Michael Wargo, Jordan Jovanoski and Hyun Yu, students at Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford, concentrate on winning a competition in the first Northern Regional Science Olympiad held on campus last week. (Click here for more pictures from the event.)

More than 500 students from 15 middle schools and 13 high schools from across the state were on campus last week to participate in the first Northern Regional Science Olympiad.

Sponsored by the College of Science and Mathematics (CSAM) in partnership with the Research and Development Council of New Jersey, the Olympiad is one of several events sponsored by CSAM each year that exposes students of all ages to science and math programs.

The Science Olympiad covered topics in biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers and technology. Categories included Robot Ramble, Cell Biology, Forestry, Fossils and Tower Building. Mastery of these categories required knowledge of facts, concepts, processes, skills and scientific applications. All events were held in science classrooms and laboratories.

New Jersey Science Olympiad events are closely aligned with New Jersey Science Education Standards and include strong components for problem solving, critical thinking and use of technology.

Other regional competitions are being held this month at Raritan Valley College and Salem County College. The winners of these competitions will compete in a statewide tournament at Middlesex County College in March. The national competition will be held at Pennsylvania’s Juniata College in May.

“We hope that preparing and participating in such competitions will encourage students to consider careers in science, technology, research and engineering at an early age,” said CSAM Assistant Dean Jinan Jaber. “Through recognition of their achievement in these areas, students will be motivated and inspired to continue their scientific inquiries and pursuits."

In May, CSAM sponsors a Science Day and a Math Day, each drawing fourth and fifth graders from throughout the state for hands-on activities and projects. Also in May, the New Jersey School of Conservation will host 150 high school students participating in the Canon Envirothon, a daylong competition in which teams are tested on environmental topics through interactive projects. The winning team will represent the state in the National Envirothon competition.

"Scientific and mathematical concepts are used in every day life," said Jaber. "These competitions and events help remove the apprehension and stigma about using math and science and help to enhance young students' skills and motivate them to seek careers in these fields while giving them an opportunity to showcase their talents."

CSAM also sponsors a Visiting Professors Program in which faculty visit elementary through high school classes to talk on any topic relating to science and math. Jaber said there were more than 100 requests for speakers last year.

“We feel strongly about exposing students at an early age to science and math,” Jaber said. “As an educational institution, we are here to serve the community, and we are glad to do that by using our faculty expertise.”