Science Olympiad: An Overview

 

Science Olympiad is:

  • One of the premier science tournament organizations in the United States
  • An international non-profit organization
  • Devoted to improving the quality of science education
  • An exposure to many fields of science
  • Focused on coordinating with schools and meeting national curriculum standards

Science Olympiad is not:

  • Science Fair – students do not create their own projects
  • An emphasis on any one particular field of science
  • A competition for individuals; SO is team-based

Science Olympiad: a Team Event

  • 15 students per team covering up to 23 events
    • Schools can field up to three teams for regionals
      (and more than three for invitational-only teams)
    • Teams don’t have to have 15 members
  • Events cover a wide range of science topics, so students often have expert topic areas
  • Students compete in all events with a partner or two
  • Students receive medals by event
  • Team scores determined by student scores in individual events
  • Top teams progress to the next level of competition

An information session for LRES students took place on Sunday, January 18th at 7pm virtually on Google Meet.

 

Division A (Grades 3–5) [SPRING 2026]

What it is:
Students select 2–3 events (written or hands-on) to prepare for and compete in.

 

Who can join:
Any student in Grades 3–5 with an interest in science and a commitment to prepare and participate.

 

Tournament Date:
April 25, 2026 at Lake Braddock.

 

Registration:
Opens January 2026.

 

Learn More:

Visit the Virginia Science Olympiad website

Join our Jan 18th virtual information session!

 

Cost:
$70 per student (covers team fees and team shirt).

 

Parent Involvement:

  • Parents are expected to coach or help with event topics.
  • Two parent volunteers needed on tournament day.
  • Families provide their own transportation.
  • Events require research and memorization.
  • Students typically work in pairs for each event.
  • Independent practice outside of school is strongly encouraged and arranged by parents.

Questions? e-mail divisiona@laurelridgepta.org

 

Division B (Grades 5–6) — New This Year! Fall 2025

 

Register interest by September 30th by completing this form. 

 

This is a more advanced program with a higher level of commitment.

Note: 5th graders may choose Division A or Division B, but not both.

 

2026 Events & Key Dates:

Practice Invitationals (choose one):

  • Dec 6, 2025 — Lake Braddock/West Springfield Invitationals
  • Jan 10, 2026 — Thomas Jefferson High School Invitational
  • Jan 17, 2026 — Loudoun Invitational (virtual option available)

Regional Tournament:

Cost:
$150 per student (covers team fees, team shirt, and supplies).

 

Parent Involvement:

  • Parents play a crucial role in helping students with independent preparation.

The team can accommodate a total of 15 students. Returning Grades 5–6 students who participated in Science Olympiad last year and demonstrated adherence to their student contract will be placed first on the team. If there is more interest than there are open spots following the placement of the returning participants, then placement will be by random drawing, with 6th graders taking priority over *5th graders.

*5th graders may also choose to participate in the Division A team (3-5th graders) in April 2026.  Registration will take place a few months from now.

 

Questions? e-mail scienceolympiad@laurelridgepta.org

 

 

Disclaimer: Opportunities offered by organizations other than Fairfax County Public Schools are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or a specific school. These opportunities may utilize technology tools that have not been assessed by the Fairfax County Public Schools Department of Information Technology. Students should gain permission from their parent or guardian before engaging in any non-FCPS enrichment opportunity and families should review the Terms of Service, User Agreements, and Privacy Policy for any technology platform that the enrichment opportunity may use before participating.