Divisions A, B & C

DIVISIONS/GRADE LEVELS

Currently, there are five Science Olympiad divisions: Division A1 (grades K-3); Division A2 (grades 3-6); Division A3 (grades K-5); Division B (grades 6-9); and Division C (grades 9-12). A maximum of five 9th grade (on a Division B team) and seven 12th grade (on a Division C team) students is permitted. Middle schools may invite five of their last year's 8th grade students to be part of the team. There is no national tournament (nor national membership fee) for Division A elementary schools, but they can initiate local, school district or regional competitions.

MEMBERSHIP

A school team membership fee must accompany the completed membership application form thirty days before your regional or state tournament. This fee entitles the member school to a copy of the Science Olympiad Coaches and Rules Manual plus the eligibility to have up to 15 students participate at the first level of competition in your state, i.e., district, invitational, regional, or state tournament. A percentage of winning teams will remain eligible to continue on to the next level. At the national level each state will send one team per division and the states with larger membership will be invited to send two teams per division. It is important that schools submit a membership fee early to receive a copy of the rules. Specific rules have been developed for each event and need to be read carefully so the team can compete successfully.

Schools are encouraged to develop many teams (some schools involve the entire student body). Most states and regions restrict tournament participation to one team per school, others encourage multiple memberships. Some schools have as many as ten separate paid memberships and all ten participate in tournaments. State Tournament Directors will notify schools if multiple memberships are permitted. If multiple teams are permitted, each team must have a full membership and a separate coach. Only one team per school is permitted to represent their state at the National Finals. Some states also limit the number of teams that can advance from regional tournaments.

AWARDS

Athletic-style medals will be given for each event. In addition, championship trophies will be awarded to the Division B and C school teams compiling the lowest number of total points during a Science Olympiad tournament (first place is awarded one point, second place is two points, and so on). A team may participate in one or all of the events within its division.