PR's Science Olympiad 2023-24

Science Olympiad (SO) is for grades 3-5 at Polo Ridge.  Our mission is to create a love of learning and an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). We recognize the importance of cultivating student interest to solve national and global problems and meet the future economic needs of our country and global community.

Please read carefully ALL of the information for registration, trying out and the tight schedule starting in January.  If you have any questions, email christopherj.knez@cms.k12.nc.us .

Science Olympiad will be back to onsite competition.  Here is some information about how the events will be done:

2023 Division A Event Manual and Schedule

PR's SO Teams (read carefully):
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  • Please fill out by December 19, 2022 this Registration Form only if your child is serious about being on the team.
  • Our school generally fields 3 teams of 18 students per team. 
  • Students will write essays on January 4 from 4-6 pm in the media center. Please follow the directions for your grade.  Essay topics and rubrics are below. The essay is used to get the number of students down to around 60. 
  • On January 5, 4-6 pm - Event rules review. The event rules tests are based on student interest; however, ultimate event placement comes from Mr. Knez because we need students in every event. Event quizzes will be on January 11.
    • For testing in multiple events, the events should be in different periods. Use this SCHEDULE and choose 1 event from each of the three labeled groupings (1, 2, 3).
    • See the event rules below - know your event by studying the rules.  
  • Fee of approximately $25 will be assessed to each team member which covers supplies, competition registration and t-shirts
  • ​Photos from previous years

Teams will be announced by January 19.  Our first practice will be on January 24.  Teams will have to create a working schedule for when their teams will meet.
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Given the number of events and the 18 max. team size requirements,  some students will do more than one event. Each event has two students, some allow 3.  Students with multiple events will have to be creative in their scheduling to make sure they meet weekly.

SO meets every Tuesday and Thursday at our school and dismisses at the front of the school.  Parent volunteers are welcome, but I generally utilize former talent that is in middle school to assist event teams.

Thanks,
Chris Knez

Volunteers:
We welcome all Polo Ridge legacy SO team members and parents to come join the fun in cultivating a lover for STEM. If you are so inclined please fill out the appropriate form below.
IMPORTANT DATES:
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December 19, 2022 - Student registration is due - See link above.

January 4  - Essays Writing - 4-6 pm-  Polo Ridge Media Center

January 5 - Event Rules  Review- 4-6 pm - Polo Ridge Media Center - Mr. Knez will go over each event.

January 11 - Event Quizzes 4-6 pm - Polo Ridge Media Center

 January 19 -  Teams Announced

January 24 - First Team Practice - Mandatory Attendance

Practices continue every Tuesday and Thursday until competition on April 29, 8 am -3 pm, at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, 1430 Alleghany St, Charlotte, NC 28208 - Directions

CMS school closings apply

Essay Questions for 1/4/2023
For each grade, pick one topic.

3rd_grade_essay_topics.pdf
File Size: 59 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
4th_grade_essay_topics.pdf
File Size: 102 kb
File Type: pdf
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5th_grade_essay_topics.pdf
File Size: 64 kb
File Type: pdf
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RUBRICS for Essays:
so_3rd_grade_essay_rubric.pdf
File Size: 255 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
so_4th_and_5th_grade_essay_rubric.pdf
File Size: 329 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
2023 Division A (Elementary) Events List2023 Division A Event Manual and Schedule
3,2,1, Blast Off!  
Animal Adaptations
Backyard Biologist
Body Builders
Bridge-a-Roni
Codebusters 
Data Crunchers
Describe It, Build It
Movers & Shakers
Rock Star
Science Sketchers
Sky Quest
STEM Design Challenge
Super Sleuths
Trajeggtory