Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO)

Join the Burns Park Team!!!

• Burns Park Students in Grades 2 through 5 can participate in Science Olympiad.
• The Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO) is Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Skyline High School.
• Burns Park Team practices begin the week of Feb. 2, 2009 and end with WESO, May 16th. The Burns Park Science Olympiad is March 23-29 at practices.
• Students may be part of the Burns Park Team and practice for any events even if they do not wish to compete in WESO.
• Students may practice for as many different events as they like!
• Sign up to participate by Friday, January 30th.

What is the Science Olympiad? Science Olympiad is a national program in which students learn science through active, hands-on participation, with an emphasis on problem solving and team building skills. Students from participating schools may compete in events designed to be fun, exciting, and challenging. Some events require knowledge of science facts and concepts, while others rely on scientific processes, skills, or applications, so students with varying abilities and skills can participate. The team spirit and good citizenship that students develop will be beneficial throughout their lives.

How is the team selected? Every Burns Park student in second through fifth grade is eligible to be on our Science Olympiad team and participate in practices for events. Students are encouraged to sign up to practice for one or more events—it’s fun, and like being in a science club. Team practices will take place throughout from February through May 10th, about once weekly for each event. Team practice days and times will be announced by e-mail once your child has signed up. Many event practices will be held on Sunday afternoons. Team members who have demonstrated mastery of skills needed to compete in each individual event will be eligible to compete at the WESO on May 16th, 2009 at Skyline High School. Lack of attendance or poor citizenship at practices could result in a student being removed from the team.

How do students sign up? A parent or guardian must fill out the registration form and return it to the Burns Park office by Friday, January 30, 2009. Any questions? Call Sue Cutler at 995-5399.

Who are the coaches? Coaches are parents and high school students who have volunteered to teach students the rules and scientific concepts for their respective events, along with problem solving and team building skills. We still need coaches for Monster Match and Potions.

What do parents/guardians need to do? Science Olympiad is made possible through the volunteer efforts of parents and community members. In addition to coaches, we’ll need 18 adult volunteers from our school to help for 2 to 4 hours at the Olympiad. Other volunteer positions are needed! See this page for more information.