Scientific resurgence

After becoming a state powerhouse in the Science Olympiad, during which the Tigers made it to nationals six times in 15 years, Delano had a few lean years in terms of participation. But this year the numbers are back up, and the future is looking bright.

 

“We had eight kids the past four years. This year we have 35,” said DHS science teacher Stephen Schaack, who oversees the Division B group that includes students in grades seven through nine. “This year it has exploded and we’re not sure why.”

 

The Science Olympiad is a competition against other schools in which students work with partners in a variety of events that encompass many branches of science. Some events include tests on anatomy, rocks and minerals. Another category involves building a hovercraft. An optics competition involves directing a laser beam through a maze of obstacles using mirrors.

 

Another unique competition involves building a balsam wood tower that can hold the most weight possible.

 

At competitive meets students can earn gold, silver and bronze medals for excelling in their categories, and the season runs from November through March.

 

“It gives our kids a chance to do geeky science stuff after school with other kids,” said Schaack. “It gives them that camaraderie like a sports team does, but it’s academic rather than athletic.”

 

Eighth-grader Ethan Thomas said he and a friend got involved about a year and a half ago when he was told the team was looking for someone to build the balsam wood tower. This year he took second place at the region meet.

 

“I just really like to build and do the hands-on stuff,” he said. “It’s fun to compete. When you can get a medal at those competitions, that’s pretty fun.”

 

Schaack said the team is rebuilding this year, but he expects to recapture some of that past success now that there has been renewed interest from the students.

 

“We’ve done pretty well this year, and the kids know there is a legacy,” he said. “We have a lot of trophies from regionals, and a lot of state trophies from past years. We used to be in the top three of state every year until about 2012.”

 

Experience tends to help, so Schaack is looking forward to what his students can do once they have a few competitions behind them.

 

“The kids who have done it before are better. So next year I think we’re going to really give it a good shot. And the high school team in the next few years will be amazing,” he said.

 

Thomas and a number of other students were scheduled to compete at state on Saturday, March 10.

 

“I’ve just done the tower so far, but I’ll be doing meteorology next,” Thomas said. “I just think it’s fun.”

 

State meet