Science Olympiad: Partners in Neuroscience Education
The Science Olympiad provides SfN members with an opportunity to introduce young students to neuroscience. Either as a coach for an Olympiad team or assisting as a team advisor, neuroscientists can get involved.
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Visit the official Science Olympiad Web site to see listings of local teams, contact state directors and explore outreach opportunities.
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What is Science Olympiad?
For more than 25 years, K-12 schools across the United States have participated in Science Olympiad, a series of competitive events challenging students to excel in the sciences. Starting at the regional level, the Olympiad culminates in an annual national tournament where over 5,000 students compete in 46 events. From making fake wounds to building a rubber motor-powered monoplane, the Science Olympiad offers unconventional educational opportunities paralleling real-world scientific settings. Science Olympiad's goal is to bring academic competition to the same level of recognition and praise normally reserved for athletic competitions in the United States. View a Science Olympiad brochure (PDF).
What role does SfN play?
SfN sponsors two national level events that feature neuroscience subject matter in their rotations. SfN educational publications are used as primary resources.
Anatomy (Middle School Event): This event explores anatomy of human body systems and the effects of aging, exercise, drugs, and disease. Neuroscience content has focused on nerve cell structure and function, central nervous system organization, the visual system, and neurological disorders and diseases.
Anatomy & Physiology (High School Event): This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of human body systems and the impact of aging, exercise, drugs, and diseases. Neuroscience content has focused on the nervous and circulatory systems and the effect of nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, methamphetamines, opiates, and barbiturates. Also included has been the peripheral nervous sytem, neural impulses and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the purpose and function of MRIs and EEGs.
The champion team of the Anatomy & Physiology event wins a trip to SfN's annual meeting.
How can SfN members get involved?
As scientists, SfN members can serve as coaches, advisors, or consultants to Olympiad teams. SfN Chapters can support local teams.
Visit the official Science Olympiad Web site.