Erickson Elementary School Science Olympiad Team

Mission: To increase interest in science and as an alternative to traditional science fairs and single-discipline tournaments.

Erickson Elementary School serves grades 1-5, and is located in Ypsilanti. Erickson is Title I school, which is a designation for schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families. The Erickson Elementary School Science Olympiad team sends teams of young scientists (grades 2-5) to the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (WESO). More than 40 elementary schools participate in WESO, which was created to increase interest in science and promote teamwork, group planning, and active, hands-on science learning. To learn more about WESO, you can check out their website: https://wesoscience.org/.

We have had huge success at this event, having over 50 students participating in the final event (more than any other Ypsilanti elementary school!) and we’ve brought home some medals! It has been a wonderfully inspirational experience for all the young scientists involved.

Student grade-level teams of 2-4 students practice weekly to prepare for the Olympiad, which is held in May. Practices start in early February. Practices will be one hour long and will be held at Erickson Elementary School during school hours (7:30-2:30) or right after school (2:45-4:00), depending on coach/student availability.

We are looking for volunteers to act as event coaches for our Science Olympiad teams, which are comprised of 2-4 highly motivated 2nd-5th graders. As head coach, I can provide volunteer coaches will any materials or help they want, and will be available for consultation as needed.