Elementary Science Olympiad exposes Alabama students to high-level science competition
Nearly 250 young students from across Alabama test their skills in hands-on challenges that spark curiosity, teamwork and a love of discovery
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A student prepares to compete in the Can Racer event, making final adjustments before the race begins.
Dean Edward Thomas Jr. smiles alongside Elementary Science Olympiad participants, celebrating a day of discovery and competition.
In the Crash Landing event, students design and build a device to protect an egg from a two-story drop using only the provided materials.
On a normal Saturday morning while many were still nestled in their beds, nearly 250 elementary students filled Auburn University’s Academic Classroom and Laboratory Complex (ACLC) ready to compete and take home the title of champion of this year’s Elementary Science Olympiad. From designing structures that withstand stress to analyzing the mysteries of the human body and the ocean, these Olympians weren’t just competing — they were thinking, adapting and discovering what it means to be a scientist.
Hosts of this year’s Elementary Science Olympiad, the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach office welcomed ten schools and eleven teams on March 28, bringing together students from across the region for a day of hands-on learning. Events ranged from fast-paced, building-centered challenges like Crash Landing, Pastamobile and Bridging the Gap to traditional tests covering subjects such as geology, botany and astronomy. Each event pushed students to think critically, collaborate under pressure and apply knowledge in new and unexpected ways while working as a team.
Kicking off the day, Dean Edward Thomas shared a personal story that underscored the long-term impact of programs like Science Olympiad. Reflecting on his experience mentoring students, he recalled how his daughter’s participation in events like Deep Blue Sea helped spark her passion for marine biology. Today, she is on the verge of earning her doctorate in the field which is a powerful reminder of how early exposure shapes future interests.
For educators like Marri Lynn Gregory, a STEM teacher at Beulah Elementary School, the Olympiad represents something even deeper. As she prepares for retirement after nearly a decade of involvement in Science Olympiad and robotics, she hopes to see the program continue to thrive.
Students in the Measurement and Metrics event calculate the diameter, volume, height and mass of a soda can with precision and teamwork.
Bryan Elementary School celebrates earning the gold medal at the 2026 Auburn University Elementary Science Olympiad.
Beyond the medals, students gain confidence, skills and a deeper love of science through the Science Olympiad experience.
“Science Olympiad stretches students out of their comfort zone,” Gregory said. “They can’t fully prepare, so there is always a need to learn to adapt during the competition just like real scientists. I also appreciate the outlet this provides for children who may not be athletes, musicians or artists.”
Students themselves echoed that enthusiasm. Anderson Haak, a sixth grader from Prattville Christian School competing in his second year, described the event as both inspiring and social.
“I just love science,” Haak said. “I love being able to come to Auburn University, a place I wouldn’t normally get to visit, and compete.”
Haak also noted the unique structure of his school’s program, where elementary students interact with middle school competitors during practices, creating a natural mentorship. “You get to know a lot of different kids, and the older students become role models,” he added.
While medals and rankings marked achievement, the true success of the Elementary Science Olympiad lies in moments of problem-solving, teamwork and inspiration that extend far beyond the event itself. As COSAM Outreach hosts programs like the Elementary Science Olympiad, it reinforces its commitment to nurturing the next generation one experiment, one challenge and one inspired student at a time.
