The College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS) seeks student volunteers to assist in UMBC’s inaugural high school Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament on January 13, 2024. Work includes either test writing—which can be done virtually during the fall semester—or event supervision—which requires your time on the UMBC campus on the morning of Saturday, January 13th, 2024.
Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteering for the tournament is an excellent networking opportunity. You will work in a small team of other students supervised by a member of the interdepartmental committee.
As the responsibilities of this role include assessment design, administration, and evaluation in close collaboration with faculty members from the chemistry, biology, physics, or math departments, this role is excellent preparation for further opportunities in these areas at UMBC, such as TA positions or Research Assistantships.
What is Science Olympiad?
In grades 6-12, Science Olympiad functions much like a football or soccer team, requiring preparation, commitment, coaching and practice throughout the year. Each school-based team is allowed to bring 15 students who cross-train for a variety of events in their skill set, but some school clubs have more than 75 members, allowing for an apprentice and mentoring system.
Science Olympiad competitions are like academic track meets, consisting of a series of 23 team events in each division (Division B is middle school; Division C is high school). Each year, a portion of the events are rotated to reflect the ever-changing nature of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology. By combining events from all disciplines, Science Olympiad encourages a wide cross-section of students to get involved. Emphasis is placed on active, hands-on group participation. Through Science Olympiad, students, teachers, parents, principals and business leaders bond together and work toward a shared goal.
Source: soinc.org (National Science Olympiad)
Register Below
Open roles are updated regularly on page 2 of the form. You will receive a follow-up shortly after volunteering. Contact Dr. Bindu Abraham (abraham@umbc.edu) for more information. (The form can only be accessed by umbc.edu email accounts. If you are from another institution and would like to volunteer please email Dr. Abraham).