About Science Olympiad

Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of science education and exposing teenagers to the STEM fields. The OCSA Science Olympiad High School Team was founded in 2011 by Ms. Heather Jonson and works to promote an interest in science throughout the student body. Because our students attend conservatory classes every day after school, we hold club meetings at lunch every Monday and Friday after school from October until April.

Through their experiences in Science Olympiad, students are able to find their passion for various areas of the sciences. Our team members possess a high level of enthusiasm for science and are committed to collaborating with team members in order to succeed. 

There is no required cost to be part of our club, which is open to any OCSA 9-12 grader who is interested in and dedicated to preparing for the Division C events, which change each year. Individuals have certain skills in different areas of science and try out for different events during the fall early to make the competing team of 15 students, which competes during the winter and spring. Each event requires that the individual student exercises analytical skills, logic and reasoning, time-management, and teamwork.

Click here to learn more about the National Science Olympiad organization

Click here to learn more about the Southern California Science Olympiad organization

Click here to learn more about the Orange County Regional Science Olympiad organization

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“This year, I have gained experience in anatomy, epidemiology, materials science, and other fields of study through Science Olympiad. At competition, because all events are done in pairs, I learned to work with people of myriad personality types and improve my communication skills….I discovered my love and talent for the sciences, and I enjoyed the camaraderie of a team of like-minded people.”

Xochitl Luna, class of 2018

 

“I am in Science Olympiad to further my passion for science and to explore other areas of science that are not offered in normal high school curriculum. I get to learn self-discipline and independent study while also learning about team-work and cooperation."

Taylor Cason, class of 2018

“I love science and that I wanted to fit in a group -- no matter how nerdy. Science Olympiad has allowed me to work for countless hours with brilliant minded friends, scientists, and teachers……..it’s challenging, it leads to disappointments, it also leads to unexpected accomplishments, and most of all, it all occurs with other passionate, kind, and truly unique group of nerds that I have the absolute privilege to call my friends… my team… and my family. Science Olympiad was never about medals and trophies for me.”

Soorim Lee, class of 2017

CoPresident 2015 - 2017

“Starting Science Olympiad introduced me to new tools and subjects that I wouldn’t have touched otherwise. Participating in the competition drove me to learn as much as I could and to put in as much effort as possible. It was a really gratifying experience.”

Louis Primeau, class of 2018

 

“I hope to have a career in science. I feel like Scioly is one of the best ways to get me closer to this goal.”

Christopher Hughes, class of 2019

“I want to be involved in STEM activities and let’s be honest there aren’t too many such avenues at OCSA. I started out in ninth grade mostly because my mom made me, but I’ve continued to participate because it really excites my competitive nature and at this point I always feel like I can do better and I’ll come back next year with plans to do that."

Andrew Courtney, class of 2018

 

“Not only do I find science interesting, I have made good friends here and have a lot of fun collaborating with my partners on my events.”

Lawrence (Larry) Wu, class of 2019

“I have another family there.”

Nicole Cheung, class of 2017

CoPresident 2016-2017

 

“I enjoy competition. Seeing your work pay off in a very material and real way is very gratifying. Some of the event topics are also of interest and provide a field of study with a cadence different from the usual school course.”

Tyler Wu, class of 2018

 

 

“Science Olympiad has helped me explore new areas of science that traditional high school classes don't cover, such as astronomy. It has allowed me to find passion in subjects that I may not have ever studied otherwise, and I really appreciate this.”

Madeline McCanne, class of 2018

"Science Olympiad is the best way to explore your interests in science fields that are not taught in school. It offers opportunities for you along with your teammates who share similar passions for science to learn subjects that may be future career interests."

Connie Tian, class of 2019

 

“No one in my family is in the STEM field so it was a field I always stayed away from. Growing up, the schools I attended also didn't have strong STEM opportunities so I didn't really know how to approach the field. Science Olympiad was a friendly way to immerse and learn more about STEM.”

Liliana Morales, class of 2019

"Ms. Jonson, I know I'm just a freshman, but I would really like to start up a Science Olympiad club here at OCSA. Would you be willing to be the advisor?"

Chris Liu, class of 2015

Founder and President 2012 - 2015

Support the Team

While a donation is not required to be part of the Science Olympiad team, donations are much appreciated!

Requested Per Student Goal
$100*
But feel free to make your own individual goal higher, knowing we will put all funds raised to good use!

How will my donation be used?

  • To register for the southern regional competition at University of California, Irvine, the state competition at California Polytechnic Institute, and various invitational competitions.
  • To purchase study materials, textbooks, and kits for testing events from the Science Olympiad Store and online sources.
  • To purchase building materials and kits for engineering events from Home Depot, Ultimate Hobbies, and online stores.
  •  Parent reimbursements for expenses.

 * Cash donations to the school are tax deductible per OCSA's IRS designation as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

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Sci-Oly Apparel
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FINAL DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS 9:00 PM January 8, 2025!

Sci-Oly T-Shirt - $27 Sci-Oly Sweatshirt - $45