 "Photo: Ramona Flume")
All eyes looked toward the ceiling as two students jerked the balloon away, causing the timer to start and the constructed plane glider to spiral to the ground. The balloon launch glider event was one of many that took place Saturday at UT's Regional Science Olympiad tournament.
The College of Natural Sciences hosted middle school and high school students who participated in events such as written tests and hands-on labs, either to secure a spot at the state competition or to practice for another regional tournament.
The fifth annual tournament was co-sponsored by the college's UTeach Outreach Program and the Science Olympiad Outreach student group. Science Olympiad is a nationwide program and is also hosted on other Texas college campuses. UT alum Bryan Marker brought the Science Olympiad to UT in 2003 and now serves as the regional adviser for the competition.
"It's always a lot of fun to be a part of," Marker said.
Kealing Middle School student Jacob Fischer said he was excited about the balloon launch. Students learned about aerodynamics and physics throughout the year and constructed planes to test in Saturday's competition. Kealing Middle School did not place in the event because it was participating as a practice team.
"We'll probably be more nervous for our regional competition," Fischer said.
Biochemistry senior Lucia Nguyen volunteered at the event and also teaches in local elementary school classrooms as part of the program.
"I really like working with the kids, although sometimes they think they're 'too cool for school,'" Nguyen said.
The Science Olympiad state tournament will be held April 25-26 at Texas A&M University.
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