WHAT IS NATIONAL SCIENCE DECATHLON?

National Science Decathlon is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting science education by organizing competitive, hands-on science-based tournaments throughout the United States. Each Science Decathlon tournament is made up of ten Team Events and up to four Pilot Events which sport names like Bridge Breaking, Water Rocketry and Ick! Thyology for each division. Division Aevents are for 9th -12th grade high school students. Division B events are for 6th - 9th grade junior high, middle school and intermediate elementary students. Science Decathlon students are encouraged to participate in groups, or teams, but are not required to do so. Each team consists of up to a maximum of six (6) students and two (2) alternates. At any given tournament, these teams are then broken up into smaller groups, usually pairs, who represent their team while competing in various events. At the end of each tournament, tournament coordinators compile student scores and rank individuals and teams. Awards, in the form of ribbons, medals and trophies are then distributed to the top ranking teams, individuals and coaches.