2017-18 Team Information and CommitmentsWhat is Science Olympiad? Science Olympiad is a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving K-12 science education, increasing interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding academic achievement. It is also designed to encourage and support new and creative ways for classroom teachers to explore science curriculum. Science Olympiad is a fun, hands-on way to make science exciting and foster a passion for the subject, while promoting teamwork, cooperation, and problem solving skills. This is our third year that DCES will have a team represented in the Elementary Division (Division A). Throughout the year we will participate in 2-3 practice meets. The Regional tournament is usually in Feb/Mar. and includes all 18 events that cover all disciplines of science and range from building events, content-based events, and lab-based events. Applications are due to on Thursday, Aug. 10th, 2017 and NO LATE applications will be accepted. Interviews will be held on August 14 and 15, 2017. Our training will begin on September 6th, 2017. For more information about Science Olympiad, please visit the National Science Olympiad website at http://soinc.org/ or the Georgia Science Olympiad website at http://www.spsu.edu/gaso/.

Who Can Compete? Students in fourth and fifth grades are eligible to apply for the Science Olympiad team. The team will consist of 20 members. Each member will compete in 1-2 events. Only eight fifth grade students will be selected for a team, per the official Division A Science Olympiad rules.

What Are the Team Commitments? Team members must commit to meeting every Wednesday after school (starting on Wednesday, September 6, 2017) from dismissal until 4:45pm. Team members will also need to commit to be present at all practice meets and regional tournaments (dates to be determined). Please note that

practice meets & tournaments are ALL DAY events on a Saturday. Transportation to and from the event is the responsibility of the member’s parent. Team members are expected to stay during the event to support each other. IF YOU CANNOT COMMIT TO THE SCHEDULE AND TOURNAMENT DATE, PLASE DO NOT APPLY. A fee to cover event registrations, activity expenses, supplies, and team t-shirts will also be required ($175 due at time of team selection only- NOT with application).

How Can I Apply? All interested students must complete the attached application and have it turned into Mrs. Stroer no later than Thursday, Aug. 10 th , 2017 . Please place completed applications in the basket located outside room the Science Lab (Room 451). NO late applications will be accepted. Team members will be announced on Monday August 21, 2017.

Can Parents Volunteer? Absolutely! If you have a background in engineering or building, we would love to have your help during our team practices. A parent volunteer form will be sent out once team members are announced.

Science Olympiad Team

Daves Creek Elementary

Questions? Please email Christine Stroer at cstroer@forsyth.k12.ga.us or Amy Daise at Adaise@forsyth.k12.ga.us

DCE 2017-18 Science Olympiad Application

Note: Please do not apply if you are signed up for an intensive sport or another club.

Name: ____________________________________ Today’s Date: _____________________

Birthday: ______________ Grade: ______________ Homeroom Teacher: ___________________

Home Phone #: _________________ Alternate Phone #: _________________

(I have read through the team commitments and I approve my child’s participation should he/she be selected the Science Olympiad Team.)

Guardian’s Name (Printed): ____________________________________________________

Guardian’s Signature: _________________________________________________________-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON THE BACK OF THIS PAPER, students are to write TWO PARAGRAPHS explaining to Mrs. Stroer and Mrs. Daise:

1 – Why are you interested in joining the Science Olympiad Team? What would make you a good member of the team?2 – What kind of science experience do you have?

Please write neatly and in complete sentences. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check all that apply:___ I have a strong interest in science, and love to learn about the world around me.

** I am interested in ___ Life Science ___ Physical Science ___ Earth Science ___ Engineering

___ I am quick thinker and a problem solver.

___ I love to think outside of the box!

___ I am creative and resourceful with materials, and enjoy building things.

___ I work hard to make good grades in all my classes at school.

___ I am reliable – I turn in homework/projects on time.

___ I participate appropriately in class discussions.

___ I work well with others in a group or team setting.

Student Signature ____________________________________________________________________

Teacher Evaluation Sheet Students: Please write your name on the line below and give this form to your LAST year’s homeroom teacher to complete. DO NOT give this form to your teacher the day the application is due! Your teacher will need time to complete this and return it to Mrs. Stroer or Mrs. Daise. Thank you!

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TEACHERS: Your last year’s student _______________________________________________

Please take a few moments to let me know about your student’s science abilities, work ethic, and ability to work cooperatively. After you have completed the form, please drop this one of our mailboxes by the afternoon of Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Thank you so much for your time! – Christine Stroer and Amy Daise

Please rate the students on the following items, with 1 being “Poor” and 4 being “Excellent.”

The student is proficient in science.

The student has an interest in science.

The student works hard on assignments.

The student participates in classroom discussions.

The student works well with others in a group.

The student stays on task and is responsible.

The student shows problem solving skills.

The student is creative and resourceful.

The student is respectful and follows directions appropriately.

Additional comments or concerns:

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Your name: __________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________

Please check day of preference for interview Monday August 14 _______ Tuesday August 15_______

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Which Daves Creek Competition team(s) are you trying out for?

Math _____

Science ____

VEX ______

If you have chosen to try out for more than one competition team, please indicate your preference by ranking them.

1 – your first choice team

2 – your second choice team ___________Math _________Science _________ Vex

3 – your third choice team

Students will only be able to compete on one of the Competition teams and are not guaranteed a place on a team.