COSAM Outreach hosts 2026 Alabama State Science Olympiad tournament at Auburn University
Photos by Steven Dixon and Kristen Jackson
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Thirty teams from across Alabama competed at Auburn University during the 2026 Alabama State Science Olympiad Tournament, a day of high-energy collaboration, problem-solving and discovery.
A student sets his electric vehicle at the starting line, preparing to test precision engineering and calibration in one of Science Olympiad’s most exacting design challenges.
Olympians make final adjustments before the Bungee Drop event, applying physics principles to achieve pinpoint accuracy from a measured height.
The College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach Office proudly hosted the 2026 Alabama State Science Olympiad Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 29, welcoming 30 high school teams from across the state to Auburn University for a day of high-energy STEM competition.
More than just a tournament, Science Olympiad is a collective learning experience that celebrates curiosity, teamwork and the joy of problem-solving. From early-morning events to the final awards ceremony, students could be seen working side-by-side learning from each other.
Group-based events encouraged peer discussion, collaboration and creative, problem-solving skills that mirror real-world teamwork and prepare students for success in college and future careers.
“Seeing students tackle challenges as a team is powerful, because that’s how problems are solved in the real world,” said Alicia Hawthorne, senior lecturer of biological sciences and event supervisor for the Anatomy and Physiology event. “They’re learning how to think critically, communicate and rely on each other.”
Throughout the day, conversations that began in competition rooms continued in hallways and common areas as students eagerly discussed their events and shared what they had learned.
The tournament featured 23 challenging events across biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics and earth science, including Forensics, Materials Science and Remote Sensing. Teams competed for the opportunity to represent Alabama at the National Science Olympiad Tournament, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles on May 22–23, 2026.
Students collaborate during the Experimental Design event, applying scientific reasoning and analytical skills to design, conduct and evaluate under timed conditions.
James Clemens High School celebrates as the 2026 Alabama State Science Olympiad champions, earning a coveted bid to represent the state at the national competition.
“This was such a great experience. Everyone was so kind and encouraging,” said Brooklyn Holbrooks, a ninth grader from Dreshler High School. “My favorite part was the Codebusters event. I loved working with my group. We were able to use each other’s strengths and finish faster together.”
Teachers echoed the positive experience of being involved with Science Olympiad.
Dreama White, Science Olympiad coach at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, has participated in the tournament for the past four years and says her students return because they love the experience.
“They stick with it because they truly enjoy it,” White said. “It’s amazing to watch them apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world challenges. The future feels bright with students like these.”
The team from James Clemens High School coached by Ashley Horne was the 2026 State Science Olympiad champion and will represent the state of Alabama at the National Science Olympiad tournament in May.
With the support of more than 150 volunteers, Auburn University and the COSAM Outreach Office are proud to continue hosting this impactful event bringing together a community of students, volunteers and faculty excited about STEM.
