For most teenagers, the idea of spending your weekend learning about Science doesn't sound like fun, but the Science Olympiad is changing that. Saturday, students from across the region tested their knowledge and skills in fields like structural engineering and forensics.
Our Elyse Mickalonis introduces us to some of the young minds at work.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Move. Build. Solve. That's what some students did on Saturday at Broome Community College for a regional Science Olympiad. But why?

“You get to actually solve it instead of watching a reaction," said Nitya Deshmukha, Sophomore at Waverly High School. "You are part of the reaction.”

Jonathan Baker, a Junior at Waverly High School, added, "I’ve loved every competition and it’s a lot of fun.”

Students from nearly 18 local schools faced off against each other all day in many events
ranging from structural engineering to forensics, to name a few.
After all there were 22 different events for students to compete in.

“It’s allows the students who have that strong math and science interests to
interact with students from other districts,” said Dan Brennan, Assistant Professor of Chemistry at BCC.

Some said the results of today’s events go beyond winning and losing.

“This is a great day across the Southern Tier for science. The completion raises their critical thinking skills," said Dr. Albert Penna, Principal at Binghamton High School. "It readies them for college and exposes them to scientific inquiry.”

Chris Taylor, Physics Teacher at Binghamton High School, added, “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the kids as well. I get very enthusiastic at school when I know kids participate in science events outside of school then bring it in to the classroom and perhaps the kids on Facebook on Saturday tune in.”

Dr. Harold Trimm, Chairman of Chemistry Department at BCC, agreed saying, “Something you need to stress earlier on in the education process. We live in a global economy and the U.S. is falling behind in turning out scientists.”

You may think a day full of events that test your engineering and scientific skills could be overwhelming, but students here say they just love to compete against other schools.

“It’s good to have that competition with other schools," said Derek Coston, Sophomore at Waverly High School. "Someone’s got to win that prize.”

Students invite others to hop on the science bandwagon, because it could make you happy.

"Get involved in extracurriculars, get involved in the Science Olympiad," said Jessica Calderone, Junior at Maine-Endwell High School. "It looks good for college and you meet a lot of new people and experience so much. I'm looking into forensics now from being here."

And maybe one day, these students will be the teachers.