Sun West Science Olympics Builds Innovation and Teamwork Skills

On May 8, 2025, the Rosetown Civic Centre buzzed with energy as 75 students from Grades 3 to 6 gathered for the annual Sun West School Division Science Olympics. Representing six schools — Beechy, Davidson, Elrose, Kyle, Loreburn, and Lucky Lake—students showcased their creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking in a day filled with hands-on challenges and friendly competition.

Throughout the school year, students honed their design thinking skills through virtual challenges, culminating in this in-person event where they tackled three timed design tasks. Each challenge required teams to brainstorm, model, build, test, and refine their prototypes—all while demonstrating teamwork and explaining their scientific reasoning to judges.

The day began with a warm-up activity and team name creation, setting the tone for a spirited and collaborative atmosphere. Teams were evaluated not only on the functionality of their designs but also on creativity, innovation, and teamwork.

Top Overall Teams:

1st Place – Aces (Elrose Composite School): Coy Hamilton, Raina Leavins, Chase Kutz | Teacher Supervisor: Yolandi Schutte

2nd Place – Energetic Eagles (Elrose Composite School): Vayda Leavins, Tenley MacDonald, Edwin MacDonald, Stian Schutte | Teacher Supervisor: Yolandi Schutte

3rd Place – Hat Trick (Loreburn Central School): Deis Miller, Elias Yakimoski, Briggs Megaw, Chase Anderson | Teacher Supervisor: Hanna Book

Challenge Winners

• Challenge     1 – Zoo Enclosure: Energetic Eagles (Elrose Composite School) Vayda Leavins, Tenley MacDonald, Edwin MacDonald, Stian Schutte, and Yolandi Schutte (Supervisor)
• Challenge     2 – Roller Coaster: Real Excellent Scientists (Kyle Composite School) Etnee Clarke, Sawyer Dyrland, Ramona Boyer, and Brianna Carleton     (Supervisor)
• Challenge     3 – Egg Drop: Smarty Pants (Davidson School) Quinn Manz, Brinlee Sampson, Joel Matukura, Carter Slywka, and Brandi Chammartin (Supervisor)

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all participating students and teachers, as well as the dedicated Sun West judges who made the event possible. The Science Olympics not only celebrated student achievement but also fostered essential 21st-century skills — creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.