Townline Selected for Science Olympiad

Townline Elementary School in Vernon Hills is one of only 12 schools in Illinois piloting Science Olympiad for children in grades kindergarten through five.

Currently about 60 students at Townline, limited to grades 4 and 5, are training for the all-day state competition on Saturday, May 7. The competition tests students’ knowledge of geology, chemistry, biology, anatomy, weather, physics and aerodynamics.

“Every week students are racing against the clock to test their knowledge of rocks and minerals, to design a paper airplane that will soar far and fast across a room, and to determine the composition of salt, sugar and baking powder by testing them against water or vinegar,” said Principal Victoria Kieffer, who is heading up the Olympiad with the help of parents and teachers.

“Our kids love doing this activity. They come in at lunch to identify rocks. I see them reading books about science,” Dr. Kieffer said.

In addition to the state competition, Townline will hold its own Science Olympiad competition night and awards ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. May 12. All students who have trained since February will compete against each other in all the events. An exhibition hall will be set up so community members, parents, staff and students can see what students have been learning during their training sessions.

"It’s a celebration of hard work and dedication for all students involved,” said Dr. Kieffer. Many community members, a Board of Education member, scientists from Toshiba and Hawthorn staff members will be acting as judges for this local competition.