Middle School Science Olympiad

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UNC Charlotte STEM Pre-College Program
Dates: July 13–17, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (daily)
Location: UNC Charlotte
Capacity: 50 students
Registration Fee: $250 for the week

Program Overview

The Middle School Science Olympiad program is a dynamic, week-long STEM enrichment experience designed to introduce middle school students to the excitement, rigor, and collaborative nature of Science Olympiad-style learning. This program is ideal for students with curiosity about science, engineering, and problem solving who enjoy hands-on experimentation and team-based challenges.

Participants will engage in interactive morning sessions focused on core concepts in life science, physical science, earth and space science, and engineering. During the afternoon, students work in teams to apply these concepts to Science Olympiad-inspired challenges that emphasize inquiry, experimentation, data analysis, and scientific communication. The program mirrors the spirit of competitive Science Olympiad events while maintaining a supportive, instructional environment appropriate for middle school learners.

This program is designed exclusively for STEM enrichment and exploration. It does not provide remedial instruction for students who are currently struggling in science coursework.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

  • Open to middle school students (typically rising grades 6–8)
  • Interest in science, engineering, and collaborative problem solving is encouraged

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

Enrollment is limited to 50 students.

Daily Program Schedule

9:00–10:30 a.m. – Interactive Science Lecture & Demonstration
10:30–10:45 a.m. – Break
10:45–12:00 p.m. – Guided Investigation & Skill Development
12:00–12:45 p.m. – Lunch
12:45–2:30 p.m. – Team-Based Science Olympiad Challenges
2:30–3:00 p.m. – Reflection, Discussion, and Team Sharing

Weekly Themes and Sample Science Olympiad Activities

Day 1 – Scientific Inquiry & Measurement

Theme: Introduction to scientific practices, observation, and accurate measurement.

Sample Activities:

  • Designing simple investigations using the scientific method
  • Measurement labs using metric tools
  • Data collection and graphing exercises

Grade-Level Connections:

  • Emphasizes scientific practices common to Grades 6–8, including planning investigations, analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions

Day 2 – Life Science & Ecology

Theme: Exploring living systems and ecosystem interactions.

Sample Activities:

  • Biodiversity and ecosystem simulations
  • Microscopy investigations of cells and organisms
  • Food web modeling challenges

Grade-Level Connections:

  • Aligns with middle school life science content related to organisms, ecosystems, and energy flow

Day 3 – Physical Science: Matter, Energy, and Motion

Theme: Understanding how matter and energy interact through hands-on experimentation.

Sample Activities:

  • Density and properties of matter investigations
  • Simple machines and forces challenges
  • Energy transfer demonstrations

Grade-Level Connections:

  • Reinforces core physical science concepts addressed across Grades 6–8

Day 4 – Earth & Space Science

Theme: Investigating Earth systems and space science phenomena.

Sample Activities:

  • Rock and mineral identification
  • Weather data analysis and forecasting challenges
  • Earth process modeling activities

Grade-Level Connections:

  • Supports Earth and space science learning standards for middle school students

Day 5 – Integrated STEM & Team Challenge Day

Theme: Culminating Science Olympiad-style team events integrating concepts from the week.

Sample Activities:

  • Multi-station team challenges combining life, physical, and earth science
  • Engineering design tasks with constraints
  • Team presentations and scientific explanations

Grade-Level Connections:

  • Encourages application of crosscutting concepts, scientific reasoning, and communication skills

Program Outcomes

By the end of the week, students will:

  • Apply scientific inquiry and engineering practices to hands-on challenges
  • Strengthen understanding of middle school science concepts across disciplines
  • Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Experience science learning in a collaborative university-based environment

The Middle School Science Olympiad program provides students with an engaging introduction to competitive-style STEM learning while building confidence, curiosity, and readiness for future STEM opportunities.

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