Science Olympiad

The Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to increasing student interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing recognition for outstanding team achievements in 23 STEM related events. 

Science Olympiad offers event opportunities for elementary, middle, and high school students that span biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and inquiry. Groups of 15 students develop teamwork while problem-solving throughout the year in preparation for each event, then compete in one-day regional tournaments held at several locations throughout Tennessee.

Division B (Middle school) & Division C (High school) Competitions

In Division B and Division C, each of the events are categorized into 5 different categories; Life, Personal & Social Science, Earth & Space Science, Physical Science & Chemistry, Technology & Engineering, and Inquiry & Nature of Science. A complete list of these events and their descriptions can be referenced below.

Division B & C Team Registration – OPEN

Team registration is currently open. Online registration is required. Each team has a maximum of 15 students. There is no minimum number of students per team. The maximum number of teams is two – prior to December 15, 2025.  Additional teams may be added on a space available basis beginning December 18, 2025.

• To register for Divisions B (Middle School) and C (High School), please visit https://scilympiad.com/tn through November 15th.
• Detailed instructions are on the website; only coaches (not students) are required to register online.
• COST: $275 for returning teams, $225 for new teams and second teams in the same division from the same school.

*If your school is bringing a team for Div B and Div C, both teams would pay $275 each (or $225 each if a new school)

*If your school is bringing two Div B teams, it would be $275 for the first and $225 for the second.

Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) Competitions, aka Division A

When K-6 students participate in the Elementary Science Olympiad (ESO) experience, they gain first-hand exposure to STEM disciplines, build confidence, and prepare for future, higher-level STEM competitions!

Events for ESO include:

ESO (Division A) team registration – CLOSED

Registration is currently closed. When opened, each coach must fill out the form below to register for the April 26, 2025 Middle TN Elementary Science Olympiad.
For any questions or concerns, please contact Kevin Ragland at kevin.ragland@mtsu.edu.

Regionals

Regional competitions serve to reduce the amount of teams competing at the state level.

States

At the state competition, the top teams in each region in a given state compete with each other. The state competition decides the team(s) that advance to the National Tournament. 

Nationals

The final contest in Science Olympiad is the best teams from across the country competing against each other. The competition is significantly harder than most state and regional competitions. Prizes and scholarships are awarded to the top scorers in each event. The National Tournament is typically held on a university campus, with teams either flying or driving in.