The Science Olympiad at Aliso Niguel High School has been working hard towards the regional STEM competition and members have gone through months of preparation, commitment, and practice. Each school-based team is allowed to bring around 15 members who juggle a variety of events in their skill set but in school, there is no limit on how many members can participate. 

There are 23 events in the Science Olympiad, pertaining to various fields of science, and students spend the year building prototypes and expanding their knowledge which they will present at the event. Last year, the Science Olympiad team at ANHS built a flying plane model, one highlight of their many accomplishments, and this year the team is looking forward to improving their skills and going farther into the competition.

Akshata Tiwari (12), the president of the Science Olympiad, states “We compete with high schools from all over southern California and we hope to qualify for state if we do well enough.”

Although a large and popular division of the competition is technology and engineering, which involves robotics and constructing a series of models, Akshata states that “there are also other types of events that are more study based such as biology, anatomy, and natural science.” In divisions such as these, students are assessed on their understanding of the topic by answering questions in a specific time frame. 

Students who “have a passion for science” are recommended to join the Science Olympiad team because “it’s a chance to work with other people and learn new things,” Akshata Tiwari says. Furthermore, science helps develop analytical thinking skills which people can later use to form a conclusion. The scientific method teaches problem solving and can overall be used to improve our quality of life.

Akshata Tiwari states that “[she] ha[s] been in Science Olympiad since freshman year” and she is proud to represent other students who have a fascination for science like her. “I really wanted to take the team to the next level and this year we have a lot of new members so I really felt like they needed established leadership.” “I stepped up to the role and the team elected me,” says Akshata. She goes on to remark that she sees a bright future ahead for her and her team.

Stephen LaRocca (11), a member of the Science Olympiad, discusses, “I had free time on Fridays after school,” which is when the meetings take place, and “it’s enjoyable and really fluid. It’s not like you join one team and you’re stuck on that team, once you spend time in one division, you can kind of move all over. One thing I really like is the building because you can work with other people and it’s really hands-on which is more in line with the nature of the Science Olympiad.”

The Science Olympiad gives students a chance to experiment in many subjects related to science. Kids are welcomed to participate, even if they aren’t planning on competing, producing an inclusive club with many possibilities.

The Science Olympiad is off to a great start and members are anticipating the regional competitions. Students are encouraged to join the team to explore new opportunities and get involved on campus.