
Western University’s campus has been overrun by teenage scientists.
May 23rd saw the 36th annual Science Olympics, which had teams from high schools across southwestern Ontario compete.
Nearly one thousand students showed up to compete in 22 different events ranging from Compound Boggle, to Star Wars, to a Rube Goldberg competition.
Event organizer, Patrick Whippey, says the events cover most of Ontario’s science curriculum which is why teachers enjoy participating. As for the students themselves, he says, you don’t have to be a genius, anyone can join in the fun.
“Anyone can participate, which is why, I think, people enjoy coming. So, you don’t have to be a science whiz!”
Students prepare for months for some of the events, putting in lots of hard work, but they’re not competing for money or prizes. While they do take home a plaque for winning an event, it’s all about the love of science, pride, and ultimately bragging rights.