PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Hundreds of local middle school students put their science and technology skills to the test at the annual Science Olympiad Competition at St. John Fisher College.
They competed in 21 events, specializing in engineering, biology, physical science, and mathematics for the regional competition. Some of the challenges included designing and building bridges, robots and gliders, and other devices. Students were then judged on their creation's performance and efficiency.
"It took about four days to build one glider because the hardest part is to sand the balsa wings because you need to sand it very finely, so it actually catches the air and kicks in so it can actually fly," said Adheesh Ankolekar, a student at Barker Road Middle School.
"This is an opportunity to give students a practical use of what they're learning in their classroom," said retired science teacher Suzanne Isgrigg. "And when you grow up, you'll never be able to remember, 'what did I learn in middle school?' But you will remember when you won a medal at a science competition like this one."
The top four team's from this competition will head to state in Syracuse in April.