On Friday, April 4, 2025, 14 elementary school teams participated in the Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Elementary Science Olympiad Competition at The Clayton Center.
Third-grade through fifth-grade teams competed in the Science Olympiad, consisting of 15 categories, three competition periods, and five events during each period. Some events were test events that required a deep knowledge of a scientific topic, and others were engineering build challenges. Events included Backyard Biologist, Ping Pong Parachute, and Ramp and Roll.
Each team had approximately 15 students, including 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, and schools with a lot of interest conducted tryouts to select their Science Olympiad team members. To prepare for the event, teams met regularly to practice and brainstorm ideas. They worked on their projects, learned new concepts, and helped each other improve skills. Teamwork was key as they shared ideas and supported one another.
The knowledge-based topics were about subjects such as space, the human body, and rocks and minerals, to name a few. The teams also had to learn about 100 different scientists. During the competition, teams were asked 20 questions about them and had to name the specific scientists.
Engineering challenges included the Duct Tape Challenge. In this challenge, students were given 30 cm of duct tape, index cards, popsicle sticks, and straws. Then, they were given a surprise challenge on the day of the Science Olympiad, using only those supplies.
The final challenge was the Pasta Tower event, a favorite among the teams and spectators. The goal of the Pasta Tower challenge is to build the lightest tower using only pasta and glue capable of supporting up to 10 kg of sand. The lightest tower that can support the most weight is deemed the winner.
“I want to highlight the work of the students and coaches leading up to the Science Olympiad. These teams practiced weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, to prepare,” said Kayla Boykin, K-8 Science Teaching and Learning Specialist. “I also want to say thank you to the many, many volunteers from the schools, parents, and members of the Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability Department. It was because of them that the event ran smoothly.”
This year’s winners are:
Polenta Elementary - 1st Place - Junior Varsity and Varsity
Pine Level Elementary - 3rd Place - Varsity
Corinth-Holders Elementary - 4th Place - Varsity