Thrill of victory motivates science and mathletes - 2009

The International Baccalaureate program gave Assumption College Catholic High School a leg up on the competition at last week's Great Lakes Science Olympiad, says team member Sand Moshi.

"The curriculum definitely extended our knowledge," he said after Assumption finished atop the standings. "It's a lot of work, but it all paid off. This is worth it."

The Great Lakes Science Olympiad, held on campus last Thursday, involved teams of students from area high schools competing against each other and the clock as they tested their knowledge of chemistry, biology, computer science, physics, and engineering.

Teacher candidates in the UWindsor Bachelor of Education program devised, administered, and judged seven competitions based on the science curriculum to challenge the high schoolers' skills and teamwork.

Education student Danielle Hall helped to pull together a stop on the day's Amazing Race-style event and said it was an excellent experience.

"I learned how to get kids excited about science, showing them that science is cool," she said.The Assumption A team celebrates its win at last week's Great Lakes Science Olympiad.

When it was all over, the Assumption A team—Kyle Duff, Kyle Godden, Spencer Kelly, J.P. Malette, Mike Martinello, and Moshi, along with teacher supervisor Maria Sawicki—finished first overall with with 756 of a possible 800 points.

"That is an amazing score," said organizer John Salalila, coordinator of the First Generation Students Program in the Educational Development Centre. "I don't know if any team has done better in the history of the competition."

Next best was Belle River B, with 728 points. Rounding out the top five were Massey A, Kennedy B, and Massey B; most participating schools sent more than one team.