Source: Don Von Bergen, 785-826-2696, dvb@k-state.edu
Prepared by: Abigail Crouse, 785-826-2642, acrouse@sal.ksu.edu
Friday, Jan. 11, 2008
K-STATE AT SALINA TO BE HOST TO REGIONAL SCIENCE COMPETITION
SALINA -- Kansas State University at Salina will host a Regional Kansas Science Olympiad Wednesday, Jan. 16. The Kansas Science Olympiad is a statewide competition that challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge, ability and skills in all areas of science.
This is the 24th year of Science Olympiad and K-State at Salina has been host to a regional competition for more than 15 years. The nationally recognized competition is for students with an interest in science and engineering, providing them an opportunity to learn more about science and have fun.
The olympiad has competitions in biology, physics, chemistry, earth science, engineering and inquiry. The competitions include everything from written tests and lab experiments to the construction of a structure or a robot.
Don Von Bergen, head of the department of arts, science and business at K-State at Salina, has been a part of the Kansas Science Olympiad for more than 10 years, first as a coach for Salina South High School and now as director of the Salina regional event.
Von Bergen said the help of many volunteers makes the yearly event possible.
"Several students are on hand to assist, along with about 26 members of the faculty," Von Bergen said. "Also vital are the volunteers from the Rolling Hills Zoo, The Land Institute, Kansas Wesleyan University, private citizens and members of K-State's Manhattan campus."
In addition to K-State at Salina, other regional olympiads will be in Garden City, Hays, Kansas City and Wichita. The K-State at Salina regional competition, which is expected to draw 450 students from 30 schools, includes Division B for grades 6-9 and Division C for grades 9-12. Team members usually compete in pairs and enter about four events each. Although individual victories are essential, teamwork plays a large part in the competition.
"This is truly a team sport," Von Bergen said. "Even if one person is a top performer in one or two events, they can't proceed to the state meet if the team score is too low."
Along with promoting teamwork, the goals of Kansas Science Olympiad are to increase the interest and proficiency of Kansas students in the study of science, to recognize outstanding student and teacher achievements in science, and to improve the quality of science education in Kansas.