High School Science Olympiad Experience

HS Coding
Hs Forensics

UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program
July 6–10, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily
Location: UNC Charlotte
Capacity: 50 students

Program Overview

The High School Science Olympiad Experience is an intensive five-day STEM enrichment academy for high school students with interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This immersive experience builds on the rigors of Science Olympiad competitions by providing structured lectures, hands-on lab investigations, engineering design projects, and collaborative problem solving.

Participants will engage in interactive morning sessions focused on key scientific principles across biology, chemistry, physics, earth and space science, environmental science, and engineering. Each afternoon, teams will apply morning concepts in hands-on investigations, challenges, and Science Olympiad-style events that emphasize inquiry, experimentation, data analysis, and communication. Activities are designed to enhance and extend high school science practice in ways that are both engaging and aligned with state standards. (NC Science Olympiad)

This program is intended solely for STEM enrichment. It is not a remedial program and does not provide tutoring for students currently struggling in science coursework.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

  • Open to high school students (typically grades 9–12)
  • Demonstrated interest in science and STEM problem solving
  • To apply, families must:
    1. Complete the online application
    2. Submit the student’s most recent report card
    3. Pay the non-refundable registration fee of $250

Admission is competitive and limited to 30 participants.

Daily Program Structure

9:00–10:30 a.m. — Concept Lecture & Scientific Inquiry
10:30–10:45 a.m. — Break
10:45–12:00 p.m. — Applied Skill Workshop / Lab Preparation
12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch
1:00–3:30 p.m. — Team Challenges & Science Olympiad-Style Events
3:30–4:00 p.m. — Presentations & Reflection

Weekly Themes and Sample Activities with NC Standards Alignment

The activities below are representative of high school Science Olympiad content, adapted for enrichment. Events are selected or designed to connect directly to core science disciplines within the North Carolina Science Standard Course of Study. (NC DPI)

Day 1 — Biological Investigations & Ecology

Theme: Exploring life science through hands-on experimentation in ecosystems and cellular processes.
Sample Activities:

  • Microscope lab: analyze cells, tissues, and organismal structures
  • Ecosystem field data collection and biodiversity indices
    Standards Alignment:
  • HS-LS1: Structure, function, and information processing
  • HS-LS2: Ecosystems: interactions, energy, and dynamics (IXL Learning)

Day 2 — Chemistry of Change & Chemical Analysis

Theme: Chemical reactions, properties of matter, and quantitative reasoning.
Sample Activities:

  • Titration and reaction rate investigations
  • Chemical analysis lab: identifying unknown substances
    Standards Alignment:
  • HS-PS1: Matter and its interactions
  • HS-PS2 connections via energy changes in chemical systems (IXL Learning)

Day 3 — Physics of Motion & Engineering Design

Theme: Mechanics, forces, energy transfer, and engineering design challenges.
Sample Activities:

  • Rube-Goldberg machine design to solve specific physics challenges
  • Projectile motion analysis using data collection tools
    Standards Alignment:
  • HS-PS2: Motion and stability: forces and interactions
  • HS-PS3: Energy (IXL Learning)

Day 4 — Earth and Space Science Investigations

Theme: Understanding Earth systems, weather patterns, and planetary science.
Sample Activities:

  • Weather station data modeling and prediction challenges
  • Rock/mineral identification and geologic history interpretation
    Standards Alignment:
  • HS-ESS1: Earth’s place in the universe
  • HS-ESS2: Earth’s systems (NC DPI)

Day 5 — Capstone Science Olympiad Challenge

Theme: Integrated STEM event day culminating in team competitions and presentations.
Sample Activities:

  • Multi-stage event combining life science, physics, and engineering problem solving
  • Science communication presentations to faculty and peers
    Standards Alignment:
  • Cross-cutting scientific practices (modeling, inquiry, data interpretation, communication) from multiple HS domains (NC DPI)

Program Outcomes

By the end of the week, participants will:

  • Apply scientific methods and cross-disciplinary knowledge to real-world challenges
  • Develop laboratory techniques and engineering design experience
  • Strengthen data analysis, critical reasoning, and scientific communication
  • Experience collaborative scientific inquiry in a university STEM setting
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