Hundreds of young students from the whole state went down to the campus of the University of Mary Washington last Saturday to test their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of a competition from Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO).
The event brought together “Olympians” of the third year in high school to present their STEM skills in a practical and creative way – such as the “Goutte de Pungee”, where the participants designed elastic cords to make drops of summits given. In “wind energy”, homemade devices measured tension and were tested on the principles of alternative energy. In “Crime Busters”, the students received a scenario, evidence and possible suspects to carry out a series of tests to resolve a crime.
Rigorous standards have been applied to each of the 24 categories of this year, including air trajectory, ecology, potions and poisons, fossils, detectives of disease and astronomy. The judges timed the teams, collected from the measurements, examined the entries for the parameters’ violations or the missing journal data and the marked score sheets.
“We are very grateful to be able to accommodate such talented students from all over Virginia in our facilities for another year,” said Michael Stebar, a lecturer in biology of the UMW, who helped coordinate the event on the campus. “Mary Washington has a proud story of organizing this competition, which helps to strengthen our commitment as a public university to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.”
Rigorous standards have been applied to each of the 24 categories of this year, because the judges have timed the events, the measured devices, the examined entries and the marked score sheets. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
The competition presented 59 teams of competition students in 27 schools, the best artists qualifying for the Charlottesville 2025 state tournament. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
A team of students has set up their apparatus in the “wind” event which measured tension and tested the principles of alternative energy. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
In the “Tower” event, Jennifer Gold, professor of science and coach of the Olympiad of Sciences at the Oakcrest School in Vienna, examined the project of his team was tested for structural efficiency. While the weight was added, she said, “Here is the nervous part!” The structure lasted several minutes before collapse, but was “an excellent way to find out about the principles of engineering and the importance of teamwork,” she said. “Our students work hard all year round, twice a week plus weekends, the creation of projects and test them again and again.”
The competition presented 59 teams of competition students in 27 schools, the best artists qualifying for the Charlottesville 2025 State Tournament. This year, the teams passing by the state competition included LongFellow Middle School, Kilmer Middle School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Spring Hill Elementary School, Carter G. School, Langley High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School.
“Not only does scientific Olympiad arouse interest in STEM subjects,” said Stebar. “It also gives students an overview of a university campus and an overview of what is to work in a modern university laboratory.”
The “Bungee Drop” event, held at the UMW Hurley Convergence Center, forced participants to design elastic cords and make drops of heights given. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Students test their aircraft in the “Bungee Drop” event. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
The competition brought together “scientific Olympians” of the third year in high school to present their STEM skills in a practical and creative way. Photo by Karen Pearlman.
Brass scientists have been assigned to laboratory rooms or open spaces at the University Jepson Science Center, the Hurley Convergence Center, the Goolrick Hall and the Anderson Center – which served as a home base for more than 1,500 participants, including coaches, judges, administrative staff, parents and chaperons.
Vaso is a non -profit organization that seeks to inspire a passion for science and technology among students in Virginia through collaboration and teamwork, practical experiences, variety and creativity in subjects and skills, and fun and gratifying tournaments. The events are carefully chosen by the National Science Olympiad Organization to reflect educational standards and are modified or revised each year to allow students to learn new things.
“This event ignites a passion for science with our students,” said Gold. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and dedication.”
To learn more about the results of the competition, explore 2025 results of the regional tournament ready for the National.