Starting a new SO team

[ThePrudentGuava]

It is almost 1/2 way throught the year and I was wondering about the process through which I might start a new Science Olympiad team. I asked my science teacher over the summer, bu she said that science fair occupied most of her extacurricular activity time. I will be going in division C next year so.....



Thanks!

[EastStroudsburg13]

It seems like you're on your way. The main thing you need to do is to find an teacher that's willing to help out. Once you do that, you can register with your state, order a rulebook, and start to have meetings and work on events.

Good luck! I hope you get this worked out. It's nice to build SO programs, especially in states that don't have very many like OK.

[ThePrudentGuava]

Yeah, I looked for teams in OK and found ,maybe, 6-7. I guess that would make it easier at state.

Or would that make it more competitive?

[mnstrviola]

Yeah, I looked for teams in OK and found ,maybe, 6-7. I guess that would make it easier at state.

Or would that make it more competitive?

I think you're our first person (at least first I've seen around here) from OK, so I don't think they're /that/ competitive. There may be a team that's really experienced though, because they've been to Nats before.

Don't worry about that though, focus on getting your team together and having fun good luck!

[ThePrudentGuava]

I recall seeing something to where they might have gone to Nationals once or twice, but I'm not for sure. I also saw something that a team won state and didn't go to Natiols for some reason or another.

Edit- they also might be the best of a sucky population.

[zyzzyva980]

Here's the lowdown on Science Olympiad in Oklahoma: It's a state that's beginning to develop its SO roots. They sent a team to nationals for the first time since 2006 last year in B division, and C division hasn't gone since 2008. In terms of competitiveness, I don't think it's terribly competitive, but I don't know for sure. However, it is a state that has been growing in recent years. Starting a team now and getting the experience could pay off huge dividends for the school in the future, even if you've already moved on. Teams that are established now have the opportunity to help shape the future of Oklahoma Science Olympiad. And as for your future, you probably would have a really good chance of succeeding in the future if you put a lot of effort into a high school team when you get up there.

The benefits of Science Olympiad are countless, so starting a team at your middle school would help lots of students later on. Starting a team is never easy, but if you can find the right people to help you out, it can make the process successful and a lot of fun.

[ThePrudentGuava]

I'm actually thinking that it would be at our high school because we have a lot more clubs up there, (Robotics, FBLA, Bible study groups, etc.) Also, we have way more supportive administration. I tried to start a Chess Club and Ill just say it didn't end well.

[ThePrudentGuava]

I have a queston about funding the team. do schools support the team financially or will we have to raise money for everything? Our state comp. is a long ride away and more so is Orlando.

I have another queston regarding regionals. (sorry for all the questions) Is it like a buffed up invitationals and you go to states no matter how well you do or does it count for something?

Thanks!

[zyzzyva980]

It really depends on the school how much funding you receive. Some schools won't give you anything, other schools will pay for much of what you need. Chances are, as a new club, you'll be looking at having to fundraise quite a bit to pay for your expenses.

As for regional competitions, in most states they do act as a qualifier for the state competition (though not necessarily more difficult than invites). I'm not sure about Oklahoma, but this would be a question for your coach (when you find one) to ask the regional or state coordinator.

[ThePrudentGuava]

thanks!

edit- how much do the materials, manuals, etc. cost? (typically)