Welcome to the 40th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament, hosted by Michigan State University (MSU) with the support of Science Olympiad. We are celebrating this milestone by hosting the Science Olympiad National Tournament on MSU’s campus, where it started 40 years ago in 1985. This tournament represents the highest level of science competition for middle and high schools across the nation.

We have lined up many fun events for teams on Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, and hope that you will enjoy your time in East Lansing with some of the many things that you can do in the area, both on and off campus.

Tournament Check-In

Location: STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, Room 1001 (1st Floor)

Coaches should check in before going to the residence hall. Team members don’t need to accompany the coach. Coaches will receive wristbands and other materials for their team members. Science Olympiad staff members will check that the team roster has been submitted, in addition to all other required forms. 

Please note: If you will be arriving to East Lansing before or after check-in hours (see Schedule page for check-in hours), contact us by Friday, May 17, and we will notify the residence hall staff of your late arrival.

Trial Events

Trial events will be offered on Friday during the STEM Expo.  Please see the official Division B or C rules manual for event details. Events offered:

  • Agricultural Science (B/C) - Year 2 topics
  • Solar Power (B/C)
  • Mission Possible (B)
  • Engineering CAD (C)

See Division B and C trial events schedule.

Tournament Day

See tournament day schedules: 

Competition Format

The 2024 Science Olympiad National Tournament will take place on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. All events will be based on the 2024 Rules Manual. Please make sure you have checked the Rules Clarifications page and FAQ page prior to the tournament for any rule changes.

Ceremonies

The Opening and Closing and Awards Ceremonies will be held in the MSU Breslin Center on the Arena Floor. Please see the Breslin Center policies.

Opening Ceremonies

Friday, May 24, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)

Dress code: casual, what you wore to travel or to the STEM Expo

The Opening Ceremony is a celebration of Science Olympiad and the teams that have qualified for the national tournament. It starts with the Parade of States and remarks and welcomes from some notable individuals. It concludes with student, coach, parent, and supervisor pledges. A special guest will be announced soon!

Parade of States

Practice: Friday, May 24, 5:30 p.m., Breslin Center, Arena Floor

There are many things that make the National Tournament a memorable experience, one of which is being able to compete against students from across the country. During the Opening Ceremony of the National Tournament, the annual Parade of States showcases and celebrates the teams in attendance and provide a space for them to show their state pride!

Teams are encouraged to select up to four individuals for the Parade of States. You are encouraged (not required) to bring a school banner/flag and a state flag for the parade (these are encouraged, not required). Many schools dress up for the parade as something that represents their school/region/state; this is encouraged, not required.

Please note: No items can be thrown into the audience.

Awards and Closing Ceremony

Saturday, May 25, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. (seating opens 7:00 p.m.)

Dress code: The dress code is elevated from the casual dress code of the opening ceremony. Although this is not enforced, most teams will be in business or formal attire for the ceremony. Suits and long dresses are not out of place, but also not required.

The Awards and Closing Ceremony is a celebration of the individual event winners and overall team performance. A video will highlight footage from the two days in East Lansing before the presentation of the Division B and C medals and special prizes and other recognitions.

Swap Meet and Ice Cream Social

Friday, May 24, after the opening ceremony (8:00 – 9:00 p.m.) at the Breslin Center, Concourse

As you are planning your swaps, remember the following rules:

  • No selling items at the Swap Meet
  • No inflatables or balloons are allowed as swaps or into either ceremony
  • No food items
  • Stay within the Breslin Concourse area
  • Please make sure when you leave your area looks like it did when you arrived
  • Have fun!

Students will enjoy an ice cream flavor created exclusively for the 40th anniversary Science Olympiad Tournament by the Michigan State University Dairy Store.