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.
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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.
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