Students Go for Gold at Science Olympics

A fun and interactive competition is giving Nova Scotia elementary school students and their teachers a hands-on, minds-on lesson on science.

Grade 4 and 5 students from across the province are taking part in Science Olympics on Saturday, Oct. 18, where they are applying their scientific knowledge and working through a series of challenges.

More than 100 participants are using concepts learned in the classroom and a few basic materials to test their energy efficiency knowledge and communication skills. They are safely dropping eggs from high altitudes, building free-standing structures from playing cards, and constructing devices in teams.

"The Nova Scotia science curriculum helps students build a foundation for problem-solving, inquiry, decision-making and lifelong learning," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "The Science Olympics gives students a chance to practice their skills and gain a new appreciation for critical thinking."

Participants and chaperones are being polled on their understanding of energy efficiency, the environment and science.

The Science Olympics is a joint initiative of the Department of Education, Conserve Nova Scotia and EnCana Corporation. It is hosted by Saint Mary's University.

The event celebrates National Science and Technology Week from Oct. 17 to 26.

Learning about the relationship between science, technology, society and the environment is part of the public school curriculum from Primary to Grade 12.