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KALAMAZOO, Mich.—More than 750 area middle and high school students will descend on Western ��һ�鶹��Ƭ�� University’s main campus on Saturday, March 18, for a regional Science Olympiad Tournament. WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences hosts the annual tournament that attracts students from more than 45 schools in the region.

“��һ�鶹��Ƭ�� Science Olympiad and WMU are a perfect pairing because together we can work towards the mission of increasing scientific literacy in students, while also helping them explore possible STEM careers,” says Marty Buehler, Science Olympiad regional director at WMU.

Students from regions 10 and 13, which consist of Allegan, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties, will be competing at Western. The tournament will feature both middle school and high school divisions and students will be participating in their choice of 46 different events that cover a wide variety of STEM topics.

“Science Olympiad offers students experiences they may not get during their normal school day and provides a chance to participate in hands-on STEM activities,” says Dr. Steve Butt, dean of Western’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. “We hope the next generation of scientists, engineers and other professionals are inspired through the teamwork, competition and topics explored at this year’s tournament.”

More than 150 faculty, staff and students from across Western come together to make the Science Olympiad tournament possible. Students from WMU’s registered student organizations (RSOs) developed and are running more than 50% of the events at this year’s tournament. The events range from experimental design and solar systems to cell biology, chemistry, astronomy and much more.

“Not only is it good for our local middle and high school students, but it’s also a great learning experience and a chance to give back for our WMU students,” says Buehler.

Students at this regional tournament will have an opportunity to qualify for the Science Olympiad state finals that will be held at ��һ�鶹��Ƭ�� State University on Saturday, April 22. In 2024, WMU will host the state tournament for Science Olympiad.

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