Science Olympiad tests all aspects of science

The Elementary Science Olympiad at Cam-plex last week featured a mass of young scientists, facing off in contests designed and led by high school students in Thunder Basin and Campbell County’s science clubs.

Elementary students tested water quality, designed laser mazes, tackled circuitry challenges and put their engineering skills to the test with popsicle-stick bridges and helicopters they prepared before the competition with guidance from their team advisors.

One standout moment came when CCHS students tested Hillcrest Elementary’s bridge. Despite its slightly lopsided appearance, the bridge’s engineering proved exceptional, surprising many by holding an impressive amount of weight for its size. It was a reminder that looks can be deceiving - and that great design matters more than perfect symmetry.

Across the room, Bridger and Zach manned the water quality station. They said that one of the best parts of the event was watching students approach the same problems (calculating the pH, salinity and turbidity levels of different water samples) from different vantage points.

“Science is literally trial and error,” Bridger, the mind behind the water testing contest, said. “And we’re watching them all do that in different ways. It’s been very fun.”

Thank you to the elementary sponsors, volunteers, high school leaders and students who helped make this year’s competition such a success. From bridges to beakers, this event showcased the creativity, teamwork and curiosity of Campbell County’s future scientists