Johnston Reporter

On April 4, 2025, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its annual Elementary Science Olympiad Competition at The Clayton Center. Fourteen teams, each composed of students from third through fifth grades, participated in the event. The competition featured 15 categories and involved a combination of test events and engineering build challenges. Events such as Backyard Biologist, Ping Pong Parachute, and Ramp and Roll tested the students' knowledge and creativity.

To prepare, teams practiced regularly, learning new concepts and honing their skills, while teamwork played a crucial role. Participants faced a variety of knowledge-based topics that included subjects like space, the human body, and geological formations. During the event, teams answered 20 questions about scientists, underscoring the depth of their preparation.

Among the engineering challenges was the Duct Tape Challenge, where students had to construct solutions using limited materials, revealing their problem-solving abilities on the day of the event. The Pasta Tower event, a highlight for many, required students to build a lightweight, structurally sound tower using pasta and glue that could support up to 10 kg of sand.

Kayla Boykin, K-8 Science Teaching and Learning Specialist, emphasized the dedication required for success, stating, “I want to highlight the work of the students and coaches leading up to the Science Olympiad. These teams practiced weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, to prepare.” Boykin also acknowledged the contributions of volunteers from schools, families, and the Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability Department, noting, “It was because of them that the event ran smoothly.”

The successful teams this year included Polenta Elementary, which took first place in both Junior Varsity and Varsity categories. Pine Level Elementary achieved third place in the Varsity competition, while Corinth-Holders Elementary secured fourth place.