Fayette’s middle and high school Science Olympiad teams have been participating in regional competitions throughout Georgia for an opportunity to represent the county at the state championship later this month.

Teams from four middle schools and two high schools are heading to the state tournament at Augusta State University in Augusta on March 24. The teams and their placements at various regional competitions around the state are (middle school) J.C. Booth and Rising Starr, both finishing in first place, Whitewater, which sent two teams, placed second and third and Fayette Middle finished third.

At the high school level, McIntosh placed first and Starr’s Mill took second.

Science Olympiad teams consist of up to 15 students that compete in 23 different events covering all fields of science as well as engineering and technical communications. Many events are hands-on and some involve constructing something prior to or during the competition.

All events require students to use higher order thinking skills rather than rote memory and instant recall. The ability to be a team player is paramount to a team’s success since most events involve two or more students. Each team member generally participates in several different events at a tournament.

Students receive awards at the end of the competition. Medals are given for places 1, 2, 3 and 4 in all events and ribbons for places 5-10.

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