Mini Alaska Science Olympiad
Engaging rural Alaska youth in STEM with an innovative mobile STEM competition
External engagement in STEM activities is important for many youth to consider STEM as a career option. For 3 years Alaska NSF EPSCoR has helped host the Alaska Science Olympiad state competition at UAF for middle school students which challenges Alaska's youth in a variety of STEM fields. A huge barrier to participation in the larger state tournament is the size of our state and the cost of travel for teams to compete. This is especially challenging for students from rural communities off the road system.
In 2024 we developed a mobile, hands-on version of the competition that we could bring directly to rural Alaska communities. The Mini Alaska Science Olympiads are held over the course of one school day and include medal ceremonies giving the kids a chance to celebrate their STEM achievements. We offer six STEM events to choose from - inspired by the National Science Olympiad tournament - that can be adapted to any age group.
These events demonstrate STEM concepts in an engaging, fun way where students compete with peers, display camaraderie and good sportsmanship, and celebrate achievements in STEM. Growing STEM identities and interest in rural Alaska youth, is a vital step in developing a strong workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, and mathematicians.
Tower
Design and build a tower for height and stability.
Aerodynamics
Design and test paper airplanes for distance and accuracy.
Write It Do It
One team member is the "writer" who writes instructions of how to build an abstract model. The other team member is the "doer" who builds a model according to their teammates instructions.
Roller Coaster
Ahead of the competition day, teams build an adjustable roller coaster to make a marble travel at specific time intervals.
Barge
New event in production!
Build a barge out of aluminum foil to see which can hold the most cargo without sinking.
Mission STEMpossible
New event in production!
Biological classification, chemistry experiments and code busting all come together
in this unique mission. 
We have held events at schools across the state. Over 225 students participated with almost 100% participation at each school.
One of our pilot schools, Seldovia, signed up a team for the state competition that same year and won gold in one of the state STEM events!
Thank you to Science Olympiad USA Foundation, for sponsoring the upcoming Mini Alaska Science Olympiads in Hydaburg, Fort Yukon, and Minto.
Looking Forward
We are seeking additional funding to continue developing and bringing this unique and inspiring day of STEM fun to more Pre K-12 schools across Alaska. If you are interested in supporting the Mini Alaska Science Olympiad program please go HERE.
We have begun to develop Write It Do It kits to train and leave with teachers who have requested them for their classrooms as a STEM activity. This kit and continued teacher engagement is a great way to stay in touch with the schools and ignite their interest in the state tournament and STEM education.
If you are interested in learning more or having a Mini Alaska Science Olympiad come to your school please email the Alaska Science Olympiad Director, Tara Borland, at taborland@alaska.edu.
