NDSU hosted the North Dakota Science Olympiad on April 22. Approximately 730 North Dakota students in grades 6-12 competed in the state science competition for a chance to advance to nationals. 

Students competed in a series of 35 science, technology, engineering and mathematics events to test their competency in the sciences. Activities ranged from science trivia and experimental design to chemistry labs and building rubber band powered helicopters.

“These kids are serious and really competitive,” said Guy Hokanson, a programmer and analyst in the NDSU computer science department and director of the event. “It’s a challenging, fast-paced day for everybody involved.”

Teams are comprised of 15 students, with Division B teams having students in grades 6 through 9 and Division C teams having students in grades 9 through 12. Teams in the state competition qualified by finishing in the top five at a regional competition. The top-ranked team in each division will represent North Dakota at the national competition May 19-20 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. 

The North Dakota event ranks No. 16 in the country in team participation each year. About 150 volunteers help run the individual events.

The Science Olympiad began in 1984. The North Dakota event has been held at NDSU each of its 33 years. 

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