offered experiences to

HALF TIME SHOW TIME>

competitors. For example, Wolfspeed provided an on-site tour and

ecember 5, 2018 - Executive Director

D

simple household items: a garbage can,

mentoring to circuit lab winners,

Kim Gervase took to the basketball court

trash bags, and duct tape. Volunteers

Experiences were also provided by

to entertain spectators at the NC State

shuffled around as the crowd cheered on

NC Fossil Club, Novozymes, Kayak

Women's Basketball STEM Education

trying to see who could shoot off the most

Carolina, Lawrence Behr Associates,

Day. Roughly 5,000 eager Wake County

cups in one minute. The demonstration,

Inc, Pfizer, Shurtape, and Blue Line

fifth graders looked on as Kim

while entertaining, taught onlookers

Aviation.

demonstrated how to use physics outside

about the physics behind air flow and

of the classroom.

how basketball players are able to shoot

The pilot program has proved

the ball into the hoop.

successful, with the help of the local

Using the NC State University Pep Band

business community, NCSO will

as volunteers, NCSO staff used air

NCSO was happy to partner with the NC

continue to expand the program

cannons to shoot foam cups off of their

State Athletics Department to

moving forward.

heads. The cannons were made from

demonstrate just how fun STEM can be!

Season Highlights | 2019 | 18

VOLUNTEERS THE LOVE OF SCIENCE OLYMPIAD >

STATEWIDE>

COACHES OF THE YEAR DIVISION A

Elizabeth Heisel Elizabeth Cashwell For many, Science Olympiad is a family affair, Andy and Wendy

Srinivasan are no exception. The husband and wife duo co-direct the Division A Johnston County Regional Tournament together.

Elementary School

DIVISION B

Andy started working with Science Olympiad as a coach for his high school’s team. Not long after, he began helping with the nearby Johnston County Division A tournament. Needing help with managing the event, he turned to Wendy.

Their support for NCSO is a result of their shared experience, "We

Leslee Bentley

enjoyed watching how excited the students were and being able to

Morganton Day School

help coaches prepare their students to compete." Their commitment to the program is driven by their desire to get more students involved,

DIVISION C

"we decided to continue as directors in hopes of increasing participation within the county and helping our students gain a love of science and math. We've had increasing participation every year and are excited about what the future brings to the tournament."

On behalf of the NCSO community, thank you for your leadership!

Cara McLauchlan DaVinci's Dragons S e a s oSeason n H i g Highlights h l i g h t s | |22018 0 1 9 || 13 19

1997 VS 2020 NATIONAL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

It was the Spring of 1997, the season finale of Seinfeld just aired, Tony Blair was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and North Carolina Science Olympiad hosted Nationals for the first time.

Back in the day...

The '97 tournament, at first glance, doesn't look all that different from the most recent National Tournaments. Even some of the people are the same. But, on closer inspection there are shining examples that call back to the Dot Com Decade. For example, there is a letter from President Bill Clinton congratulating competitors on making it to Nationals. The interior of the program is in black and white. Tournament staff are rocking classic nineties hairdos.

Most amusingly, there is a trial event called Surfing the Net. The test features questions such as, "Sandy Horace Love was granted a patent in 1993 for what sort of a machine?"

This of course was before Google or any other search engine existed. No other event better

"By challenging your thinking skills, creativity, and teamwork, the National Science Olympiad Tournament is preparing you for the great adventure of life in the twenty-first century."

-President Bill Clinton exemplifies the rapid change in technological advancement in the last twenty-three years.

Then vs. Now Since 1997, NC Science Olympiad has grown rapidly both in teams, coaches, volunteers, and staff. In 1997, NCSO only had 250 teams, today there are approximately 1,000 teams. Then, there were only eight regionals and no elementary tournaments. Now, there are thirty-eight regional tournaments, twenty of which are Division A (elementary), Then, NCSO was the fourth largest Science Olympiad program in the country,  Season Highlights | 2019 | 21

18

Season Highlights | 2019 | 22

Now it is the second largest.

What has led to the rapid growth in the North Carolina program?

The progress in recent years is due in large part to the 1997 National Tournament being hosted at NC State University.

Home of NC Science Olympiad When Nationals came to NC State in 1997 it created a wave of enthusiasm and support at the university. Then Chancellor Marye Ann Fox was so inspired by the National events that she pushed for the continued support of NCSO. Her proposal?

Hosting the State Tournament at NC State the following year.

NC State's support grew from there. NCSO officially joined The Science House, a department at NC State dedicated to developing the STEM workforce of tomorrow, not long after the National Tournament. NC State has been the official home of NC Science Olympiad ever since.

The 1997 National Tournament and the partnerships formed from it has been the primary force that has driven the rapid growth at NC Science Olympiad.

The 2020 Tournament has likewise created new partnerships in business, at NC State University, and the local community. NC Science Olympiad will benefit from these new partnerships.

Such renewed energy will no doubt lead to growth and support for the program.

NORTH CAROLINA HITS THE BIG TIME The National Science Olympiad tournament is coming to NC State University in less than a year away. NC Science Olympiad is busy planning for thousands of students, coaches, parents, business leaders, and more to descend on NC State University on May 13-16, 2020.

This is North Carolina's chance to take the spotlight. The tournament is a rare opportunity to highlight the many wonderful things about our state.

The theme of the 2020 National Science Olympiad Tournament is Celebrating Wonder. This is our chance to celebrate North Carolina, student

achievement and scientific discoveries.

It is also our chance to celebrate the dedicated work of the thousands of students, alumni, coaches, parents, regional directors, sponsors and volunteers who make our work possible.

The National Tournament is a triumph not just for NC Science Olympiad but for all of you. This coming year will be a challenging one, but we are confident that we will rise to the occasion with your continued support. Stay up-to-date on all tournament news by visiting www.scienceolympiad2020.com.

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WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Volunteer The success of NC Science Olympiad is due to the loyal support of the thousands of volunteers who help run tournaments every year. Now more than ever we need your help!

With the State Tournament and Nationals only three weeks apart next Spring, NCSO needs our dedicated volunteers to take a leading role. There are many positions available for a variety of interests. Sign up and help us put North Carolina's best foot forward at Nationals.

Student Ambassadors Get in on the action!

There are a variety opportunities available for NC Science Olympiad participants to represent North Carolina at the National Tournament.

One of the most prestigious roles an NCSO participant can fulfill is a Student Ambassador. As an Ambassador you will act as a representative of NCSO and interact directly with Nationals competitors. Click here to sign up to be a Student Ambassador at Nationals.

Pay It Forward National Tournaments are a celebration of student success. It is also an opportunity for the host state to demonstrate their passion for helping the next generation of STEM leaders. Help us celebrate students across the country by donating to the 2020 National Science Olympiad Tournament. Click here to donate and help give a one-of-a-kind North Carolina welcome.

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GET IN ON THE ACTION A year seems like a long time. But, there is no shortage of tasks to complete in preparation for the National Tournament.

Planning and coordination for the event began three years ago and is now kicking into overdrive.

The 2020 National Science Olympiad Executive Committee was formed to manage the endeavor. With an estimated 8,000 attendees there is much to be done. The committee is tasked with organizing accommodations, coordinating events, production, fundraising, and more. Preparations for Nationals must happen concurrently with the NCSO tournament season. With a staff of three, we must use every resource at hand. That is why we need you!

NCSO is lucky to have such a large and caring community of parents, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors. We need your help now more than ever to help us prepare for the biggest challenge we have faced to date. There are many ways you can help. First, you can sign-up to volunteer. Second, you can encourage students in middle or high school to become a Nationals Student Ambassador. Ambassadors will play a vital role in helping NCSO welcome the country to North Carolina.

Lastly, NCSO must provide the best National Tournament experience possible without sacrificing the state program.

That is why we are calling on you to help support NCSO by donating to the state program.Your donation will be used to help cover facility rental fees for tournaments, medals and trophies for competitors, test writing, and more.

Community support has been the lifeblood of NCSO . Without you, our work would not be possible. We look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with all of you!

2020 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT #Apollo50

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing by joining the Morehead Planetarium #WonderChallenge. We challenge you to create a rocket at home and share the results of your launch on social media. Use #WonderChallenge and #Apollo50 on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to enter to win a Space Lover’s Prize Pack. Follow @ncscifest throughout the month to see some of our favorite kinds of rockets.

#WONDERCHALLENGE At the 2019 National Tournament at Cornell University, NCSO kicked off the #WonderChallenge, a year-long social media campaign designed to Celebrate Wonder. Each month leading up to the 2020 National Tournament we will showcase a different partner with a unique STEM challenge.

We invite you to Celebrate Wonder by participating in this fun and engaging social media challenge. At the beginning of every month, a new challenge will be released.

Participants will tag their challenge entries with the hashtag #WonderChallenge and post on social media for judging and selection. Our community partners will select winners and provide an exciting prize!

Each challenge opens on the first of the month and ends on the 25th of the month. Winners will be announced the last week of the challenge. EVERYONE is welcome to participate in the #WonderChallenge! Your are invited to participate in as many monthly challenges as you like and as many times as you like. The #WonderChallenge runs monthly from now until May 2020.

Be sure to follow the 2020 National Science Olympiad Tournament on Facebook (@scioly2020), Instagram (@scioly2020), and Twitter (@scioly2020) to stay up-to-date on challenges.

#SciOly2020 Let's get social!

Whether you are a volunteer, participant, coach or sponsor we want to see your journey to the 2020 National Science Olympiad Tournament. Use #SciOly2020 to share your Nationals experience with the rest of the country. Follow #SciOly2020 to see other peoples journeys and stay informed on important tournament news, photos, and more.

On the Web The official 2020 National Science Olympiad website has launched!

Throughout the year we will be updating and adding new information on the upcoming event. Click here to learn more about the tournament and tour the new nationals website.

To enter the July 3-2-1 Blast Off #WonderChallenge, visit www.scienceolympiad2020.com/current-challenge/.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS JULY 1, 2018-JUNE 30, 2019

The team behind the team

INTERESTED IN SPONSORING A TOURNAMENT? Contact Development Officer Valerie Bass at 919-515-5020 or vabass@ncsu.edu.Â

THANK YOU TO OUR INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS

JULY 1, 2018-JUNE 30, 2019 Greg Adams

Stacie Herman

Amy Pace

Thiagaraja Balasubramanian

Amy Hobeika

Megan Pendlum

Amy Baldwin

Corina Mota

In Honor of Carter Pendlum

Amber & Jason Garcowski Jeffrey Harmon Anne & Greg Helm

In Honor of Richy Huneycutt

Patricia Mullins Sherman Mumford Marsha O'Hare

Bill Rand Kathryn Tesh Patricia Weber

JOIN THE OLYMPIAN CIRCLE

The team behind the team Help 18,000+ students across North Carolina receive a STEM education by joining the Olympian Circle!

For just $10 a month you can support 35+ statewide Science Olympiad tournaments. As a thank you, members receive early access to NCSO news, an official Olympian Circle t-shirt, and a chance to attend the State Tournament VIP event.

We need YOU to become an Olympian Circle member today!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Season Highlights | 2018 | 27

www.sciencenc.com www.ScienceOlympiad2020.com