Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 18:49     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP your kid has too many activities.

I am of the opinion there should be fewer events or more kids on the teams. This is obviously not a local issue.

For study events 1-3 hours a week of meetings plus study time. The kids aren’t doing a lot of that and I think it’s because they don’t understand how to study. I am trying my best to work with them on how to study but who knows how it will turn out. These children have time for nothing else. I shoo mine outside to have breaks.


My kid joined an elementary team the year that the pandemic began. He learned a lot and learned how to study so much material and take tests quickly in a way that you really don't see in elem/middle school these days. But he never got to compete because our competition takes place in April 2020 so it didn't happen. It was a good experience we both thought, but there were so many things he had to say "no" to and I think he didn't feel it was worth it ultimately, for him. He decided to not join his middle school Science Olympiad because he didn't want to give up opportunities to try other things. Some kids can do it all, but DS is not one of those kids.


my DC chose to do SO this year bc they had already done math stuff, and there's AMC and all that and time to compete more in HS. DC wanted the close team experience of SO in 8th grade. I think it was a good choice for this year.

But... it's a lot. DC is learning how to take productive breaks by switching activities, instead of taking a break with free time for non-school activities.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 08:34     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
We were warned before joining of the time commitment. Agree 1-2 hours per event with some more right before the tournament. The build events can be really tough so hopefully he isn’t in more than one of those. Some teams allow kids to do only 2 events. Is it too late to drop one? My kid did it at Ms level — not sure if other levels are more or less of a commitment.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 08:25     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
Anonymous wrote:OP your kid has too many activities.

I am of the opinion there should be fewer events or more kids on the teams. This is obviously not a local issue.

For study events 1-3 hours a week of meetings plus study time. The kids aren’t doing a lot of that and I think it’s because they don’t understand how to study. I am trying my best to work with them on how to study but who knows how it will turn out. These children have time for nothing else. I shoo mine outside to have breaks.


My kid joined an elementary team the year that the pandemic began. He learned a lot and learned how to study so much material and take tests quickly in a way that you really don't see in elem/middle school these days. But he never got to compete because our competition takes place in April 2020 so it didn't happen. It was a good experience we both thought, but there were so many things he had to say "no" to and I think he didn't feel it was worth it ultimately, for him. He decided to not join his middle school Science Olympiad because he didn't want to give up opportunities to try other things. Some kids can do it all, but DS is not one of those kids.
Anonymous
Post 10/21/2022 06:50     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
OP your kid has too many activities.

I am of the opinion there should be fewer events or more kids on the teams. This is obviously not a local issue.

For study events 1-3 hours a week of meetings plus study time. The kids aren’t doing a lot of that and I think it’s because they don’t understand how to study. I am trying my best to work with them on how to study but who knows how it will turn out. These children have time for nothing else. I shoo mine outside to have breaks.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2022 22:13     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
Anonymous wrote:One weekly learning mtg with teammate. It’s an Olympiad so it’s almost like training for sports event. Everything worth earning takes effort and time. If your goal is learn something new then meet when you can. If you want to win then make time to study.


Yep. Think 1-2 hours per week per event AT MINIMUM if you want to be competitive at regional/state level. May have to cram even more before tournaments; my child did 5 days of scioly a week leading up to states.
Anonymous
Post 10/19/2022 15:56     Subject: Re:How much time for Science Olympiad?
Our local chapter is the most competitive one. They will strive to maintain their winning status.

Please do not sign up for sports; it only interferes with the practice schedule (and you are committed to the practices if you join).
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2022 10:57     Subject: Re:How much time for Science Olympiad?
Do it for joy, it won’t help you to get into elite college.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2022 20:43     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
One weekly learning mtg with teammate. It’s an Olympiad so it’s almost like training for sports event. Everything worth earning takes effort and time. If your goal is learn something new then meet when you can. If you want to win then make time to study.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2022 19:58     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
In middle school my kid had hour-long weekly meetings for each event.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2022 19:36     Subject: How much time for Science Olympiad?
My child just signed up for Science Olympiad and it feels like it is taking up every spare minute of my child’s time and my time. He is in three events - one study, one building and one study/building combo event. My child plays sports and has other activities. I don’t think my child has adequate time to do well in any of these events.

If your kid is in science Olympiad, how many hours do you spend per week on it?