Biological Sciences Department lends a hand with the 2009 Regional Science Olympiad

As reported by Biology Department Coordinator, Dr. Radmila Sarac, the 2009 Regional Sciences Olympiad competition was held hosted at Purdue University Calumet and 24 middle school teams and 24 high school teams recently competed.

The competition was in keeping with the core mission of the national organization, which is:

1. To create a passion for learning science by supporting elementary and secondary Science Olympiad tournaments at building, district, county, state and national levels with an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence.
   
   
2. To improve the quality of K-12 science education throughout the nation by changing the way science is perceived and the way it is taught (with an emphasis on problem solving and hand-on, minds-on constructivist learning practices). This goal is accomplished through in-depth core curriculum training workshops and the distribution of curriculum materials to thousand of teachers.
   
   
3. To celebrate and recognize the outstanding achievement of both students and teachers in the areas of science and technology by awarding thousand of certificates, medals, trophies and scholarships.
   
   
4. To promote partnerships among community, businesses, industry, government and education.

Local middle school state qualifiers were:

1. Wilbur Wright (Munster)
2. St. John the Baptist (Whiting)
3. Our Lady of Grace (Highland)
4. Scott (Hammond)

West Side (East Chicago) qualified as a “wild card” team.

Local state high school qualifiers were:

1. Munster High School (Munster)
2. Whiting High School (Whiting),
3. E. C. Central High School (East Chicago)

Lake Central (St. John) qualified as a “wild card” team.