Virginia youth compete in state STEM competition at Mary Washington

The University of Mary Washington hosted hundreds of youth from across the Commonwealth on Saturday in the Virginia Science Olympiad (VASO) competition.

The competition tests 3rd grade through high school students’ skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“We are so grateful to be able to host such talented students from across Virginia in our facilities for another year. Mary Washington has a proud history of hosting this competition, which helps reinforce our commitment as a public university to meet the needs of the Commonwealth,” UMW Senior Lecturer of Biology Michael Stebar, who coordinated the event, said.

Students showcased their STEM skills in exercises such as the “Bungee Drop,” where participants designed elastic cords to conduct drops from given heights. In “Wind Power,” students made devices to measure voltage and tested the principles of alternative energy. In “Crime Busters,” students were given a scenario, evidence and possible suspects to perform a series of tests to solve a crime.

Students were tested based on 24 categories, including Air Trajectory, Ecology, Potions and Poisons, Fossils, Disease Detectives and Astronomy. Judges timed each team, collected measurements, scrutinized entries for parameter violations or missing log data, and marked score sheets.

Jennifer Gold, a science teacher and Science Olympiad coach at Oakrest School in Vienna, watched her team compete for structural efficiency in the “Tower” event. Her team’s structure lasted several minutes before collapsing but was “a great way to learn about the principles of engineering and the importance of teamwork. Our students work hard all year, twice a week plus weekends, creating projects and testing them over and over.”

Fifty-nine teams of students competed from 27 schools. Top performers qualified for the 2025 state tournament in Charlottesville. Teams moving on to the state competition included Longfellow Middle School, Kilmer Middle School, Rachel Carson Middle School, Spring Hill Elementary School, Carter G. Woodson High School, Langley High School, Thomas Jefferson High School and Lake Braddock Secondary School.

“Not only does the Science Olympiad spark interest in STEM subjects. It also gives students a look at a college campus and glimpse of what it’s like to work in a modern university laboratory,” Stabler said.

VASO, a non-profit organization, seeks to inspire a passion for science and technology in Virginia’s students through collaboration and teamwork, hands-on experiences, variety and creativity in topics and skills, and fun and rewarding tournaments. Events are chosen by the national Science Olympiad organization to reflect educational standards.

“This event ignites a passion for science in our students. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and dedication,” Gold said.