Young Minds Compete in Orange County Science Showdown

A Gathering of Young Minds

A huge number of students from middle and high schools gathered at UC Irvine for the 2026 Orange County Regional Science Olympiad.

Over 1,200 Kids, 50 Schools

• Skills Showcase: Students competed in a variety of science and tech challenges.
• Diverse Topics: From biology to coding, geology to engineering.
• Unique Challenges: Some even solved fake crimes and built hovercrafts!

A Major Event

• Nearly two dozen STEM topics to choose from.
• Up to 15 students per school could compete.
• UC Irvine School of Physical Sciences organized the event.
• Over 150 college students volunteered to help.

Learning and Fun

• Not just about winning; it was about learning and having fun.
• Tested knowledge and creativity in a friendly competition.
• Explored interests and discovered future career paths.

Importance of Science Olympiads

• Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Shows that science and tech can be exciting.
• Applies knowledge in real-world situations.

A Successful Event

• Students left with new skills and experiences.
• Reminder: The next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators is already hard at work.