Hundreds of young students from across the state descended on the University of Mary Washington campus last Saturday to test their skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as part of a Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) competition.
The event brought together “Olympians” from third grade through high school to showcase their STEM skills in practical and creative ways – such as the “Bungee Drop,” where participants designed elastic cords to conduct drops from given heights. In “Wind Power,” homemade devices measured voltage and were tested on the principles of alternative energy. In “Crime Busters,” students were given a scenario, evidence and possible suspects to perform a series of tests to solve a crime.
Rigorous standards were applied to each of this year’s 24 categories, including Air Trajectory, Ecology, Potions and Poisons, Fossils, Disease Detectives and Astronomy. Judges timed the teams, collected measurements, scrutinized entries for parameter violations or missing log data and marked score sheets.
“We are so grateful to be able to host such talented students from across Virginia in our facilities for another year,” said UMW Senior Lecturer of Biology Michael Stebar, who helped coordinate the event on campus. “Mary Washington has a proud history of hosting this competition, which helps reinforce our commitment as a public university to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.”
In the “Tower” event, Jennifer Gold, a science teacher and coach for the Science Olympiad at Oakcrest School in Vienna, looked on as her team’s project was tested for structural efficiency. As weight was added, she said, “here comes the nervous part!” The structure lasted several minutes before collapsing but was “a great way to learn about the principles of engineering and the importance of teamwork,” she said. “Our students work hard all year, twice a week plus weekends, creating projects and testing them over and over.”
The competition featured 59 teams of students competing from 27 schools, with top performers qualifying for the 2025 state tournament in Charlottesville. This year, teams moving on to the state competition included students from Longfellow Middle School, Kilmer Middle School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Spring Hill Elementary School, Carter G. Woodson High School, Langley High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School.
“Not only does the Science Olympiad spark interest in STEM subjects,” said Stebar. “It also gives students a look at a college campus and glimpse of what it’s like to work in a modern university laboratory.”
The budding scientists were assigned to teaching lab rooms or open spaces at the University’s Jepson Science Center, Hurley Convergence Center, Goolrick Hall and Anderson Center – which served as home base for over 1,500 attendees, including coaches, judges, administrative staff, parents and chaperones.
VASO is a non-profit organization that seeks to inspire a passion for science and technology in Virginia’s students through collaboration and teamwork, hands-on experiences, variety and creativity in topics and skills, and fun and rewarding tournaments. Events are carefully chosen by the national Science Olympiad organization to reflect educational standards and are changed or revised every year to allow students to learn new things.
“This event ignites a passion for science in our students,” said Gold. “It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and dedication.”
To learn more about results from the competition, explore VASO’s 2025 National-Ready Regional Tournament results.
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