This past weekend, young scientists and engineers from East Idaho gathered on the campus of Idaho State University to compete in the Eastern Idaho Science Olympiad. Hosted by ISU’s Department of Physics, the event brought together five teams of sixth through ninth-grade students from local middle schools.

The purpose of the Science Olympiad was to give young scientists and engineers an opportunity to test their knowledge outside of a classroom setting while having fun. Steve Shropshire, a professor of physics at Idaho State University, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning and practical application of scientific concepts.

In addition to individual awards, teams were also recognized based on their collective scores. Pocatello Community Charter School emerged as the overall winner, receiving a trophy and a $200 cash award from the Pocatello Kiwanis Club to support science education. Hawthorne Middle School and Grace Lutheran Middle School secured second and third place, each earning a trophy and monetary prize.

The success of the Eastern Idaho Science Olympiad would not have been possible without the dedication of volunteers from various departments at Idaho State University, as well as support from organizations like the Pocatello Kiwanis Club and Idaho National Laboratory. Shropshire expressed gratitude towards all volunteers for their commitment to promoting STEM education among young students.

For more information about the event or ISU’s Department of Physics, interested individuals can contact Steve Shropshire at shrostev@isu.edu or visit isu.edu/physics. The Science Olympiad served as a platform for local youth to showcase their interest and talent in STEM fields, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning experiences in promoting scientific literacy among young people.