Students launched a catapult, investigated a 'crime scene' and created robots all on a Saturday afternoon. Several local students choose to participate in the Junior High Science Olympiad.
This year the 25th annual Olympiad was held at the University's Garrett Strong Science Building. The event brought together 12 middle schools from the surrounding areas of Nodaway County, including students from Chillicothe, Tarkio and Rockport. The students, who ranged from sixth to ninth grade, competed against each other in 23 different events to determine who will go to the Missouri finals. The events tested the student knowledge in different science fields such as chemistry, physics and biology. Some of the events include bridge-building, test flights for air planes and catapults.
One event, "Science Crime Busters," allowed the students in groups of three to four to investigate a scenario that involved an incident where someone flattened a school bus tire resulting in the delay of school and a day's loss for school officials. To determine the suspect, students had to identify a footprint, hair and finger prints that where left at the scene.
Two North Harrison students, seventh-graders Megan White and Bailey Perkins, enjoyed doing the Olympiad experiments.
"It's fun because its hands on experience, plus we get to travel and meet new people," White said.
"It's our second time competing in the Olympiad and we are hoping to go to state." Perkins said.
Another group from King City, seventh-grader Madison Workan and eighth-grader Kimberly Sternbery, is also hoping to go to state.
"We like traveling and meeting new people," Workan said.
Another event was "Trajectory", where students built their own catapult and aimed to launch their balls at designated targets. A team from Chillicothe, David Hershberger and Quentin Lewis worked on their catapult for more than three months.
"We like to come and compete against other schools," Hershberger said.
Sakshi Uppal, a junior chemistry major and Stevie Philips, a sophomore biology/psychology major, were two lab assistants on hand to help answer any questions students might have about the experiments.
After a long day of exuberance, everyone was excited and waiting for the award ceremony to discover what schools will compete for the finals in Missouri Region 1. The schools that will be going to the finals are; fourth place King City, third place Stanberry, second place Chillicothe, and in first place Plattsburg.
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