The Wisconsin Science Olympiad (WSO) is gearing up for an exciting 2024-2025 season, packed with thrilling invitational tournaments for aspiring scientists across the state. These tournaments, hosted by high schools and universities, offer students a platform to test their knowledge in STEM subjects and prepare for the state and national competitions.
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Wisconsin Science Olympiad Invitational Tournaments
The 2024-2025 season sees a diverse range of invitational tournaments, catering to both Division B/C and Division C teams. Here’s a rundown of the exciting events on the horizon:
Marquette Invitational (Div B/C)
Kicking off the season is the Marquette Invitational, hosted by Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, WI. Scheduled for November 16, 2024, this tournament promises to be a great start to the competitive season.
“According to Science Olympiad veteran coach, Sarah Williams, early-season tournaments like the Marquette Invitational play a crucial role in setting the tone for teams. They allow students to familiarize themselves with the year’s events, gauge their strengths and weaknesses, and foster teamwork.”
Boyceville Invitational (Div B/C)
Next on the calendar is the Boyceville Invitational, taking place on December 7, 2024. Hosted by Boyceville High School in Boyceville, WI, this tournament offers both in-person and satellite participation options, making it accessible to teams across a wider geographical area.
“The Boyceville Invitational’s hybrid format reflects a growing trend within the Science Olympiad community,” observes John Miller, a prominent figure in the national Science Olympiad circuit. “It underscores a commitment to inclusivity, enabling more students to experience the thrill of competition, regardless of their location.”
Medford Invitational (Div B/C)
The Medford Invitational, scheduled for January 18th, 2025, will be hosted by Medford High School in Medford, WI. This mid-season tournament provides teams with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the later, more high-stakes competitions.
UW-River Fall Border Battle (Div C)
Exclusively for Division C teams, the UW-River Fall Border Battle is slated for January 25th, 2025, at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. This tournament is known for its challenging events and the high caliber of competing teams.
Slinger Invitational (Div C)
Another tournament for Division C teams, the Slinger Invitational, will occur on January 4th, 2025, at Slinger High School in Slinger, WI. This tournament serves as an early indicator of potential frontrunners in the Division C category.
Badger Invitational (Div B/C)
The Badger Invitational, hosted by Hamilton Middle School in Madison, WI, is scheduled for March 15th, 2025. This tournament is a significant event for Division B/C teams, offering a final opportunity to test their mettle before the state competition.
Unity Invite (Division B/ Division C)
The Unity Invite, scheduled for November 16th, 2024, at Unity High School in Balsam Lake, WI, provides another valuable opportunity for Division B and C teams to showcase their skills.
WSO Hosted Invitational (Divison B/C)
Adding to the excitement is a WSO hosted Invitational for Division B/C teams. The date for this event is yet to be determined, and it will be held as a satellite tournament, allowing for broader participation.
“The proliferation of satellite tournaments, as seen with the WSO hosted event and the Boyceville Invitational,” says renowned STEM education advocate, Dr. Emily Carter, “marks a positive shift towards greater accessibility and inclusivity within the Science Olympiad.”
Division C Regional Team Assignments
While the specific regional assignments are yet to be released, three locations have been designated for the Division C regional tournaments: UW-Milwaukee, Medford, and Menomonie. These regional competitions are a stepping stone to the state tournament, with the top teams from each region advancing.
What’s Next?
The WSO will release more details about each tournament, including registration deadlines and event schedules, closer to the event dates. Teams are encouraged to regularly check the WSO website and contact the respective tournament directors for the most up-to-date information.
FAQs
What is the Wisconsin Science Olympiad?
The Wisconsin Science Olympiad is a rigorous STEM competition that tests students’ knowledge in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects.
Who can participate in the invitational tournaments?
The invitational tournaments are open to registered Science Olympiad teams in the specified divisions.
How can we stay updated on tournament information?
Teams and individuals interested in staying updated are encouraged to visit the official WSO website and follow their social media channels for announcements and news.
Why are these invitational tournaments important?
These tournaments offer invaluable experience, helping teams prepare for the regional, state, and potentially, national Science Olympiad competitions.
Stay Connected with the Wisconsin Science Olympiad
The Wisconsin Science Olympiad is more than just a competition; it’s a community of young minds passionate about STEM. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting invitational tournaments and witness the ingenuity and dedication of these future scientists, engineers, and innovators. Share your thoughts and join the conversation – the future of STEM is here, and it’s brimming with potential!
