UNCA Hosts Regional Science Olympiad

Young scientists from 12 middle schools and six high schools in Western North Carolina will test their talents in the fourth annual regional Science Olympiad Tournament at

UNC Asheville Saturday, Feb.14. The competition will be held from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at various locations across campus.

Middle schools will take part in a total of 25 events and high schools will participate in 24 events, ranging from rockets and robots to fitness and fossils. Among the day's highlights will be the newly adapted 'naked egg' competition where students will build a landing area to prevent an egg from breaking during a drop as opposed to the usual creation of a container to safely package the egg.

Competing middles schools are A.C. Reynolds, Asheville, C.D. Owen, Chase, Clyde A. Erwin, Harris, Macon, North Buncombe, North Windy Ridge, Polk Central, Tryon and Waynesville. Participating high schools are A.C. Reynolds, Brevard, Carolina Day, Mitchell, North Buncombe and Polk County.

The winners of the regional tournament will move on to the statewide tournament later this year.

The Olympiad will be staffed by a number of volunteers, including UNCA faculty, staff and students, as well as volunteers from the Health Adventure, Colburn Earth Science Museum, Cradle of Forestry, NCSU Engineering Program, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, N.C. Center for Creative Retirement, the Science House and Sud Associates Consulting Engineers.

For more information about the Science Olympiad, call Judy Beck, UNCA Physics Department, at 828/251-6049.

Media Contacts:

• Judy Beck, UNCA Physic Department Lecturer, 828/251-6049
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526