PEBBLE PUP LEADERS PARTICIPATE IN THE SOUTHERN COLORADO SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

By Steven Wade Veatch
The Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) Pebble Pup leader Steven Veatch and the Lake George Gem and Mineral Club Pebble Pup co-leader Dr. Bob Carnein supervised the geology examinations that were part of the Science Olympiad at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on March 3,

2012. The day-long event was held for the southern region of Colorado. The winning teams will go on to compete at the state level. Steven Veatch, and his assistant, a junior member of the CSMS, tested middle school students. Dr. Carnein tested high school students. Each team had to identify and answer several questions about 15 different rock and mineral specimens.

Zach Sepulveda, a CSMS Junior Member, worked as an assistant and supervisor for the middle school geology testing,

The Science Olympiad is designed in the form of a competitive tournament for grades 6-12, and the Olympiad works very much like a football team—requiring student study, preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the academic year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15
students who trained for a variety of events in to competed in. Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets and consist of a series of team events that include: genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering, and technology.

Division B is middle school and Division C is high school. By combining events from all disciplines, the Science Olympiad encourages a cross-section of students to participate and where they learn the value of working in teams. Teamwork in most science careers is required. The regional tournament at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs provided a memorable experience for the students to last a lifetime.