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In hushed silence, a dozen crime-scene investigators work in pairs, scrutinizing the crime scene report, assessing the physical evidence gathered, and reviewing a list of possible suspects. The silence breaks as pairs of investigators begin to discuss in hurried whispers what the presented evidence might mean and how they should proceed with their investigation. They move quickly to decide what scientific tests might help solve the crime. Then, each pair races to perform whichever tests they believe will shed light on the crime as described.  The investigative teams are Vermont high school students who are competing against their peers in the Vermont Science Olympiad, held Saturday, April 6th, on the �պ����� campus.  The Forensic Science category was just one session held during the all-day event. 

Science Olympiad is a national organization that promotes competitive tournaments in which teams of students match wits in STEM subjects. �պ����� has hosted the Vermont State Science Olympiad since 2019.  Most of the competing schools this year have also participated in years past, including last year’s reigning champions, St. Johnsbury Academy.  

Returning St. Johnsbury Academy competitor Estelle Kokernot describes her emotional state this year, “Last year we weren’t expecting to win, so coming back, this year the pressure is really on.”  She makes a high-bar gesture with one hand as she and fellow teammate Ava Massoni balance a box fan above their tower construction to dry the glue they’ve used to construct it.  Their St. Johnsbury Academy Science Olympiad coach, Ed Eckel, who has coached the team from SJA for five years, says most of last year’s competitors graduated except for three students. However, he had nine new students join their team this year.  He summarized the value of the Science Olympiad event, “They’ve all concentrated on the subjects that really excite them, and they’ve also all agreed to help one other student to have a team of two for each event. So, there’s this comradery, there’s cooperation, group learning, and a chance to deep dive, giving kids the opportunity to express themselves within their interests. It’s fun for them to go to someplace where they can meet other students who are interested in science.”

The schools choose the categories their students would like to compete in.  This year, there were competitors in Wind Power, Disease Detectives, Dynamic Planet, Fermi Questions, Write It Do It, Robot Tour, Scrambler, Tower Building, Ecology, and ten other topics.  Between the competitions, students also had the opportunity to engage with current �պ����� students. �պ�����'s STEM Ambassadors panel fielded questions about specific scientific fields, choices of majors, and career opportunities.

There was also a series of Science Sparks: mini lectures given by �պ����� graduate students and faculty on topics ranging from wolf conservation research to advancements in robotic imaging for medical diagnosis. They also conducted �պ����� lab tours so that students could see the facilities that STEM courses utilize at �պ�����. This provides the students with a better understanding of how a college science curriculum may differ from their high school lab experiences.

Leon Walls, former Director of the Vermont Science Olympiad, and Associate Professor of Education in �պ�����’s College of Education and Social Services, described the early days of the tournament as having a steep learning curve for the organizers. “We didn’t really know what we were doing. We even had to look on YouTube to find out how to organize some of the events, but what kept us going was the enthusiasm of the students themselves year after year. You can see how much joy it brings them.”

Generac generously sponsors the event, making this life-changing tournament possible for all youth in Vermont. The event is co-hosted and staffed by faculty from the College of Education and Social Services, the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. �պ����� Extension’s 4-H leadership got involved three years ago to assist with youth outreach and to support the event by offering 4-H’s expertise in STEM youth education.

Lauren Traister, this year’s Science Olympiad Director and 4-H Teen and Leadership Specialist for Extension points out the importance of the tournament, “This gives students who are STEM-focused, or who see themselves as having a career in a STEM field someday, a way to show off their STEM knowledge and skills, and to be recognized for that. We connect them with undergraduate and graduate students, and they can then see what they can be in a year, or two years, or five so that they can envision themselves here on campus or in a STEM major.”

Her vision for the future of the Vermont Science Olympiad is to get more schools involved. As she points out, "There are students interested in STEM in every high school, and participating in the state-level competition helps them expand their understanding of what is possible for them and the directions they might take as they continue on their path.”

Science Olympiad is a thrilling event for the students involved. It showcases students who have evolving interests and talents in STEM subjects. It gives them the opportunity to push themselves, connect with like-minded peers, and learn from top-notch educators. The future of STEM field innovation is in the hands of these young scientists, and it's inspiring to see them rise to the challenge and pursue their passions.