Maya Mathew

Members of the Science Olympiad team are studying for regionals Feb. 17, which will be held at Lindenwood University. The team is composed of Ladue students who are interested in science and compete in various science-related events. 

“I’m participating in multiple [events],” sophomore Alex Wang said. “This year, I’m doing Write-It Do-It, Optics, Disease Detectives and Dynamic Planet.”

Senior Miriam Steinberg plans to participate in four events. Their passion towards one particular type of event has grown over the years.

“In middle school, I did an event called Road Scholars, which is on reading maps, and I really, really loved it,” Steinberg said. “As I’ve done [Geologic Mapping this year], I’ve discovered that I find it really interesting.”

Wang began participating in Science Olympiad in middle school, as well.

“I was on the training team [in sixth grade] and I was on the competition team from seventh grade to last year,” Wang said. “This year is my first year doing high school Science Olympiad.”

Participating in Science Olympiad requires immense effort; students must score highly on qualifying tests to become members of the competition team and study thoroughly to prepare for the competition.

“[I’m doing] a lot of studying by taking old tests, mostly for practice, as well as reading different sources online [and] working on my binder,” Steinberg said.

Once students reach the competition, however, their hard work becomes worthwhile.

“It’s very fun, especially with friends, and it’s a lot more fun when you get to travel,” Wang said. “The competition itself is also very rewarding.”