Division C

For Elementary School events, see Division A. For the Middle School competition, see Division B.

Division C Science Olympiad is for high school students, in 9th to 12th grade. Out of the fifteen students on a team, a maximum of seven members can be in 12th grade. All students on a team must be from the membership school. Team membership rules may vary by state, and many states allow multiple teams per school.

2023-2024 Short Event Descriptions

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Air Trajectory

Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct, and calibrate a single device capable of launching projectiles onto a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance.

Anatomy and Physiology (Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Excretory)

Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, and Excretory systems.

Astronomy

Teams will demonstrate an understanding of Stellar Evolution: Star Formation & Exoplanets.

Chemistry Lab (Periodicity and Equilibrium)

Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Periodicity and Equilibrium.

Codebusters

Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers.

Detector Building

Teams will build a durable ORP or Redox Probe that will accurately measure and display both voltage and the concentrations of NaCl in parts per million from 0 to 5000 ppm of different water samples.

Disease Detectives

Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people.

Dynamic Planet (Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Tectonics)

Participants will demonstrate an understanding of the large-scale processes affecting the structure of Earth’s crust.

Ecology

Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptations in featured North American biomes.

Experimental Design

This event will determine a participant's ability to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment entirely on-site.

Fermi Questions

Teams provide answers to a series of “Fermi Questions”; science related questions that seek fast, rough estimates of a quantity, which is either difficult or impossible to measure directly.

Flight

Prior to the tournament, teams will construct, collect data on test flights, analyze and optimize a free flight rubber-powered aircraft to achieve maximum time aloft.

Forensics

Given a scenario and some possible suspects, students will perform a series of tests. These tests, along with other evidence or test results, will be used to solve a crime.

Forestry

Participants will be assessed on their general forestry knowledge and the trees found in the United States that are on the 2024 Official Science Olympiad National Tree List.

Fossils

Teams identify and classify fossils and demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life. Tasks will be related to interpretation of past environments and ecosystems, adaptations, evolutionary relationships, and the use of fossils in dating and correlating rock units.

Geologic Mapping

Teams will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross sections, and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and past depositional environments on Earth and other planetary bodies.

Microbe Mission

Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes.

Optics

Teams must participate in an activity involving positioning mirrors to direct a laser beam towards a target and are tested on their knowledge of geometric and physical optics.

Robot Tour

Teams design, build, program and test one Robotic Vehicle to navigate a track to reach a target at a set amount of time as accurately and efficiently as possible.

Scrambler

Teams design, build, and test a mechanical device, which uses the energy from a falling mass to transport an egg along a straight track as quickly as possible and stop as close to the center of a Terminal Barrier (TB) without breaking the egg.

Tower

Teams will design and build a Tower (Structure) meeting requirements specified in these rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency.

Wind Power

Teams construct a blade assembly device prior to the tournament that is designed to capture wind power and complete a written test on the principles of alternative energy.

Write It Do It

One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

Past Seasons

2008-2009 Event Descriptions Astronomy Teams identify deep sky objects and solve astronomy problems. Cell Biology Students will demonstrate their understanding of cell biology and biochemistry. Chemistry Lab Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to selected topics. Disease Detectives This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. Dynamic Planet (Earthquakes and Volcanoes) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions. Ecology Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptation by examining different ecosystems. Egg-O-Naut Teams will design, construct and launch rockets to stay aloft and carry a raw egg without breaking. Electric Vehicle Students will construct a vehicle that uses electrical energy as its sole mean of propulsion. Elevated Bridge Teams will design, build & test the lightest bridge to carry a maximum load. Environmental Chemistry Teams will be asked questions pertaining to environmental chemistry, which may include chemical reactions, characterization, and quantification. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Fossils Students will identify, describe, and classify various specimens. Health Science Teams will be tested on their knowledge of health concepts. Herpetology This event will test knowledge of amphibians, turtles, crocodiles and reptiles. It's About Time Using a pre-constructed non-electronic device, students will measure time in intervals. Junkyard Challenge Students will partially pre-construct an device with final construction and adaptation onsite to complete a published challenge. Physics Lab Teams will demonstrate physics laboratory skills related to selected topics. Picture This Draw representations of a set of scientific terms or concepts and guess the term being drawn. Remote Sensing Teams use maps and remote sensing technology to explain human impact on the Earth. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Trajectory Teams will design, construct, calibrate and operate a device capable of launching a projectile into a target using energy provided by nonmetallic elastic solids. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2009-2010 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Skeletal, Muscular, Endocrine) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to skeletal, muscular and endocrine systems. Astronomy Teams identify deep sky objects and solve astronomy problems. Cell Biology Students will demonstrate their understanding of cell biology and biochemistry. Chemistry Lab Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to selected topics. Disease Detectives This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. Dynamic Planet (Earthquakes and Volcanoes) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions. Ecology (Grasslands, Taiga) Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptation by examining different ecosystems. Egg-O-Naut Teams will design, construct and launch rockets to stay aloft and carry a raw egg without breaking. Elevated Bridge Teams will design, build & test the lightest bridge to carry a maximum load. Environmental Chemistry Teams will be asked questions pertaining to environmental chemistry, which may include chemical reactions, characterization, and quantification. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Fossils Students will identify, describe, and classify various specimens. It's About Time Using a pre-constructed non-electronic device, students will measure time in intervals. Mission Possible Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a "Rube Goldberg-like device" that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive tasks. Mousetrap Vehicle Teams will design, build and test a vehicle that uses one or two snap mousetraps as the sole propulsion energy source to travel a distance and return to the starting line center as quickly as possible. Ornithology This event will test knowledge of North American birds on the official list. Physics Lab Teams will demonstrate physics laboratory skills related to selected topics including wind power and alternative energy. Teams will build a blade assembly used to capture wind power and generate voltage. Picture This Draw representations of a set of scientific terms or concepts and guess the term being drawn. Remote Sensing Teams use maps and remote sensing technology to explain human impact on the Earth. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Trajectory Teams will design, construct, calibrate and operate a device capable of launching a projectile into a target using energy provided by nonmetallic elastic solids. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2010-2011 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Respiratory, Muscular, Endocrine) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to respiratory, muscular and endocrine systems. Astronomy (Active Galaxies) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to galaxies. Chemistry Lab Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to selected topics. Disease Detectives (Foodborne Illness) This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. Dynamic Planet (Earth's Fresh Water) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions. Ecology (Tundra/Taiga) Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptation by examining different ecosystems. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Fossils Students will identify, describe, and classify various specimens. Helicopters Students will construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters prior to the tournament to achieve maximum flight times. Microbe Mission Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes. Mission Possible Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a "Rube Goldberg-like device" that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive tasks. Mousetrap Vehicle Teams will design, build and test a vehicle that uses one or two snap mousetraps as the sole propulsion energy source to travel a distance and return to the starting line center as quickly as possible. Optics Teams compete in activities and answer questions related to geometric and physical optics. Ornithology This event will test knowledge of North American birds on the official list. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide them in constructing physical models of proteins. For 2011, students will model proteins involved in reprogramming adult cells to become stem cells. Remote Sensing Teams use maps and remote sensing technology to explain human impact on the Earth. Sounds of Music Prior to the competition, students will build one wind instrument and one percussion instrument based on a 12 tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operation and be able to perform a major scale, a required melody and a chosen melody with each. Sumo Bots Teams will design and construct a robot (bot) that will attempt to move an opponent's robot from the ring. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Towers Team members design and build the most efficient tower. Wind Power Teams will build a blade assembly that consists of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor attached to a compact disc (CD) which will be used to capture wind power. Students will also be tested on their knowledge regarding alternative energy. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2011-2012 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Nervous, Excretory, Digestive) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to respiratory, excretory and digestive systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Type Ia Supernovae) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and type Ia supernovas. Chem Lab (Electrochemistry and Periodicity) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to Redox reactions and/or periodicity. Disease Detectives (Food-Borne Illness) This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. (Food Borne Illness) Dynamic Planet (Earth's Fresh Water) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions, specifically Earth's Fresh Waters. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Fermi Questions A Fermi Question is a science related question that seeks a fast, rough estimate of a quantity which is difficult or impossible to measure directly. Answers will be estimated within an order of magnitude recorded in powers of 10. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Forestry This event will test student knowledge of North American trees that are on the Official National Tree List. Gravity Vehicle Teams design, build and test one vehicle and ramp that uses gravitational potential energy as the vehicle's sole means of propulsion to reach a Target Point as quickly, as accurately and as close to their predicted time as possible. Helicopters Students will construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters prior to the tournament to achieve maximum flight times. Microbe Mission Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes. Optics Teams compete in activities and answer questions related to geometric and physical optics. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide them in constructing physical models of proteins and in understanding how the structure of the protein determines the function. For 2012, students will model proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis as they explore the discovery and treatment of a rare (one in a billion) genetic trait discovered through genome sequencing. Remote Sensing (Hydrosphere) Teams use maps and remote sensing technology to explain human impact on the Earth. Robot Arm Prior to the competition teams must design, build, document and test one robotic device to move scored items. Rocks & Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Sounds Of Music Prior to the competition, students will build two different instruments of any type based on a 12 tone tempered scale, prepare to describe the principles behind their operation and be able to perform a major scale, a required melody and a chosen melody with each. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Thermodynamics Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat. Teams must also complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts. Towers Team members design and build the most efficient tower. Water Quality The event will focus on evaluating aquatic environments. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2012-2013 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Nervous, Excretory, Digestive) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to nervous, excretory and digestive systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Type II Supernovae) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and type II supernovae. Boomilever Students will build a cantilevered wooden structure. Chemistry Lab (Periodicity and Equilibrium) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to equilibrium and periodicity. Circuit Lab Students will compete in theoretical and practical activities involving knowledge of direct current (DC) electrical circuits. Designer Genes Students will solve problems using their knowledge of molecular genetics and biotechnology. Disease Detectives (Environmental Quality) This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. Dynamic Planet (Glaciers) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions, specifically Glaciers. Elastic Launched Glider Students will design, build and test two elastic launched gliders capable of the highest time aloft. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Fermi Questions A Fermi Question is a science related question that seeks a fast, rough estimate of a quantity which is difficult or impossible to measure directly. Answers will be estimated within an order of magnitude recorded in powers of 10. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Forestry This event will test student knowledge of North American trees that are on the Official National Tree List. Gravity Vehicle Teams design, build and test one vehicle and ramp that uses gravitational potential energy as the vehicle's sole means of propulsion to reach a Target Point as quickly, as accurately and as close to their predicted time as possible. MagLev Competitors may construct up to two self-propelled magnetically levitated vehicles powered by batteries that turn up to two propellers to move the vehicle down a magnetic track. Students will also be tested on their knowledge of magnetism and related topics. Materials Science Teams will answer a series of questions or complete tasks involving the scientific processes of chemistry focused in the areas of materials science. Remote Sensing (Hydrosphere) Teams use remote sensing imagery, science and math process skills to complete tasks related to an understanding of Earth's Hydrosphere. Robot Arm Prior to the competition teams must design, build, document and test one robotic device to move scored items. Rocks & Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Thermodynamics Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat. Teams must also complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts. Water Quality The event will focus on evaluating aquatic environments. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2013-2014 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Nervous, Integumentary, Immune) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to nervous, integumentary and immune systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Variable Stars) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and variable stars. Boomilever Students will build a cantilevered wooden structure. Bungee Drop Teams will build one elastic cord to conduct two drops at a given height to get a mass in a bottle as close as possible to the ground. Chemistry Lab (Equilibrium and Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to equilibrium and chemical reactions & stoichiometry. Circuit Lab Students will compete in theoretical and practical activities involving knowledge of direct current (DC) electrical circuits. Compound Machines Teams will be demonstrate their knowledge of simple and compound machines and build a device to determine an unknown mass. Designer Genes Students will solve problems using their knowledge of molecular genetics and biotechnology. Disease Detectives (Environmental Quality) This event requires students to apply principles of epidemiology to a published report of a real-life health situation or problem. Dynamic Planet (Glaciers) Teams will work at stations that display a variety of earth science materials and related earth science questions, specifically glaciers and long-term climate change. Elastic Launched Glider Students will design, build and test two elastic launched gliders capable of the highest time aloft. Entomology Students will identify insects by order and family and answer questions about their anatomy, ecology, behavior, and history. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. GeoLogic Mapping Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of topographic and geologic maps and their ability to make interpretations on floods, landslides, and earthquakes. MagLev Competitors may construct up to two self-propelled magnetically levitated vehicles powered by batteries that turn one propeller to move the vehicle down a magnetic track. Students will also be tested on their knowledge of magnetism and related topics. Materials Science Teams will answer a series of questions or complete tasks involving the scientific processes of chemistry focused in the areas of materials science. Mission Possible Teams will build and test a Rube Goldberg machine that completes a task using a series of energy transfers. Rocks & Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Scrambler Students will build a device that uses the energy from a falling mass to transport an egg as close as possible to the center of a target wall. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Water Quality The event will focus on evaluating aquatic environments. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2014-2015 Event Descriptions Air Trajectory Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct and calibrate a single device capable of launching projectiles into a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance. Anatomy & Physiology (Cardiovascular, Integumentary, Immune) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to cardiovascular, integumentary and immune systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Star and Planet Formation) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and star and planet formation. Bridge Building Teams will design and build the lightest bridge with the highest structural efficiency that can span a given opening meeting the requirements given. Bungee Drop Teams will build one elastic cord to conduct two drops at a given height to get a mass in a bottle as close as possible to the ground. Cell Biology This event integrates content knowledge and process skills in the areas of cell biology and cellular biochemistry. Chem Lab (Kinetics and Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to kinetics and chemical reactions & stoichiometry. Compound Machines Students will perform activities and answer questions related to simple and compound machines. Disease Detectives (Population Growth) Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people, especially regarding population growth. Dynamic Planet (Oceanography) Teams will use NGSS science and engineering practices to complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography. Entomology Students will identify insects by order and family and answer questions about their anatomy, ecology, behavior, and history. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Fossils Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by identifying fossils and answering questions about classification, habitat, ecologic relationships, behaviors, environmental adaptations and the use of fossils to date and correlate rock units. GeoLogic Mapping Students will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, cross sections and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and geohazard risks. Green Generation Students will answer questions involving the history and consequences of human impact on our environment, solutions to reversing trends and sustainability concepts. It's About Time Competitors may construct one non-electrical device to measure time intervals between 10 and 300 seconds and answer questions related to time. Mission Possible Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a Rube Goldberg-like device that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive energy transfers. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to guide the construction of physical models of proteins and to understand how protein structure determines function. For 2015 students will model proteins used to edit the human genome. Scrambler Students will build a device that uses the energy from a falling mass to transport an egg as close as possible to the center of a target wall. Technical Problem Solving Teams will gather and process data to solve problems. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2015-2016 Event Descriptions Air Trajectory Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct and calibrate a single device capable of launching projectiles into a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance. Anatomy & Physiology (Skeletal, Muscular, Integumentary) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to skeletal, muscular and integumentary systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Star and Planet Formation) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of math and physics relating to stellar evolution and star and planet formation. Bridge Building Teams will design and build the lightest bridge with the highest structural efficiency that can span a given opening meeting the requirements given. Cell Biology This event integrates content knowledge and process skills in the areas of cell biology and cellular biochemistry. Chem Lab (Kinetics and Gas Laws) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills related to kinetics and gas laws. Disease Detectives (Population Growth) Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people, especially regarding population growth. Dynamic Planet (Oceanography) Teams will use NGSS science and engineering practices to complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography. Electric Vehicle Teams must design, build and test one vehicle that uses electrical energy as its sole means of propulsion to travel as quickly as possible and stop close to a Target Point. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Fossils Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by identifying fossils and answering questions about classification, habitat, ecologic relationships, behaviors, environmental adaptations and the use of fossils to date and correlate rock units. Game On This event will determine a team's ability to design and build an original computer game incorporating the theme provided to them by the supervisor using the program Scratch. GeoLogic Mapping Students will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, cross sections and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and geohazard risks. Green Generation Students will answer questions involving the history and consequences of human impact on our environment, solutions to reversing trends and sustainability concepts. Hydrogeology Students will manipulate a groundwater computer model, answer questions about groundwater concepts, and evaluate solutions, based on hydrogeological evidence, to reduce anthropogenic effects on groundwater. Invasive Species This event will test student knowledge of invasive species in local and national ecosystems. It's About Time Competitors may construct one non-electrical device to measure time intervals between 10 and 300 seconds and answer questions related to time. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to construct physical models of proteins. Robot Arm Prior to the competition, teams must design, build, document and test one robotic device to move scoreable items. Wind Power Teams will build a blade assembly that consists of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor attached to a CD which will be used to capture wind power. Students will also be tested on their knowledge relating to alternative energy. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2016-2017 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Nervous, Endocrine, Sense Organs) This event encompasses the anatomy and physiology of selected body systems, this year limited to nervous and endocrine systems and sense organs. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Type Ia Supernovae) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of stellar evolution and Type Ia supernova. Chem Lab (Gas Laws and Thermodynamics) Teams will demonstrate chemistry laboratory skills and answer questions related to thermodynamics and gas laws. Disease Detectives (Food Borne Illness) Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people with a focus on Food Borne Illness. Dynamic Planet (Tectonics) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the large-scale processes affecting the structure of Earth's crust (Tectonics). Ecology Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptations in featured North American biomes. Electric Vehicle Teams must design, build and test one vehicle that uses electrical energy as its sole means of propulsion to travel as quickly as possible and stop close to a Target Point. Experimental Design Given a set of unknown objects, teams will design, conduct, analyze and write-up an experiment. Forensics Students will identify polymers, solids, fibers, and other materials in a crime scenario. Game On This event will determine a team's ability to design and build an original computer game incorporating the theme provided to them by the supervisor using the program Scratch. Helicopters Prior to the tournament teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters to achieve maximum time aloft. Hovercraft Competitors may construct a self-propelled air-levitated vehicle with up to two battery-powered motors that turn one propeller each to levitate and move the vehicle down a track. Competitors must also be tested on their knowledge of classic mechanics and related topics. Hydrogeology Students will manipulate a groundwater computer model, answer questions about groundwater concepts, and evaluate solutions, based on hydrogeological evidence, to reduce anthropogenic effects on groundwater. Invasive Species This event will test student knowledge of invasive species in local and national ecosystems. Materials Science Teams will answer a series of questions or complete tasks involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of materials science. Microbe Mission Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes. Optics Teams must participate in an activity involving positioning mirrors to direct a laser beam towards a target. Teams must also be tested on their knowledge of geometric and physical optics. Remote Sensing Participants will use remote sensing imagery, data and computational process skills to complete tasks related to climate change processes in the Earth system. Robot Arm Prior to the competition, teams must design, build, document and test one robotic device to move scoreable items. Rocks and Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Towers Prior to the competition, teams will design and build a Tower meeting requirements specified in the rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Wind Power Teams will build a blade assembly that consists of any kind of propeller/pinwheel/rotor attached to a CD which will be used to capture wind power. Students will also be tested on their knowledge relating to alternative energy. Write It Do It A technical writing exercise where students write a description of a contraption and other students will attempt to recreate it using only the written description.

2017-2018 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Respiratory, Digestive, Immune) Understand the anatomy and physiology of the human body systems: respiratory, digestive and immune. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Type II Supernovae) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of stellar evolution and Type II Supernova events. Chemistry Lab (Thermodynamics and Physical Properties) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the ares of Physical Properties and thermodynamics. Disease Detectives (Food Borne Illness) Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people with a focus on Food Borne Illness. Dynamic Planet (Tectonics) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the large-scale processes affecting the structure of Earth's crust. Ecology Students will answer questions involving content knowledge and process skills in the area of ecology and adaptations in featured North American biomes. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment conducted on site. Fermi Questions Teams provide answers (within an order of magnitude recorded in powers of ten) to a series of Fermi Questions, which are science-related questions that seek fast, rough estimates of a quantity which is either difficult or impossible to measure directly. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, participants will perform a series of tests which along with other evidence or test results will be used to solve a crime. Game On This event will determine a team's ability to design and build an original computer game incorporating the theme and Game type provided to them by the supervisor using the program Scratch. Helicopters Prior to the tournament teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered helicopters to achieve maximum time aloft. Herpetology This event will test knowledge of amphibians and reptiles. Hovercraft Participants will be tested on their knowledge of classic mechanics and related topics as well as their ability to construct a self-propelled air-levitated vehicle that moves down a track. Materials Science (Polymers) Participants will complete lab activities and answer a series of questions related to the materials science of polymers and plastics with an emphasis on chemical structure, reactivity and behavior. Microbe Mission Teams will answer questions, solve problems and analyze data pertaining to microbes. Mission Possible Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a Rube Goldberg-like device that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive energy transfers. Mousetrap Vehicle Teams design, build and test a vehicle using one, or two, snap mousetraps as its sole means of propulsion that can push a plastic cup forward, reverse direction, and come to a stop behind the start point. Optics Teams must participate in an activity involving positioning mirrors to direct a laser beam towards a target and are tested on their knowledge of geometric and physical optics. Remote Sensing Participants will use remote sensing imagery, data and computational process skills to complete tasks related to climate change processes in the Earth system. Rocks and Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Thermodynamics Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat and complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts. Towers Prior to the competition, teams will design and build a Tower meeting requirements specified in the rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

2018-2019 Event Descriptions Anatomy & Physiology (Cardiovascular, Lymphatic, Excretory) Understand the anatomy of the human body systems: cardiovascular, lymphatic and excretory. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Galaxies) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of stellar evolution in normal and starburst galaxies. Boomilever Teams will design and build a Boomilever meeting requirements specified in the rules supporting a minimum load and to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Chemistry Lab (Acids and Bases and Physical Properties) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Physical Properties and Acids and Bases. Circuit Lab Participants must complete tasks and answer questions about electricity and magnetism. Codebusters Teams will cryptanalyze (decode) encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques and show skill with advanced ciphers by encrypting or decrypting a message. Designer Genes Participants will solve problems and analyze data or diagrams using their knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Disease Detectives Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people. Dynamic Planet (Glaciers) Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to glaciers, glaciation and long-term climate change. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment conducted entirely on site. Fermi Questions Teams provide answers to a series of Fermi Questions, which are science-related questions that seek fast, rough estimates of a quantity which is either difficult or impossible to measure directly. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, participants will perform a series of tests which along with other evidence or test results will be used to solve a crime. Fossils Teams demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by completing selected tasks at a series of stations including but not limited to fossil identification, answering questions about classification, habitat, ecologic relationships, behaviors, environmental adaptations and the use of fossils to date and correlate rock units. Geologic Mapping Teams will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross sections, and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and geohazard risks. Herpetology This event will test knowledge of amphibians and reptiles. Mission Possible Prior to the competition, participants will design, build, test and document a Rube Goldberg-like device that completes a required Final Task using a sequence of consecutive energy transfers. Mousetrap Vehicle Teams design, build and test a vehicle using one or two snap mousetraps as its sole means of propulsion to push a paper cup forward, reverse direction, and stop as close as possible to a target point. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to construct physical models of the CRISPR Cas9 protein that is being engineered to edit plant and animal cell genomes, and answer a series of questions about the chemistry of protein folding and the interaction of structure and function for model proteins. Sounds of Music Teams must construct and tune one device prior to the tournament based on a 12-tone equal tempered scale and complete a written test on the physics of sound. Thermodynamics Teams must construct an insulated device prior to the tournament that is designed to retain heat and complete a written test on thermodynamic concepts. Water Quality Participants will be assessed on their understanding and evaluation of aquatic environments. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

2019-2020 Event Descriptions Anatomy and Physiology (Skeletal, Muscular, Integumentary) Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Skeletal, Muscular and Integumentary systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Galaxies) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of Star and Galaxy Formation and Evolution. Boomilever Teams will design and build a Boomilever meeting requirements specified in the rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Chemistry Lab (Acids and Bases and Aqueous Solutions) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Aqueous Solutions and Acids and Bases. Circuit Lab Participants must complete tasks and answer questions about electricity and magnetism. Codebusters Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. Designer Genes Participants will solve problems and analyze data or diagrams using their knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Detector Building Teams will build a durable temperature sensing device that will accurately measure and display temperatures between zero degrees Celsius to 75 degrees Celsius to determine the temperature of four different water samples. Disease Detectives Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people. Dynamic Planet (Oceanography) Teams will complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability on-site to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, participants will perform a series of tests which along with other evidence or test results will be used to solve a crime. Fossils Teams identify and classify fossils and demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by completing tasks related to interpretation of past environments and ecosystems, adaptations and evolutionary relationships, and use of fossils in dating and correlating rock units. Geologic Mapping Teams will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross sections, and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and past depositional environments. Gravity Vehicle Teams design, build and test one Vehicle and Ramp that uses the Vehicle's gravitational potential energy as its sole means of propulsion to reach a target as quickly and accurately as possible. Machines Teams will complete a written test on simple and compound machine concepts and construct a lever-based measuring device prior to the tournament to determine the ratio between two masses. Ornithology Participants will be assessed on their knowledge of North American birds. Ping Pong Parachute Prior to the tournament, teams will design, build and bring up to two bottle rockets to the tournament to launch a ping pong ball attached to a parachute to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to construct a physical model of a protein that is being used with CRISPR Cas9 to edit plant and animal genomes. This year's event will focus on modifications to Cas9 that make it useful for base-editing. Sounds of Music Teams must construct and tune one device prior to the tournament based on a two-octave 12-tone equal tempered scale and complete a written test on the physics of sound and music concepts. Water Quality Participants will be assessed on their understanding and evaluation of marine and estuary aquatic environments. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes or biplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

2020-2021 Event Descriptions Anatomy and Physiology (Skeletal, Muscular, Integumentary) Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Skeletal, Muscular and Integumentary systems. Astronomy (Stellar Evolution and Galaxies) Teams will demonstrate an understanding of Star and Galaxy Formation and Evolution. Boomilever Teams will design and build a Boomilever meeting requirements specified in the rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Chemistry Lab (Acids and Bases and Aqueous Solutions) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Aqueous Solutions and Acids and Bases. Circuit Lab Participants must complete tasks and answer questions about electricity and magnetism. Codebusters Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. Designer Genes Participants will solve problems and analyze data or diagrams using their knowledge of the basic principles of genetics, molecular genetics and biotechnology. Detector Building Teams will build a durable temperature sensing device that will accurately measure and display temperatures between zero degrees Celsius to 75 degrees Celsius to determine the temperature of four different water samples. Disease Detectives Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people. Dynamic Planet (Oceanography) Teams will complete tasks related to physical and geological oceanography. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability on-site to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, participants will perform a series of tests which along with other evidence or test results will be used to solve a crime. Fossils Teams identify and classify fossils and demonstrate their knowledge of ancient life by completing tasks related to interpretation of past environments and ecosystems, adaptations and evolutionary relationships, and use of fossils in dating and correlating rock units. Geologic Mapping Teams will demonstrate understanding in the construction and use of topographic maps, geologic maps, and cross sections, and their use in forming interpretations regarding subsurface structures and past depositional environments. Gravity Vehicle Teams design, build and test one Vehicle and Ramp that uses the Vehicle's gravitational potential energy as its sole means of propulsion to reach a target as quickly and accurately as possible. Machines Teams will complete a written test on simple and compound machine concepts and construct a lever-based measuring device prior to the tournament to determine the ratio between two masses. Ornithology Participants will be assessed on their knowledge of North American birds. Ping Pong Parachute Prior to the tournament, teams will design, build and bring up to two bottle rockets to the tournament to launch a ping pong ball attached to a parachute to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time. Protein Modeling Students will use computer visualization and online resources to construct a physical model of a protein that is being used with CRISPR Cas9 to edit plant and animal genomes. This year's event will focus on modifications to Cas9 that make it useful for base-editing. Sounds of Music Teams must construct and tune one device prior to the tournament based on a two-octave 12-tone equal tempered scale and complete a written test on the physics of sound and music concepts. Water Quality Participants will be assessed on their understanding and evaluation of marine and estuary aquatic environments. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes or biplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

2021-2022 Event Descriptions Anatomy and Physiology (Nervous, Sense Organs, Endocrine) Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Nervous, Sense Organs, and Endocrine systems. Astronomy Teams will demonstrate an understanding of Variability of Low & Mid-Mass Stars. Bridge Teams will design and build a Bridge (Structure) meeting requirement specified in these rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Cell Biology This event integrates content knowledge and process skills in the areas of cell biology and cellular biochemistry. Chem Lab (Aqueous Solutions and Redox Reactions) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Aqueous Solutions and Oxidation/Reduction. Codebusters Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. Detector Building Teams will build a durable Conductivity Device that will accurately measure and display both voltage and concentrations of NaCl in parts per million (ppm) from 0 to 5000 ppm of different water samples. Disease Detectives Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people. Dynamic Planet (Earth's Fresh Water) Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to Earth’s fresh waters. Environmental Chemistry This event will focus on fresh water (e.g., residential, industrial or natural), The Clean Water Act of 1972 and 1977, wastewater operator's certification manual (Indiana March 2018 version) and its applications, and various testing of particular analytes using standardized curves, either interpreted or created. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment entirely on-site. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, students will perform a series of tests. These tests, along with other evidence or test results, will be used to solve a crime. Gravity Vehicle Teams design, build and test one Vehicle and Ramp that uses the Vehicle's gravitational potential energy as its sole means of propulsion to reach a target as quickly and accurately as possible. Green Generation (Aquatic, Air & Cimate Change) Students will demonstrate an understanding of general ecological principles, the history and consequences of human impact on our environment, solutions to reversing trends and sustainability concepts. It's About Time Teams will answer questions related to time and they may construct and bring one non-electrical device to measure time intervals between 10 and 300 seconds. Ornithology Participants will be assessed on their knowledge of North American birds. Ping-Pong Parachute Prior to the tournament, teams will design, build and bring up to three bottle rockets to the tournament to launch a ping pong ball attached to a parachute to stay aloft for the greatest amount of time. Remote Sensing Participants will use remote sensing imagery, data and computational process skills to complete tasks related to climate change processes in the Earth system. Rocks and Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Trajectory Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct and calibrate a single device capable of launching projectiles onto a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance. WiFi Lab Teams must construct an antenna device prior to the tournament that is designed to transmit a signal at 2.4GHz and complete a written test on the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation. Wright Stuff Prior to the competition teams design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered monoplanes to achieve maximum time aloft. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.

2022-2023 Event Descriptions Anatomy and Physiology (Respiratory, Digestive, Immune) Participants will be assessed on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology for the human Respiratory, Digestive, and Immune systems. Astronomy Teams will demonstrate an understanding of Stellar Evolution & Variability. Bridge Teams will design and build a Bridge (Structure) meeting requirement specified in these rules to achieve the highest structural efficiency. Cell Biology This event integrates content knowledge and process skills in the areas of cell biology and cellular biochemistry. Chem Lab (Redox Reactions and Periodicity) Teams will complete one or more tasks and answer a series of questions involving the science processes of chemistry focused in the areas of Oxidation/Reduction and Periodicity. Codebusters Teams will cryptanalyze and decode encrypted messages using cryptanalysis techniques for historical and modern advanced ciphers. Detector Building Teams will build a durable Mass/Force Sensing Device that will accurately measure and display both voltage and actual masses of different solid samples ranging from 20 to 1,000 grams. Disease Detectives Students will use investigative skills in the scientific study of disease, injury, health and disability in populations or groups of people. Dynamic Planet (Earth's Fresh Water) Students will use process skills to complete tasks related to Earth’s fresh waters. Environmental Chemistry This event will focus on fresh water (e.g., residential, industrial or natural), the identified pages of The Clean Water Act (1972 & 1977), wastewater operator’s certification manual (Indiana March 2018 revision) and its applications, various testing of particular analytes using standardized curves (either interpreted or created), and stabilization ponds, & introduction to the National Pretreatment Program. Experimental Design This event will determine a participant's ability to design, conduct and report the findings of an experiment entirely on-site. Fermi Questions Teams provide answers to a series of “Fermi Questions”; science related questions that seek fast, rough estimates of a quantity, which is either difficult or impossible to measure directly. Flight Prior to the tournament, teams will design, construct and test free flight rubber-powered aircraft to achieve maximum time aloft. Forensics Given a scenario and some possible suspects, students will perform a series of tests. These tests, along with other evidence or test results, will be used to solve a crime. Forestry Participants will be assessed on their knowledge of trees found in the United States that are on the Official Science Olympiad National Tree List. Green Generation Students will demonstrate an understanding of general ecological principles, the history and consequences of human impact on our environment, solutions to reversing trends and sustainability concepts. It's About Time Teams will answer questions related to time and they may construct and bring one non-electrical device that triggers a single signal to occur three times at equally spaced time intervals. Remote Sensing Participants will use remote sensing imagery, data, and computational process skills to complete tasks related to climate change processes in the Earth system. Rocks and Minerals Teams will demonstrate their knowledge of rocks and minerals. Scrambler Teams design, build, and test a mechanical device, which uses the energy from a falling mass to transport an egg along a straight track as quickly as possible and stop as close to the center of a Terminal Barrier (TB) without breaking the egg. Trajectory Prior to the competition, teams will design, construct and calibrate a single device capable of launching projectiles onto a target and collect data regarding device parameters and performance. WiFi Lab Teams must construct an antenna device prior to the tournament that is designed to transmit a signal at 2.4GHz and complete a written test on the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation. Write It Do It One student will write a description of an object and how to build it, and then the other student will attempt to construct the object from the description.