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For first-time Louisiana schools

Start a Science Olympiad team.

New to Science Olympiad? Tulane Science Olympiad wants to help middle and high schools across Louisiana feel confident starting a team, even if no one at your school has competed before.

Contact usOfficial SO guide
01 Starting out

You can start small. A Science Olympiad team can begin as an after-school club, a few curious students, or a group preparing for a future tournament.

Schools can start at any time of year. Planning in the spring can help with budgeting, but fall starts are common and workable.

You do not need to be an expert to start.

Coaches help students organize, practice, and find resources. Students learn by trying events, asking questions, and growing together through the season.

02Six steps to get startedAdapted from the official Science Olympiad team-building process
  1. 01Build school and community supportStart with a teacher, coach, administrator, parent, or community mentor who can help the team get permission, space, and encouragement. Spring planning is helpful for school budgets, but many teams begin in the fall too.
  2. 02Recruit students with different strengthsInvite students who like science, engineering, building, writing, research, problem solving, or working with a partner. A competition roster can include up to 15 students, but a new club can begin with fewer.
  3. 03Learn the events and rulesEach season has its own event list, rules, and study materials. New teams do not need to master everything at once; start by choosing a few events that match student interest and available supplies.
  4. 04Practice regularlyWeekly or biweekly meetings are enough to build momentum. Use practice time for studying, testing builds, trying sample questions, and helping students learn how tournaments feel.
  5. 05Match students with eventsPair students with events based on curiosity and strengths. Some students will prefer research-heavy events, some will like labs, and others will want to design, build, and test devices.
  6. 06Attend a tournament and celebrate progressTeams can jump into a regional tournament, attend invitationals for practice, or spend a first season growing as a club. The goal for a new team is confidence, connection, and steady improvement.
03What your team needsMost first-year teams already have more of this list than they realize
  • A teacher, coach, or adult sponsor
  • School and administrator support
  • Interested middle or high school students
  • A classroom, lab, library, or other practice space
  • Access to the season's rules and event resources
  • Basic supplies for study, lab, and build events
  • A plan for tournament registration and transportation

Start with the people, then add materials as students choose events.

04How the season works

Divisions B and C

Science Olympiad has separate divisions so students compete with schools at a similar grade level. Division B is for middle school teams. Division C is for high school teams.

Each competition team can bring up to 15 students, and many schools also keep extra students involved through practices, club meetings, and preparation for future seasons.

Tournaments

Invitationals are practice tournaments. They help students try events, learn pacing, and meet other teams, but they do not determine advancement to State or Nationals.

Regional and State tournaments are managed through state Science Olympiad chapters. Tulane Science Olympiad can help new Louisiana teams understand where to look and what questions to ask next.

Event types

A balanced team usually includes students who enjoy different kinds of STEM work.

01

Knowledge Events

Students prepare by studying a topic, practicing questions, and learning how to use reference materials well.

02

Lab Events

Students practice hands-on skills such as measurement, observation, data analysis, and safe lab procedures.

03

Build Events

Students design, build, test, and improve a device before competition day, learning from each round of iteration.

04

Hybrid Events

Students combine studying with hands-on work, often using both written knowledge and practical performance.

05Useful linksBookmark these as your team moves from first conversations to registration
LinkOfficial Science OlympiadNational Science Olympiad information, season resources, event lists, and official program updates.LinkOfficial Start a Team GuideThe national guide for schools, coaches, and families starting a Science Olympiad team.LinkScioly WikiStudent-friendly event background, study tips, build examples, and explanations from the Science Olympiad community.LinkLouisiana Science OlympiadState chapter information, tournament dates, regional contacts, and Louisiana-specific announcements.LinkLouisiana RegistrationSchool and team registration details for Louisiana Science Olympiad through Scilympiad.
06 How Tulane can help

A local partner for new Louisiana teams.

Tulane Science Olympiad is a student-run STEM outreach organization, not a governing body. We can point new teams toward resources, answer beginner questions, encourage participation in invitationals, and help schools feel connected to the Louisiana Science Olympiad community.

Tell us your school, grade level, and where you are in the process. A first email can be simple.

Contact usOfficial guide