TOMORROW’S SCIENTISTS IN ACTION TODAY

On Saturday, April 18, Clark College will welcome 800 young scientists
from throughout the state as it hosts the 2009 Washington State Science Olympiad

VANCOUVER, Wash. – As a candidate and as president, Barack Obama has declared the need for math and science education to become a national priority. On Saturday, April 18, that priority will come to life as top students from throughout Washington state will gather at Clark College in Vancouver for the 2009 Washington State Science Olympiad.

Opening ceremonies will be held at 8:15 a.m. in the O’Connell Sports Center gymnasium. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., creative events such as “Crave the Wave,” “Science Crime Busters,” and “Wright Stuff” will be held at locations throughout Clark’s main campus. Awards presentations will take place in the O’Connell gym at 5 p.m.

More than 800 students from 100 middle schools and 100 high schools are expected to take part in the event, which is free and open to the public.

Clark College is located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Maps and driving directions are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

According to organizers, the Washington State Science Olympiad is “an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments.”

Clark College President Robert K. Knight said, “Science education is vital to the future of our region and our country. These young scientists are making the case that the U.S. is ready to once again claim a leadership role in science.”

Information about the Olympiad is available at http://www.washingtonscienceolympiad.com/

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national science Olympiad. This year’s event will be held on May 15-16 at Augusta State University in Augusta, Georgia.