What is Science Olympiad?

A national STEM tournament where teams compete across dozens of science, tech, and engineering events — from study tests to builds that have to survive tournament day.

Team science, not just one test.

Science Olympiad is one of the largest K–12 STEM competitions in the U.S. Schools field teams that prepare for a slate of events each season — some written, some hands-on, some design-and-build.

Instead of crowning one “smartest kid,” SciOly rewards depth, teamwork, and practice. Partners specialize, coaches rotate training, and the best teams treat the season like a real competitive sport for science.

Division B and Division C.

Division B is primarily middle school (roughly grades 6–9, depending on state rules). Division C is high school (roughly grades 9–12). Events overlap in spirit, but many have different names, depth, or formats by division.

A good example: middle schoolers often compete in Crime Busters, while high schoolers compete in Forensics — related skills, different events.

Invitationals are fun. Nationals is elite.

Most teams start at invitationals and regionals. Doing well can send a school to state — and only the very top state teams earn a spot at the National Tournament. Getting to Nationals means you’re among the best Science Olympiad programs in the country that year. Medaling there is an even rarer accomplishment, and colleges notice the work ethic it takes to compete at that level.

Even if Nationals isn’t the goal yet, SciOly builds real skills: studying hard topics, presenting under pressure, designing devices, analyzing data, and collaborating with a partner when the clock is running.

This year’s event slate

Official Science Olympiad events for the 2026–2027 season (listed as 2027 on SOINC). Always confirm details in the current rules manuals.

Division B (middle school)

Official Div B list →

Life, Personal & Social Science

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Botany
  • Disease Detectives
  • Heredity
  • Water Quality

Earth & Space Science

  • Dynamic Planet
  • Meteorology
  • Remote Sensing
  • Rocks and Minerals
  • Solar System

Physical Science & Chemistry

  • Circuit Lab
  • Crime Busters
  • Food Science
  • Hovercraft
  • Thermodynamics

Technology & Engineering

  • Boomilever
  • Elastic Launched Gliders
  • Roller Coaster
  • Scrambler

Inquiry & Nature of Science

  • Codebusters
  • Experimental Design
  • Ping-Pong Parachute
  • Write It Do It

Division C (high school)

Official Div C list →

Life, Personal & Social Science

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Botany
  • Designer Genes
  • Disease Detectives
  • Water Quality

Earth & Space Science

  • Astronomy
  • Dynamic Planet
  • Remote Sensing
  • Rocks and Minerals

Physical Science & Chemistry

  • Chemistry Lab
  • Circuit Lab
  • Forensics
  • Hovercraft
  • Protein Modeling
  • Thermodynamics

Technology & Engineering

  • Boomilever
  • Electric Vehicle
  • Mission Possible
  • Wright Stuff

Inquiry & Nature of Science

  • Codebusters
  • Engineering CAD
  • Experimental Design
  • Ping-Pong Parachute
Want event guides?

SciOly Tutor has starter pages for Codebusters, Crime Busters, Forensics, Dynamic Planet, and build events — plus general season tips. Browse resources →

Explore resources Full SOINC event table