![North Hollywood Science Olympiad takes 1st place in 2016 LA County Regionals [Source: highlygiftedmagnet.org]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/9-21-olympiad.jpg)
[Source: highlygiftedmagnet.org]
The tryouts begin on Wednesday, September 7. Students must choose at least two of the six subjects that are provided. This year, the possible study events are Optics, Dynamic Planet, and Microbe Mission. Optics will test the students’ knowledge of geometrical and physical optics. Dynamic Planet will test the students’ understanding of the movement, history, and phenomena of the Earth’s crust. Microbe Mission will have various questions on microbes and microbiology.
The building events are Game On, Towers, and Hovercraft. In Game On, students will have 50 minutes to make a video game using a program called Scratch. In Towers, students will plan a sturdy wood tower to hold a bucket that becomes heavier by constant addition of sand. In Hovercraft, the student will build a levitating, self-propelled vehicle that can fly down a track.
In addition to taking these tests, students must take a timed math and logic test to test their speed and thinking abilities under pressure.
After testing, the top scoring students have an opportunity to participate in an interview conducted by the Science Olympiad captains. The interviewing process screens for the students’ abilities to work with others and their dedication to Science Olympiad. Of the participating students, usually around three to five are accepted.
