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SAUGEEN SHORES – The NII Explore Science Olympics championship belt is heading to Goderich District collegiate institute (GDCI) after the team of Kellen Brenner, Sam Howard, Justin MacLeod and Jacob Watson successfully conquered a range of science challenges May 17.
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The second annual Science Olympics brought together 12 teams of high school students from across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties to compete at the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s Advance Technology Campus, where organizers witnessed a display of science knowledge, problem-solving and collaboration.
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GDCI was in third place after six preliminary challenges before coming from behind in the final event. Walkerton’s Sacred Heart Catholic high achool Team #2 and Team #1 placed second and third, respectively, to round out the podium finishers.
Saugeen District Senior school from Saugeen Shores won the Collaboration Award.
“It was great the challenges were based on a bunch of different subjects, so we could each use our skills to help each other out,” GDCI student Justin MacLeod said.
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Teacher Jason Doble also noted this was the first opportunity for these students to compete in a local competition.
“It wasn’t these students’ first time doing a science competition, but our first time doing one locally like this,” he said. “Having a homegrown opportunity for students to show their quick thinking and teamwork was incredible.”
With challenges spanning multiple scientific disciplines like genetics, earth science, game theory, physics, engineering and more, this groundbreaking event played a crucial role in bridging the gap in opportunities between urban and rural high school students in the region, organizers said.
“What a day of fun and fierce competition,” said NII Explore president Phillip Craig. “Every team here should be proud of the determination and teamwork they showed throughout these challenges.”
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