Illinois Ag News Headlines 23rd Annual Illinois Science Olympiad Regional Competition Feb. 13 Illinois Ag Connection - 02/08/2010 More than 300 middle/junior high and high school students will visit Western Illinois University Saturday, Feb. 13 to demonstrate their scientific knowledge and scientific technological skills during the 23rd Annual Illinois Science Olympiad Regional competition. "Science Olympiad is not a science fair," said Don Powers, director of the Maurice G. Kellogg Science Education Center at Western. "It is more like a track-and-field meet with science events. It emphasizes practice, teamwork, competition and recognition with a goal of getting students excited about science so they will be interested in pursuing careers in scientific and technology-related fields. The energy at the tournament feels like a carnival instead of a scholastic competition." The Regional Science Olympiad is comprised of 46 events -- 23 events for middle/junior high school students and 23 events for high school students -- in the areas of biology, chemistry, astronomy, earth science, physics, computers, health sciences and technology. Powers noted the events promote teamwork, group planning and cooperation while allowing students to participate in risk-taking, strategic-thinking and decision-making activities. Opening ceremonies are slated to begin at 8:15 a.m. in the University Union Grand Ballroom. The daylong event will feature nine middle/junior high teams and 13 high school teams participating in different activities and competitions across the campus. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.