Hamburg Area High School has started up a Science Olympiad team after over six years without one. Students and science teachers alike are very excited to restart the team and are eagerly preparing for the Berks County Science Olympiad Invitational to be held at Kutztown University on January 8. This is a practice event in which students get to gain experience and test their knowledge and skills in preparation for the PA Central East Region Science Olympiad Tournament to be held at Kutztown University on March 20.
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events. These events feature individuals or teams of two students who compete with students from other schools. Each year, a portion of the events are rotated in order to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology. The Science Olympiad combines events from all aspects of science to encourage broader student participation and interest. The competition also places a heavy emphasis on active, hands-on group participation, creating a teamwork-focused environment.
The Science Olympiad team is coached by Mr. Lowe, Mr. Laughlin, and Mr. Meyers, and all science teachers support teams in specific events related to their strengths. Hamburg has a full team of 15 students who are preparing for the competition. The team’s goal is to finish in the top half at regionals all while having fun and engaging in science. Mr. Lowe notes, “Students have shown strong interest and I’m excited to be working with them. I’m particularly grateful to Shay McCarty and Ryleigh Scholl who participated in the Science Olympiad at other schools and pushed us here at Hamburg to restart our team.”
Senior, Shay McCarty, has participated in the Science Olympiad since 7th grade and is very excited to participate at Hamburg. She is currently working in Ecology and Anatomy notes for the events and hopes to place in the top three in at least one of her events. Shay comments, “Science Olympiad is an amazing time with friends at Kutztown University! People who love science and want to communicate and participate as a team come together to participate in different events and activities, and get to hang out and compete. It brings out good times, good events, and hard work in a competitive nature!”
Mr. Lowe plans to continue the Science Olympiad team at Hamburg until he retires and hopes that when that time comes he is able to pass it on to continue long after he is gone. He notes, “ It has already been so rewarding for me and we’re just getting started. I want to at least make states to showcase the great work our kids are doing.”
Students with an interest in science, teamwork, and hands-on activities should definitely consider joining the team in the future. Wish this year’s participants good luck, and be sure to keep an eye out for how Hamburg’s Science Olympiad team performs this year!
