Dickinson State University (DSU) hosted 214 middle and high school students Feb. 26 for the annual Southwest Regional Science Olympiad, drawing 21 teams from 10 regional schools to compete for a spot in the state tournament.
The competition transformed the DSU campus into a hub of innovation, with students participating in 23 STEM-related challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Events spanned multiple disciplines, including construction and engineering contests such as Boomilever, Electric Vehicle, Scrambler Car and Mission Possible; life and health sciences challenges including Anatomy and Physiology, Heredity, Designer Genes and Disease Detectives; chemistry-based events such as Chemistry Lab, Crime Busters, Forensics and Potions, and Poisons; and earth and physical science competitions including Meteorology, Rocks and Minerals, Dynamic Planet Oceanography and Metric Mastery. Students also demonstrated problem-solving and communication skills in Experimental Design, Codebusters, and Write It Do It.
“It is truly inspiring to see the ingenuity and dedication these students bring to the competition,” said Dr. Liz Freedman Fowler, dean of the School of Applied Sciences at DSU. “Events like the Science Olympiad are vital for fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. We are proud to provide a platform where their passion for discovery can take center stage.”
Teams from Bowman County and Hope Christian Academy earned top honors in their respective divisions, securing advancement to the state-level competition.
The annual regional event aims to increase student interest in STEM fields while recognizing academic achievement, teamwork and innovation. As competitors look ahead to the state tournament, organizers say the enthusiasm and talent displayed in Dickinson reflect a strong future for science education across the region.